As parents, we count the well-being of our children as a top priority, which is one of the reasons why many of us stay in unhappy marriages for so long. As we lie awake at night, we wonder, “How will a divorce affect them?” Even if divorce is the best solution for everyone, your children will initially be concerned, upset, and anxious when you and your spouse sit down to tell them. This is a normal reaction, and Read More
4 Common Encumbrances on Real Estate You Should Know About
When you’re trying to close on a residential or commercial property, the last thing you want to hear is that there are encumbrances against it. An encumbrance is a claim or liability against, or limitation on a piece of real estate. Depending on the type, it can lessen the value of the property, affect its use, and even limit the seller’s ability to transfer title to it. Below are 4 common real estate Read More
Thinking About Starting a New Business? Learn About These 4 Business Structures First!
When you’re starting a business in Texas, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is what legal structure to use. Your choice will affect how much you pay in taxes, the amount of recordkeeping you are required to do, and the degree of personal liability you face for business debts. Here’s a quick overview of the four most common business structures and the pros and cons of each. Sole Read More
Important: Elder Law Forms Updated by Texas Legislature in 2017
If you have decided that now is the time to finally put your estate plan together or revise an existing one, you should be aware that some recent Texas legislation has changed/added to your options and even updated the forms you are required to use. The 85th Texas Legislature made important alterations that affect probate, trust, and guardianship law. Most bills came into effect on September 1, 2017 and include Read More
5 Characteristics of a Great Mediator
Mediation is growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. It’s faster and less expensive than the trial of a lawsuit, and both sides retain more control over the situation than they would if a judge was at the helm. Instead, they deal with a meditator whose job is to help facilitate a resolution that they devise. Mediation is one of those rare processes that is both a science and an art form. All attorney Read More
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: What Debts Aren’t Discharged?
If you’re struggling with more debt than you can reasonably hope to repay, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you overcome it and find your way to financial freedom. Before you file though, it’s important to be aware of what this particular bankruptcy chapter can and cannot do for you in terms of debt relief. Chapter 7: The Facts According to the American Bankruptcy Institute, 475,332 people filed for Chapter 7 Read More
Don’t Fall Victim to These 5 Myths About Prenups!
Prenuptial agreements, or “prenups” for short, are one of those family law matters where it’s almost impossible to feel neutral about if you’re a party to it, and one that a lot of people have varying opinions on. Depending on whom you ask, having a prenup can either mean a couple is starting a marriage off on the right foot, or they’ve signed a blueprint for divorce. Don’t let the popular media and gossip magazines Read More
A Brief Introduction to Limited Liability Companies
A limited liability company, or LLC, is a legal business entity that is designed to combine a variety of aspects of both partnerships and corporations in a way that is beneficial to the business owner(s). For many people starting a business, the LLC is the ideal option because it can provide personal legal protection, certain tax advantages, and much more. Learning more about what limited liability companies are is a Read More
ESTATE PLANNING FAQS
Why should you have a Will? Why should you have an attorney prepare your Will? What property is covered in you Will? Read on for answers to our frequently asked questions: Q. What is community property and what is separate property? A. Texas (along with other states) has a community property system as its basic marital property law. This is in contrast to other states that derive their property systems from the Read More
WHO PAYS WHEN A LOVED-ONE DIES
Who is responsible for the debt when a loved-one dies? While you may feel a moral obligation to pay the debts of a deceased relative, the legal obligation is likely different. The debts of a deceased are the responsibility of the deceased’s estate and are first deducted from the estate’s assets before being distributed in accordance with the priority established by the Texas Estates Code. If person dies with Read More