When someone dies, probate is the process by which a court oversees the distribution of that person’s assets according to the terms of their will. There are some assets that pass to heirs outside of probate. Many surviving spouses do not realize that probate is necessary to transfer property purchased…
If someone dies intestate, that means they died without leaving a will. When that happens in Texas, the law is clear about what happens next. If your parent dies intestate, what happens to the estate will depend on whether your other parent is still alive and was married to your…
Most people do not want to talk about what will happen when they die, but if you own a business, whether as a sole proprietor, member of a partnership, or have an interest in a limited liability company (LLC), you need to plan for this event to protect your business…
No amount of money can compensate for the loss of a loved one. Grief is compounded when the death was caused by the negligence of another. If you were financially dependent upon the deceased, the wrongful death may cause your life to dramatically change. At Springer & Lyle, we care about…
It may seem strange to associate estate planning with the holidays. It is actually a great time to assess your family’s situation, its changing needs, and how that affects how you want your assets distributed when you die. As Benjamin Franklin wrote to a friend in 1789, “in this world nothing…
When a married couple in Texas divorces, the law presumes that all property accumulated during the marriage is community property, which means it is owned jointly by both parties and should be divided equally between them. But all property may not belong to the community. One party may claim some assets as…
As part of your estate planning, your attorney may suggest you create a trust. There are different types of trusts and one or more may appeal to you as the best method for passing on your assets to your heirs upon your death. Although trusts have traditionally been used to…
If you have been named executor or administrator of an estate following the death of a friend or loved one, the law imposes upon you certain responsibilities. Texas law also requires you to be represented by an attorney to guide you to be sure you fulfill your executor duties and to help you as…
A professional trustee and executor recently addressed the issue of online wills in Forbes. She notes that although using an online standardized fill-in-the blank will may appear to save you money and time; however, using this type of service may lead to expensive and unpleasant mistakes. Unfortunately, your loved ones will experience the ramifications…
Many people are resistant to estate planning. They may feel they can ignore the topic “until the time is right.” They think they have some time and can put it off until they are more in the mood. Unfortunately, there may not be that extra time they are counting on. COVID-19 Increases…
SPRINGER & LYLE, LLP
1807 Westminster
Denton, TX 76205
phone: 940.387.0404
toll-free: 855.387.0404
fax: 940.383.7656
