Joint ownership of land is common throughout Texas. Since relationships and situations can change, though, Texas law provides a way for joint owners to voluntarily divide the property. Let’s say, for example, that siblings are named co-owners of land that they inherited from their parents. Perhaps the arrangement works well until one sibling wants to …
Month: January 2022
The Purpose of the Railroad Commission of Texas
The Texas Railroad Commission, also known as the Railroad Commission of Texas, performs an essential role in Texas, but its title is deceptive. Created in 1891 when the cattle industry was a dominant force in our state’s economy, the TRC at that time regulated the railroads which brought Texas cattle to markets across the country. …
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Bills of Sale in Texas
Having written documentation that verifies the change of legal ownership is always a smart idea. A written record that details the transfer of personal property is also known as a bill of sale. In Texas, a bill of sale is not legally required; however, creating or obtaining one is a valuable way to verify a …
Changes to Filing the Texas Homestead Exemption
Texas homeowners have always had a homestead exemption available to them for their primary residence. This exemption helps to lower property taxes for homeowners by excluding a portion of the appraised value of the home from its taxable value. For example, an exemption of $25,000 from a home’s taxable value is available from most Texas …
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Amending a Texas Will with a Codicil
Writing a valid will is a critical part of estate planning. In it the testator, the person writing the will, can specify exactly which assets will go to whom. The will also identifies who will be the executor of the estate, the person or persons responsible for carrying out the will and managing taxes, debts, …
Working with a Lawyer When Buying a Home in Texas
The biggest purchase of anyone’s lifetime is usually the purchase of a home. Many home buyers turn to an experienced and qualified real estate agent to help them through the process. An attorney also offers invaluable knowledge and assistance, and for that reason, most states also require a real estate attorney to be included in …
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Employees vs. Independent Contractors in Texas
Growing a successful company means that a business owner will probably need to hire help at some point. A business owner must not only determine the company’s needs but also whether those needs will be best served by independent contractors or employees. An independent contractor’s job expectations and compensation are usually outlined in an independent …
Tax Forms for Independent Contractors and Employees
Depending on its needs, a company might hire employees, independent contractors, or both. Different kinds of workers sign different kinds of contracts, and taxes for each are handled differently as well. Misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor, or vice versa, means that the withholdings, documentation, and tax forms are incorrect. This mistake is not …
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Requirements of a Mechanic’s Lien Affidavit in Texas
Those who work on and/or supply materials for construction are in great demand in Texas. To protect material suppliers and laborers, Texas allows for mechanic’s lien filings against real estate. Filing such liens increases the chances of payment to contractors or subcontractors by encumbering the property on which they’ve provided labor and/or materials. Requirements According …
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The Constitutional Mechanic’s Lien in Texas
Not surprisingly given the similarity in their titles, the constitutional mechanic’s lien has much in common with statutory mechanic’s lien in Texas. Both safeguard contractors who work for and/or supply materials to a construction site by helping ensure payment through a lien against the property for delinquent payments. One important difference between the two is …