Recent Blog Posts
How Community Property Law Impacts the Probate Process in Texas
Probate can be a complicated and often overwhelming process for executors and administrators charged with completing the myriad of tasks associated with closing an estate. The laws involved are many and complex, covering a wide spectrum of Texas statutes and case law. One issue that adds to the complexity of probate involves the application… Read More »
Probate and the Texas Death Certificate
It’s a difficult time when a loved one passes away, but the probate process moves forward regardless. As a family member tasked with the many jobs related to the administration of a loved one’s estate, one crucial document you’ll need to get your hands on is the death certificate. Below we talk about the… Read More »
Handling a Small Estate in Texas With Limited Assets for Probate
When a loved one passes away, the process of settling their affairs can be complicated, confusing, and time-consuming, even when you’re dealing with a small estate that has relatively few assets. In Texas, handling a small estate can be simpler and less costly than dealing with a larger estate, thanks to specific probate processes… Read More »
When is an Estate Legally Closed in Texas?
Navigating the probate process in Texas can be complex and time-consuming. Understanding when an estate is considered legally closed is crucial for executors and beneficiaries alike. See below for a discussion of this issue in the context of a Texas probate proceeding. For help with estate planning and probate in Harris County, contact the… Read More »
What to Do When the Executor Steals From the Estate?
When a loved one passes away, the executor of the estate is entrusted with the important task of managing and distributing the assets according to the decedent’s wishes. Typically, the executor is named in the will by the testator (the person who made the will); if not, the court appoints someone to fulfill the… Read More »
What Is Considered a Will Contest in Probate Court?
When it comes to planning for the future, understanding the ins and outs of probate court proceedings is crucial for ensuring your final wishes are honored and your estate is handled according to your intentions. Knowing about will challenges is equally important if you are a beneficiary to an estate exercising your rights as… Read More »
What Is the Proper Probate Venue When Co-Defendants Live in Different Texas Counties?
Probate is the legal process required to give effect to a will and settle the administration of a decedent’s estate. Probate is a legal proceeding that takes place under the auspices of the appropriate court, which in certain Texas counties like Harris County might be a statutory probate court, county court at law, constitutional… Read More »
Dangers of Inheriting a Retirement Account Under a Probated Will
Estate planning and probate processes are complex, especially when dealing with retirement accounts in a will. For residents of Harris County, including those in Houston, it’s crucial to understand the potential pitfalls when a retirement account is inherited through a probated will. This blog post, brought to you by the Leigh B. Meineke Law… Read More »
Required Initial Disclosures in Civil Litigation
Texas keeps tinkering with the rules for discovery in civil cases. The latest change applies to family law cases for divorce, child support or alimony. Effective September 1, 2023, parties in family law litigation are not required to exchange initial disclosures within 30 days of an answer or counterpetition. Instead, a party must make… Read More »
Texas Requirements for a Valid Will
Creating a will is a crucial step in estate planning, but it’s essential to understand the legal requirements to ensure your will is valid in the state of Texas. A will that doesn’t meet these requirements can lead to complications during the probate process, potentially causing emotional and financial strain on your loved ones…. Read More »
