It is certainly true that valuable assets can lead to estate disputes, and that’s often where people focus. For instance, someone may be leaving $1 million to their adult children, and they’re worried that the children are going to fight over what percentage of the...
When a person passes away, their estate has to be taken care of. This is known as the administration process and involves the distribution of assets. The decedent’s wishes and applicable laws must remain the focus. The creator of the estate plan determines who will...
A person who’s creating an estate plan will name an executor who will oversee the estate once the creator passes away. This individual is responsible for making sure the decedent’s wishes are followed, but they must also follow the applicable laws related to the...
Serving as a trustee is an important responsibility that gives one authority and requires accountability. Trustees are tasked with managing trust assets, honoring the terms of the trust, and acting in the best interests of the trust’s beneficiaries. ...
Inheriting real estate in Texas can be a dream come true or a legal labyrinth, depending on the circumstances. While it often signifies the transfer of family wealth and heritage, it can also spark contentious disputes that test family bonds. Here, we explore some...
Estate administration makes a personal representative responsible for fulfilling certain financial obligations. They have a duty to manage a decedent's estate, which includes paying their debts. Personal representatives must review incoming mail and various financial...
Undue influence is one of the grounds on which specific people can challenge a person’s will or estate plan. Typically they do this when they think someone has persuaded the person making the estate plan to alter things in their favor. But how does undue influence...
Most of the time, trust management follows some fairly predictable patterns – until some conflict arises. Trustees can then end up facing difficult dilemmas that require additional legal clarity. In these situations, either the trustee or the beneficiaries of the...
You cannot start handling someone’s estate until they are dead. You can, however, do a lot while they are still alive to make things easier once they die. The person who knows most about the estate plan is the person making it – the testator – and you won’t be able...
Estate administration can be a delicate process, often fraught with emotional challenges as family members come to terms with the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, estate disputes are common, especially when beneficiaries feel left out of the decision-making process...