My Mother has always stressed the importance of water conservation to my family. As long as I can remember she said “Water is the most precious resource and we are going to run out.” There is a case before the Texas Supreme Court that could dramatically change ground water rights in Texas. So, in this …
If you are considering selling or buying real estate, or getting a divorce, drafting a Will or even forming a corporation, you will find advice at just about every stop you make. Co-workers may have said “You don’t need to hire an attorney. You can do it yourself.” Let me caution you to think very …
Many clients have asked me how to insure that a bank account or investment account passes to a particular person (spouse or child) without having to wait until a Will is probated. First, I would like to remind you that the amount of time its takes to probate an estate in Texas depends to a …
Continue reading “Joint Accounts with Right of Survivorship”
Many folks decide to go into or open a new business everyday. It is part of the American culture to be an entrepreneur. While it is wonderful to “be your own boss,” it does come at a cost and with risk. Following fast on the heels of a decision to go into a particular kind …
I am commonly asked, “how long will the probate take?” My patent response is, “that depends a great deal on how organized your loved was.” If, like so many, you are prone to disorder in the keeping of important documents, assuming that you keep them at all, you may be well past due for a …
Again, this week I am writing about information that might be beneficial if you have a farm, ranch or rural property for hunting. Heck, it might even apply if you raise vegetables to sell at the Saturday Farmers Market in front of O’Reilly Auto Parts. The Texas Legislature addressed a few right to farm topics …
As of January 1, 2024, a new law known as the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires that certain owners of registered entities provide personal information to anew database created by the US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (called “FinCEN” for short). With limited exceptions, this requirement applies to all registered entitiies, like Limited Liabiity …
I have long endorsed the use of Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code when selling property. However, many folks do not utilize this very valuable tax deferment when selling investment property. This tax saving tool is not permanent tax savings, but a way to defer taxes at the time of sale by reinvesting in …
Continue reading “Tax-Deferred Exchange With a Farm or Ranch”
It was recently brought to my attention that while many adult children are serving as caretakers for their aging parents, very few receive reimbursement for their time or trouble. I am not surprised by this and personally feel this is one’s obligation to their parents. Many children and grandchildren feel that helping their aging relative …
You may not be aware of this, but attorneys are required to participate in continuing legal education. The State Bar of Texas requires each attorney to participate in 15 hours of continuing legal education each year. However, if you participate in over 33 hours each year, you will qualify for membership in the State Bar …
Continue reading “Documents Commonly Reviewed as part of Probate”
