When a person dies in Texas, their estate must be settled and distributed among their heirs. An estate is just a fancy word for describing all the things that a person owns, including their cash and investments. When lawyers talk about “probating” an estate, they simply mean settling the estate against any outstanding debts and liabilities. Whether a person...
Continue ReadingIn the Lone Star State, a will is a testament to an individual’s wishes for their assets, loved ones, and legacy. One day, you might find yourself in a situation where you must access a copy of a will. Maybe you’re a beneficiary or an executor. Or perhaps you’re simply a family member seeking clarity. Whatever the case, the...
Continue ReadingEstate planning is essential to providing for your loved ones, protecting your assets, and ensuring your wishes are fulfilled after you are gone. Yet, many are unsure when to start estate planning. While many believe it only becomes necessary later in life, beginning the process somewhat earlier offers significant benefits. At Massingill, we offer estate planning services to meet your...
Continue ReadingYou’ve decided to start crafting a legacy to protect your family’s future. It’s more than drafting documents—it’s about ensuring peace of mind for your loved ones. Choosing the right estate planning attorney is critical to transforming uncertainty into security. Now, you want to know how to find an estate planning attorney. We have you covered. At Massingill, we’re here to...
Continue ReadingYour family is grieving a loss, only to face a complicated legal process—probate, to access your assets. Without a clear plan, probate can drag on, adding unnecessary stress during an already difficult time. You’re probably wondering how to avoid probate in Texas. You can do so entirely with proactive steps, ensuring your loved ones avoid this frustrating ordeal. This...
Continue ReadingYou’ve decided to take charge of your future and protect your family by creating an estate plan. But as you review the associated costs, you may wonder: Are estate planning fees tax deductible? This is a common question for Texas residents who want to plan wisely for their legacy and finances. In this blog post, we’ll break down the...
Continue ReadingIn a litigious world, best practice is to secure a written contract for agreements whenever possible. This avoids relying on “he said, she said” testimony. But sometimes this is not possible. Are verbal contracts binding? Verbal contracts are legally binding and enforceable if they meet certain requirements. If the verbal contract is otherwise valid, it is enforceable. The contract...
Continue ReadingWhen handling a business contract or navigating a personal agreement, the last thing someone needs is for the other party to back out or fail to deliver on their promises. Whether a contracting party is a buyer, seller, or service provider, an anticipatory breach of contract can create chaos. This breach may leave a party wondering what to do next and...
Continue ReadingFiduciary duties are the cornerstone of trust and integrity in many relationships. A fiduciary who breaches one of their duties can cause significant pain and loss to others. But how do you prove a breach of fiduciary duty? The methods for proving a breach can differ depending on the facts of each case. This article will provide a general...
Continue ReadingA breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a legal agreement, possibly leading to significant financial and legal consequences. Understanding the statute of limitations in Texas for breach of contract claims is crucial, as it sets the timeframe within which you can initiate legal action. Missing this deadline can result in losing the...
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