Search Site
Menu
Category Archive
Estate Planning / Probate
1 - 10 of 20
Page 1 of 2

The Importance of Having a Will

People rarely want to contemplate their own mortality, but doing so is crucial to protect your loved ones and ensure that your wishes are carried out. Having a Will provides you peace of mind and gives you control over your assets. Here are a few reasons why having a Will is so important in safeguarding Read More

Read More

Living Trust vs. Will: Which Is the Right Choice?

If you are planning your estate, you probably have already figured out that wills and trusts are two of the most common tools available, but you may be unsure which one is right for you. Wills and living trusts each have their place, and you shouldn’t rule either one out until you’ve spoken with a Read More

Read More

How Transfer-on-Death Deeds Can Help Avoid Probate

A significant goal of estate planning for many people is avoiding probate, the court process by which a will is proved and its provisions are carried out. The proceeding can be lengthy, expensive and complicated, especially for large estates with multiple creditors and contentious heirs. Among the ways to get around probate is to use Read More

Read More

Charitable Gift Annuities and Your Estate Plan

Charitable gift annuities are a way to make donations to a nonprofit university, hospital or other charitable institution while receiving income and tax benefits in return. Donors (known as annuitants) can take a charitable deduction on their income taxes in the year the gift is made. In addition, they receive a long-term income stream. For Read More

Read More

How Is Community Property Transferred When a Spouse Dies?

In community property states like Texas, most property acquired by either spouse during a marriage is by law jointly owned by both of them. Upon divorce, the community property is evenly split. But what happens when a husband or wife dies while the marriage is in effect? Does the surviving spouse get everything or do Read More

Read More

Is a Will Essential to Estate Planning in Texas?

While there is no legal requirement in Texas to have a will, it is highly advisable for an individual to draft one as part of planning an estate. A properly drawn will allows an individual to control the distribution of their assets following their death. A will can also be used to carry out other Read More

Read More

What are the Spousal Rights to Property After Death?

Here are the facts of the situation.  Husband and wife are each on their second marriage and they purchase a home together. Husband dies and leaves a will leaving everything to his grown kids – who by the way don’t like his second wife. The second wife is very nervous about her situation and has a Read More

Read More

Probate 101: The Basics of the Probate Process

After a person passes away, his or her estate and all its components must be accounted for and distributed among heirs, inheritors and creditors according to a special court process known as probate. The probate process heavily relies on the executor—the person the deceased put in charge of protecting his or her property as outlined Read More

Read More

5 Tips for Drafting Your Last Will and Testament

No one wants to think about dying or what will happen with the rest of the family after passing away. However, it’s very important to have a plan of action in place when it comes to the distribution of your estate and assets. That’s where having a will comes in handy. Your last will and Read More

Read More

Common Law Marriage in Texas Probate Courts

Several times over the years, I have probated estates in which the “significant other” to the decedent came forth stating that she (for some reason, every time I had a case like this the deceased was a man) was the common law wife of the decedent and that she, therefore, had a right to half Read More

Read More
1 - 10 of 20
Page 1 of 2
  • "Absolute best in the business hands down! Don White is absolutely amazing wouldn’t ever consider using anyone else, we highly recommend this firm!" - Alyssa McKissaack

  • "The best! Richard has been my family’s attorney for 35 years. Integrity best describes Richard Hayes." - John Grafa

  • "From my first meeting with Mr. Berry and his staff, I was immediately relieved. The bankruptcy process was explained to me simply and objectively and I was made to feel at ease through the entire ordeal. I was especially impressed by his helpful and knowledgeable assistant, Jackie Cox. I would hope to be able to retain Byron Berry for any future needs." - Anonymous

  • "Great Firm with Great Lawyers! It was a great pleasure working with William and his team." - Collin R. Geis

Contact us

Quick Contact Form