Creating a valid will in Texas offers peace of mind for family members as well as for the person writing the will, known as the testator. In certain cases, however, the validity of the will may be challenged in court. As Baby Boomers are aging, many are moving into assisted living and nursing facilities, where […]
Author: Philip Silberman
Licensing Intellectual Property in Texas
Historically, the United States has placed high value on protecting a person’s original work, going all the way back to when George Washington signed into law the Copyright Act of 1790. The first work registered under the copyright law was a spelling book written by John Barry. Today, Intellectual Property takes many forms, such as […]
Testamentary Capacity and Testamentary Intent in a Will
A Last Will and Testament is a legally binding document that ensures a testator’s estate is distributed according to that person’s wishes. Having a valid will safeguards a testator’s intent for the estate without leaving loved ones to guess what the testator wanted. Two important components when establishing a valid will are having testamentary capacity […]
Converting Separate Property to Community Property in Texas Must Be Clearly Intended
While most assets earned or acquired during a marriage are community property, other assets that were separate property at the time of marriage remain separate property. It is possible to convert separate property into community property, but anyone intending to do so must sign and execute a conversion agreement exactly as laid out in the […]
Executor Fees in Texas
A person who is named executor of an estate has an important and sometimes difficult job, especially when the estate is a large one. Administering the estate means that the executor must inventory the estate, file bills, maintain records, and then pay all debts and taxes on the estate, among other tasks. A large estate […]
Corporate Dissolution in Texas
Just as there are good reasons and specific procedures for creating a corporation in Texas, there are good reasons and specific procedures for dissolving corporations as well. Whether it’s due to retirement, a falling out with business partners, or financial issues, corporate dissolution is sometimes the best option. However, failing to follow state requirements to […]
Determining Mineral Rights in Texas
When considering the value of property, most people focus on the surface, the house or land, but sometimes the greatest value of the land is in what lies beneath the surface, its minerals. Like houses and lots, minerals are labeled as real property in Texas and may be conveyed with the sale of the property. […]
Are Initials Enough to Sign a Will?
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is enough of a devastating experience without the added frustration of attempting to probate a nonstandard will. While a properly drafted will needs to meet several Texas legal requirements to be considered valid, a recent case has made clear that initials on a will are enough to […]
Special Needs Trusts in Texas
Writing a valid will is a gift for grief-stricken family members. Not only does estate planning communicate how assets are to be distributed and to whom, but it can also provide lasting support and protection in the form of trusts for loved ones. Particularly vulnerable is the individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who […]
Corporate Reorganization in Texas
When business owners create a corporation, they try to anticipate for future growth. Despite those efforts, however, the corporation may need to reorganize in order to increase profits, client base, efficiency, and/or funding. The goal of reorganizing is to lay a stronger foundation for future success. Generally, reorganization only happens when businesses encounter serious issues, […]