While many choose a traditional mortgage when purchasing a home, other options are available in Texas to meet the varying needs of buyers. One option is a wraparound mortgage, which offers advantages for buyers and sellers, but which also has greater risks than traditional mortgage loans. To help decrease those risks, SB 43, effective since […]
Author: Philip Silberman
Trademark and Service Mark Registration in Texas
A successful business often creates unique graphics, slogans, and logos to promote customer recognition of its products and/or services. The power of such branding is its ability to help customers link specific goods or services to a particular business. Therefore, protecting that exclusive image is of paramount importance to a business. Fortunately, Texas law details […]
The Importance of a Digital Executor in a Texas Will
Estate planning, usually includes writing a valid will, perhaps creating one or more trusts, and choosing an executor to administer the estate. Changes in probate laws, reflective of societal changes, may complicate that planning. One fairly recent change addresses the increasing importance of a client’s digital legacy. The role of executor is evolving to reflect […]
Wills and Trusts as Estate Planning Tools in Texas
Most people want to do all they can, not only during their lifetime but beyond, to help their loved ones. Estate planning provides peace of mind for that person and their family members by establishing who will manage the estate and how assets of the estate will be divided. Many equate estate planning with writing […]
Types of Trusts Available in Texas
When most people think of estate planning, they think of writing a valid will, which is one important purpose of planning. In addition to a will, several types of trusts also offer options to protect assets and ensure that beneficiaries are cared for. With the wide variety of options available, discerning whether a will or […]
Requirements of an Enforceable Contract in Texas
When parties choose to collaborate on a business venture, they agree to work together in a way that is mutually beneficial. The agreement may be informal, based on a verbal understanding or a handshake, or it may be more formal, such as a licensing agreement or a strategic partnership. The first component of a contract […]
Strategic Partnerships in Texas
Business owners who want to grow their business have many options available to them. Creating strong relationships with employees and customers is important, but another way to gain greater success is to partner with other companies, something called a strategic partnership. Complementary Offerings Businesses may form strategic partnerships to share resources, such as information, services, […]
Sales Commission Agreements Need to be Carefully Drafted
Plenty of people in businesses that hire sales associates deal with a compensation arrangement. Typically, when a salesperson is responsible for a sale, some percentage of the value of the sale is payable to the salesperson directly as a way to incentivize effective selling practices and reward salespeople in proportion to how much they benefit […]
Transferring Title to a Mobile Home
Transactions and policies regarding Texas mobile homes are regulated by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), through its Manufactured Housing Division (the “Division”). The Division administers the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act, which ensures that manufactured homes, or mobile homes, are safe and well-constructed, that consumers are provided fair and effective remedies, […]
Independent vs. Dependent Administration of Estates in Texas
Texas probate law provides two different options for settling an estate, dependent administration and independent administration. Determining which option is best for an estate depends on several factors, including the size of the estate and the complexity of distributing the estate’s assets. Court Oversight An independent administration means that the executor of the estate has […]