Recent Blog Posts
Top Estate Planning Strategies That Help You Avoid Probate in Texas
Probate is a required legal process that can be time-consuming, expensive, and public—three things most families would prefer to avoid after the death of a loved one. Fortunately, with smart estate planning, it’s entirely possible to keep many (if not all) of your assets out of probate. At the Leigh B. Meineke Law Firm,… Read More »
How Much Does It Cost to Probate an Estate?
Probating an estate in Texas can be a complex and costly process. Understanding the expenses involved and how they are paid can help you plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary financial stress. For sound legal advice and professional assistance probating an estate in Harris County, contact Leigh B. Meineke Law Firm for help from a… Read More »
Questions to Ask a Probate Attorney
Navigating the probate process as an executor or estate administrator after the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially considering you are already undergoing an emotionally difficult time. A probate attorney can help you understand the process, fulfill your legal obligations, and distribute the estate efficiently. Choosing the right attorney is crucial… Read More »
Will vs. Trust
When planning for the future, ensuring your loved ones are cared for is paramount. Two cornerstone tools in estate planning are wills and trusts. While they share the common goal of distributing your assets after your passing, they operate in distinct ways and offer different advantages. Below, we’ll explore the key differences between a… Read More »
Tips for Estate Planning and Probate in Harris County, Texas
Estate planning and probate are separate yet complementary processes. Both are necessary for securing your assets during your lifetime and distributing them according to your wishes after you are gone. One thing they have in common is that they require professional legal help to accomplish them correctly and ensure your goals are met. Below… Read More »
Things Not to Do as an Executor of a Will
Serving as the executor of a will is an important responsibility that requires organization, impartiality, and a clear understanding of the legal duties involved. Executors play a vital role in ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are carried out and the estate is settled properly. However, mistakes can happen, especially when someone is unfamiliar with… Read More »
Why You Should Make a Will
Creating a will is one of the most important steps in securing your family’s future. Unfortunately, many individuals put off this essential task, believing they have more time or that the process is too complex. However, without a will or other estate planning, your estate may largely be distributed according to Texas intestacy laws,… Read More »
How to Remove an Estate Executor
The executor of an estate plays a vital role in ensuring that the deceased’s assets are properly distributed according to the terms of the will. However, not all executors handle their responsibilities appropriately. If you believe an executor is mishandling the estate or failing to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, Texas… Read More »
Can the Probate Court Disqualify an Executor?
When someone passes away, the probate process is a crucial step in administering their estate, ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their wishes and that all debts, taxes and claims against the estate are properly dealt with. An executor, often named in the deceased’s will, is responsible for overseeing this process. However,… Read More »
How Long Does the Probate Process Take in Texas?
Probate is a necessary process for settling an estate in Texas, but it’s not known for being swift or pleasant. While an estate works its way through probate, heirs and beneficiaries anxiously await the end of the process so they can receive their inheritance, while estate administrators and executors struggle to complete the complex… Read More »
