Since the gusher at Spindletop, Texans have used their grit and ingenuity to produce value from the depths of their lands. As a result of the recent shale boom in the Permian Basin, many Central Texas residents became first-time purchasers of mineral interests, and some were even lucky enough discover they had mineral rights that traced back to d...
Read moreUnderstanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets is important to ensure a person’s estate is administered as they desire. Probate assets are distributed according to the owner’s will, or by state intestacy laws if the owner does not have a will. Non-probate assets are distributed as specified in a written instrument unique ...
Read moreWhen someone is undergoing medical treatment, it is often important and helpful for them to keep certain trusted individuals up-to-date on their status. A parent, spouse, child, or friend of a patient may need to interact with doctors on a patient’s behalf and to make sure the patient is receiving the care they need. However, under federal law,...
Read moreAdvance directives and life insurance policies are both popular tools that can help people plan for their futures. Advance directives can give individuals more control over the medical care that they receive later in life, and life insurance policies can help them leave something behind to help their loved ones after they’re gone. When conside...
Read moreTexas is one of the few states that recognize two distinct forms of property held by spouses. The first of these characterizations of property is referred to as separate property, which is all property owned by the spouses before the marriage or acquired by the spouses during the marriage by gift, devise, or descent. Common examples of separate p...
Read moreFor many entrepreneurs, a closely held business feels like an extension of one’s self, not just a business. That’s why wondering how your closely held business interest will be handled in your divorce can be a source of considerable stress. But there is little cause for concern. Please continue reading below to get up to speed on the basics o...
Read moreWhen selecting an attorney, there are many valid reasons a client may select a smaller law firm or even a solo practitioner. For one, clients at smaller law firms may feel like they get more individualized attention and are not part of a “factory line” of clients rotating in and out of a big system. They may likewise feel that their questio...
Read moreCouples sometimes want to hire the same attorney to represent them both during a friendly divorce or when drafting their wills. Because the spouses aren’t fighting with one another, they think one attorney can represent both of their interests while saving them the cost of hiring a second attorney. However, in many family law situations...
Read moreMoving to a new state means that a lot of changes are on the way – a new address, an updated driver’s license, and a fresh license plate are just a few. Many people considering an out-of-state move also wonder if they will need new estate-planning documents – wills, powers of attorney, etc…. Because each state has their own laws governing...
Read moreWhen planning for the future, many people consider establishing a trust. A trust is a fiduciary relationship where one person (the trustor) gives their property to someone else to hold in trust (the trustee). The trustee becomes responsible for saving, investing, and spending the property in the trust for the benefit of a third party (the benefic...
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