“Lawsuit” can be an intimidating word for anyone involved in a dispute. A defendant needs to answer for their wrongdoing, and a plaintiff has many steps to follow to recover damages. But what is the process of civil litigation? This article will outline the basic steps in the litigation process. If you’re facing a potential lawsuit, Massingill can simplify...
Continue ReadingNo matter what an individual might face, the future is easier to handle when they have a plan. One of the most crucial plans an individual should consider is an estate plan. Estate planning can help a person take care of loved ones and protect themselves in the event of their incapacitation or death. What documents are needed for...
Continue ReadingOne of the best parts of living in the Lone Star State is its low tax burden. In fact, Texas had the 4th lowest state-local tax burden in the country as of 2022. A major reason for this is that Texas has no state-wide tax on personal income, and it also doesn’t have a state-wide estate tax—something that makes...
Continue ReadingA good entrepreneur knows not only when to jump into a new business venture, but when to shut one down. A business owner might want to end things to pursue new opportunities or avoid legal and financial woes. Whatever the reason, owners of limited liability companies (LLCs) need to follow certain protocols before they can officially and properly dissolve...
Continue ReadingLife can change in an instant. When it does, it is time to update your estate plan. You should update an estate plan after any major life event and, ideally, at least once every few years. Failing to update documents can result in confusion, disputes, and unintended outcomes—such as an estranged relative inheriting your assets or the wrong person...
Continue ReadingIn today’s digital world, people often leave behind more than just physical possessions when they die. From email inboxes to social media accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and online business tools, digital assets frequently hold emotional and, at times, financial value. In Texas, digital assets do not automatically transfer upon death. Without a clear plan, your loved ones may struggle to...
Continue ReadingProbate is the legal process for settling a person’s estate after death, including paying debts and distributing assets. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already difficult without having to navigate what to do if that loved one owned property in another state or country. When a deceased person (“decedent”) owned such property, their loved ones often...
Continue ReadingFor a layperson or a small business owner, sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a business lawyer and a corporate lawyer. Both sound like they know what happens behind the boardroom doors. But like everything in law, there is usually a reason for specific terminology. If you are struggling to understand whether your situation calls for...
Continue ReadingWhen a business mistreats someone, it might be time for the mistreated party to sue. A business lawsuit can right many wrongs and bring closure in a dispute, but it can also come with a hefty check for the plaintiff. When considering legal action against a business, the natural question is, How much does it cost to sue a...
Continue ReadingOne of the first steps in opening a new business is giving it a name. You will want to choose a catchy, recognizable name that distinguishes your company from the competition. In Texas, the name must also be unique. Fortunately, it is easy to quickly check if your new business’s name is available in Texas. If you have questions...
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