When you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court appoints a bankruptcy trustee to oversee and administer your case. Although there are technically different parties involved in your filing, none of them have a greater impact than your trustee. Therefore, their powers and responsibilities are important for you to understand. Here are four things you should know about your Chapter 7 trustee and their Read More

The Texas Young Lawyer's Association has featured a short video designed to emphasize the impact of parents' behavior during divorce. Through dramatizations and interviews with children, parents, judges, and counselors who have been impacted by divorce or work in the family law field, the video gives parents a road map of behaviors to avoid and suggestions for improving communication and minimizing stress on Read More

Divorce is always difficult, but when there are children involved, things become much more complex and emotional. Even in an amicable divorce, both parents usually want as much time as possible with their kids, so custody arrangements can be hard to agree on. In some cases it’s impossible. When this happens, the court will have to make these decisions for them. Texas has few systemic rules when it comes to Read More

When you’re in the process of divorce, revising your current estate plan is not usually foremost in your mind. You’re more likely to be concerned about how marital property will be divided, who will have primary physical custody of the kids, and how the divorce will affect your finances. However, it is also a perfect time to review your Will and powers of attorney, or set them up if you have not already done so. Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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