Do I Need a Probate Lawyer to Contest a Will?
After someone passes, the heirs or beneficiaries generally begin the search for a will. Sometimes we get asked the question of whether a will is valid? And, more importantly, should a potential heir or beneficiary contest the will? Here are some of the questions our probate lawyers answer most often. Who Can Contest a Will? […]
What is the Difference Between a Will and Revocable Living Trust?
The single greatest point of confusion for our clients is whether they should transfer their assets into a revocable living trust. Revocable living trusts (commonly referred to as RLTs) have surged in popularity in recent years and have quite a bit of buzz surrounding them. Revocable living trusts have a number of advantages and disadvantages, […]
Who can be an Independent Executor or Administrator in Texas?
In Texas, the Court may appoint an independent executor or an independent administrator only to “qualified” representatives. Wait, that’s pretty subjective! What makes a person qualified? The Texas Estates Code defines who may be an independent executor or administrator. A person is qualified to serve if: They are not incapacitated, temporarily or permanently; They have […]
Certificate of Trust: What is it, and Do I need it?
A Trust created during your lifetime (a revocable living trust) is an important part of any Estate Plan. Trusts can be used for asset protection, tax benefits, to simplify probate and to plan for the financial security of loved ones in the future. But there’s more than simply having a Trust – you also need […]
What if someone dies without a will in Texas?
What If Someone Dies without a Will? When an individual dies without a will, intestate succession law will govern. Under Texas law, a statutory framework determines how a decedent’s estate will be distributed. This is referred to as Intestate Administration. The following chart, courtesy of the Harris County Probate Courts provides a visual illustration of […]
Probate & Estate Administration
PROBATE AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION We help clients during particularly difficult times after losing a loved one. Having to deal with such tasks as sorting through the deceased person’s property and accounts, figuring out the amount of any debts, and making distributions to the beneficiaries, can become overwhelming. We understand, and we can help. Our Houston […]
What is Trust & Estate Litigation?
Trust & Estate Litigation Trust and estate litigation is an area of the law involving disputes arising from questionable wills, wayward trustees, disgruntled beneficiaries, and self-interested trustees. While these cases can be complex and full of intricate details, the attorneys at the Heights Law Group have the experience and the capabilities to help you resolve […]
What documents are part of an Estate Plan?
An estate plan is important because it can (1) protects your family from overpaying taxes, (2) protect your heirs from themselves and from creditors, and (3) protect young children in the event of a tragedy. Some of the documents that we use to create your custom estate plan include: Wills Revocable trusts Spousal lifetime trusts […]
Wills vs Trusts: Which Is Right for You?
Do you have questions about whether to use a will or at trust? Contact the Heights Law Group to get your questions answered today. Call 713-931-1111 or send an email to info@heightslawgroup.com
Surviving Spouse Rights in Texas
What Are Surviving Spouse Rights Under Texas Law? In order to preserve surviving spouse rights in Texas, a surviving spouse must adhere to certain time deadlines provided by statute. The failure to meet one of the probate deadlines can cause a surviving spouse to lose one or more spousal entitlements. What if a Spouse Dies […]
