What steps do I need to take to re-record or update a joint survivorship deed after co-owners died? (TX)
Detailed Answer — What to do when co-owners on a Texas joint-survivorship deed die This explains, in plain language, how ownership of real estate held as joint tenants with right of survivorship (or as community property with right of survivorship) is handled in Texas, and the practical steps a surviving owner (or an interested person) […]
Read article →How do I force my sibling to give me a copy of our parents’ estate plan in TX after he ignored my formal request?
Can I force my sibling to give me a copy of our parents’ estate plan in Texas? FAQ — plain English explanation of your options under Texas law (not legal advice) Short answer If your parents are alive, you generally cannot force your sibling to hand over private estate-planning documents unless your parents authorize disclosure. […]
Read article →What can I do if the personal representative sends me a payment without explaining how he calculated my share of the estate? (TX)
What to do if a personal representative sends a payment without explaining how they calculated your share of the estate State: Texas Detailed answer — what your rights are and the steps you can take under Texas law If you are a beneficiary or heir in a Texas probate estate and the personal representative (sometimes […]
Read article →What documentation is required to prove I'm the next of kin and qualify as administrator in a reopened estate? (TX)
Detailed Answer — How to prove next of kin and qualify as administrator in a reopened Texas estate Short answer: To be appointed administrator (personal representative) of a reopened Texas estate you must prove the decedent’s death, show your priority as next of kin under Texas intestacy rules, and supply documentary evidence the probate court […]
Read article →How can I reopen my father's closed estate in Texas (TX) so I can be appointed as administrator?
How to Reopen a Closed Estate in Texas so You Can Be Appointed Administrator Detailed answer — overview of reopening a probate in Texas If a probate estate for your father was previously opened and then closed in Texas, a court can sometimes reopen that estate so new matters can be handled and a new […]
Read article →What steps do I need to take when the original estate administrator has died before completing the probate? (Texas)
What to do if the original estate administrator dies before completing probate in Texas Detailed Answer — steps to protect the estate and get a successor appointed under Texas law When the person appointed to administer an estate (sometimes called an administrator, executor, or personal representative) dies before finishing probate, the probate court must usually […]
Read article →How long does it usually take to get an out-of-state will approved in Texas probate (TX law)?
Detailed Answer — How long does it usually take to get an out-of-state will approved under Texas law? Short answer: There is no single universal timetable. If the will only needs a quick clerical step (for example, filing a foreign probate or a muniment of title where no administration is required), the local Texas probate […]
Read article →What happens if the survey shows the property was conveyed out of my mother’s estate decades ago and I have no interest? (TX)
Detailed Answer Short answer: if a current survey and the recorded chain of title show the property was legally conveyed out of your mother’s estate decades ago, you most likely do not own that property and have no legal interest in it—unless there is a legal basis to challenge the conveyance (for example, fraud, forgery, […]
Read article →How do I get the probate court’s permission to sell property in Texas when the clerk won’t explain filing requirements?
Getting Probate Court Permission to Sell Real Property in Texas Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article explains general information about Texas probate law to help you understand your options. This is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney. Detailed Answer — How to get the probate […]
Read article →Can I recover personal items that heirs removed from the house before I took possession and enforce the court’s order? — Texas (TX)
Recovering Personal Items Removed by Heirs Before Possession: Texas FAQ This FAQ explains how, under Texas law, you can try to recover personal property heirs removed from a house before you took possession and how to enforce a court order. This is general information only and not legal advice. Detailed answer: What you can do […]
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