In courtroom dramas, attorneys are constantly leaping from their chairs to shout, “Objection, hearsay!” But in a real Texas courtroom, trial strategy is far more nuanced. Just because a piece of evidence technically qualifies as hearsay doesn’t necessarily mean you should object to it. Deciding when to force opposing counsel to lay the proper legal […]
Author: Philip Silberman
How to Get Evidence Admitted in Court
If you are heading to trial, you might assume that presenting a crucial document like a signed lease or a business contract is as simple as handing it to the judge and pointing out the important clauses. However, the courtroom is bound by strict procedural rules. You cannot simply start reading from a piece of […]
When Can You Get Expelled From Texas Private Schools?
If you are a parent of a student in a Texas private school, you likely appreciate the academic rigor and the unique community these institutions offer. However, there is a legal reality that often catches families by surprise: private schools also known as independent schools are not governed by the Texas Education Code. While public […]
Why Commercial Evictions are Rare in TX
If you own an office building or a retail strip center in Texas and a tenant stops paying rent, your first instinct might be to file a formal eviction lawsuit. However, seasoned commercial landlords and their attorneys often take a much more direct route. In the world of Texas commercial real estate, the formal eviction […]
How to Amend a TX LLC
Amending your LLC is a common part of business growth. Whether you are bringing on a new member, selling the company to an employee, or simply updating your internal structure, knowing which documents to change and which to leave alone can save you time and unnecessary state filing fees. Internal vs. External: The Role of […]
Big Changes to Texas Eviction Laws in 2026
The legal landscape for Texas landlords and tenants has undergone a significant transformation this year. With the 2026 updates to Texas Property Code Chapter 24, the rules governing the eviction process have been streamlined, though not without controversy. From digital notices to “shortcut” judgments, these changes affect everything from how a case is filed to […]
How to Serve Someone Who is Avoiding Service
When you file a lawsuit, the law requires that the defendant be formally notified through a process called “service of process.” In most cases, this involves a professional process server or a constable physically handing the legal documents to the defendant. However, what happens when the defendant knows the lawsuit is coming and decides to […]
Should I Answer a Lawsuit If I Have Not Been Served?
Defendants commonly learn that they have been sued before receiving official service. You might have seen the filing on a public portal, or perhaps you’ve spotted a process server lingering near your driveway. The temptation to avoid service by dodging the process server can be strong. However, in the Texas legal system, hiding from a […]
Residuary Clauses in Wills
In estate planning, we often focus on specific bequests—the heirlooms, the family home, or the sentimental jewelry we want to leave to specific people. But what happens to everything else? What about the contents of your junk drawer, the change in your car’s console, or a bank account you opened years after signing your will? […]
What Happens If Your Tenant Owes Over $20,000 in Rent?
In Texas, the process for evicting a tenant can be distinct from the process for collecting unpaid rent. While most landlords prefer to handle both issues in one place, a unique legal wall exists when the back rent exceeds the jurisdictional limits of the local court. If your tenant owes more than $20,000, you are […]