In this article, you will discover: Essential documents to include in a Texas estate plan. How to choose a competent executor for your estate. How to prevent family confusion and disputes over your estate. Which Documents Should Be Included In My Estate Plan For Maximum Asset Protection? The foundational document of any estate plan is a will. This document ensures that when you pass away, your wishes regarding your real property are respected. Your real property includes your home, bank accounts, vehicles, personal items, stocks, bonds, and any other assets that you own. Your will should also designate a set…Read More
Preparing For A Consultation During a consultation, we’ll sit down and discuss several things, including your circumstances and your goals. My goal in doing so is to begin establishing trust with you so that I can begin to set expectations in terms of what I can and cannot do for you. Key Documents For your consultation, you should bring a detailed list of assets, including both real and personal property. This includes items such as your home, vehicles, jewelry, furniture, collectibles, and any financial assets like stocks, bonds, or other investments. These are essential for creating a comprehensive will or…Read More
Concluding Probate Probate is complete when all closing procedures have been finalized, including filing a final account and petition for distribution with the court. This step ensures that all debts, taxes, and expenses are paid. At this stage, the executor distributes any remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will and secures court approval for the final distribution. The process concludes with filing a closing document, confirming the executor has fulfilled their duties. Retaining an attorney can help ensure each step is completed correctly and in compliance with court requirements. A final accounting is a detailed report prepared by…Read More
The Role Of The Executor In the probate process, an Executor is responsible for managing and distributing the decedent’s estate according to the will instructions. Their main duties include: Locating and collecting the decedent’s assets Securing and maintaining these assets, creating a comprehensive inventory Closing out the estate They also handle financial matters, such as setting up bank accounts for the estate, valuing property, paying taxes, and settling valid debts. The Executor is responsible for initiating the probate process by filing paperwork with the court, notifying creditors, and obtaining necessary documents like death certificates. They must keep beneficiaries informed about…Read More
Filing Probate Where you file for probate depends on the county you’re in. For instance, if you’re in Brazos County, you’d file with the district clerk's office. From there, you're assigned a cause number. It could be County Court at law number one or County Court at law number two in Brazos County. Anyone interested in the estate or who wants to clean up can file a motion to have a decadence probated. Notifying Creditors And Beneficiaries This process typically starts with a legal notice to notify creditors and beneficiaries during probate. As your attorney, I would contact the local…Read More
The Mechanics Of Probate Assets that go through probate typically include real estate without a right of survivorship, motor vehicles, boats, and other titled property. Bank accounts can also be part of probate if there’s no named beneficiary. So, for example, if you had a bank account that wasn’t held jointly or didn’t have a payable on death designation, you’d need letters of administration to access the account. When it comes to real estate, if the property wasn’t jointly owned by someone who automatically inherits it, it’ll need to go through probate. Similarly, motor vehicles, boats, and other titled property…Read More
A Primer On Texas And Brazos County Probate Law In Brazos County, probate cases are primarily handled through County Court at Law No. 1, which serves as the designated probate court. Brazos County also has a unique liaison to help manage guardianship and probate cases efficiently, a system established to resolve long-standing, unresolved matters. Historically, the county has seen cases with loose ends—like unclaimed mineral rights or royalties—that required extensive clean-up, prompting it to hire an in-house attorney to oversee probate-related operations. Probate procedures start by filing paperwork with the county clerk, who assigns a cause number for tracking. Cases…Read More
Unpacking Probate Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after their passing, ensuring their assets are distributed according to their wishes if there is a will or following state law if there isn't. Probate involves transferring items like homes, cars, jewelry, and any property left behind. If there’s a will, an attorney guides the appointed executor through administering it, including validating the will and distributing assets as directed. I always recommend naming multiple potential administrators so there’s a backup if the first choice cannot serve. This helps guarantee that someone trustworthy will carry out your wishes. When…Read More
Facing the aftermath of a commercial trucking accident can be overwhelming. The physical and emotional toll, combined with the complexities of legal procedures, can make it difficult to know where to start. At The Law Office Of Fred A Medina, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. In this article, you can discover… How negligence is defined in a truck accident in Texas. What evidence should be gathered after an accident with a commercial truck. How an attorney can help you counter insurance companies’ claims. What Constitutes Negligence In A…Read More
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal responsibilities that follow can feel like an added burden during an already challenging time. At The Law Office Of Fred A Medina, we recognize the emotional weight that accompanies these tasks, and we’re here to help you through each step of the probate process with care and understanding. In this article, you can discover… What probate is, and how to handle the process. Why time is of the essence when filing a will. The legal risks of mishandling assets and how to avoid these mistakes. What Is Probate? Probate is…Read More
