How Long Do I Have to Probate a Will in Texas?

How Long Do I Have to Probate a Will in Texas? When a loved one dies and leaves property that has not already been transferred and received by a beneficiary, in order to distribute property according to a Will in Texas, a Will must first be admitted to probate. Probate is the process in which […]

Who’s the beneficiary? Life Insurance Policy Beneficiaries after Divorce

Who’s the beneficiary? Life Insurance Policy Beneficiaries after Divorce You need to review your life insurance policy if you have been divorced, so you confirm who the beneficiaries are. If a decree of divorce or annulment is rendered after you have designated your spouse as a beneficiary under a life insurance policy, a provision in […]

“Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims”… What’s that?!

“Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims”… What’s that?! If your family member or friend has passed away and you are forced to probate their estate, the probate process can quickly become overwhelming and confusing. Once named as personal representative, there are many requirements that must be met in order to finalize and successfully probate an […]

Eviction Actions in Texas

evictions

Eviction actions in Texas – I’ve been wrongfully locked out. Now what? A landlord has a limited right to lockout a tenant for non-payment of rent. What happens, however, if a tenant who has been diligently and timely paying rent and has not otherwise breached the lease is locked out? Both commercial and residential tenants […]

Making Your Charitable Dreams a Reality – Part Two: The Application

charitable

Making Your Charitable Dreams a Reality – Part Two: The Application Once you have your nonprofit corporate entity formed, it is time to apply for tax-exempt status.  The tax exemption application must be filed within 27 months from the end of the month in which it was formed.  There are exceptions to this rule, but […]

Avoiding Probate Court (Series II) – Small-Estate Affidavits

Avoiding Probate Court (Series II) – Small-Estate Affidavits Although formal court proceedings are typically required in order to properly transfer property after death, avoiding probate court and formal court proceedings is possible under certain circumstances. In our Avoiding Probate Court (Series I) – Affidavits of Heirship: Considerations and Concerns blog, we addressed how to avoid […]

Making Your Charitable Dreams a Reality – Part One: Formation

charitable

Making Your Charitable Dreams a Reality – Part One: Formation The attorneys at Waldron & Schneider enjoy helping clients make their charitable dreams come true by turning their charitable ideas and passions into an official charitable organization or private foundation. Achieving tax-exempt status requires several steps including: forming a corporate entity, obtaining an employer identification […]

Beneficiary Designations 2022

Beneficiary Designations 2022 The assets held in accounts with beneficiary designations (bank accounts, investment accounts, IRAs, etc.) should pass easily to the designated beneficiary upon the owner’s death. However, issues can arise when a beneficiary is not properly designated. The policies and procedures for designating beneficiaries may differ from company to company, especially when designating […]