In most states, a parent may legally disinherit an adult child. To disinherit someone is to intentionally prevent them from receiving property from your estate after you die. Disinheritance can be accomplished by stating in your will that you do not want your adult child to inherit anything. You may only disinherit someone if you […]
Read MorePower of Attorney Abuse: What To Do If Someone You Know Is Affected
In Texas, Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you (the principal) to appoint another person or entity (your “Agent” or “Attorney in Fact”) to act on your behalf and handle your affairs if you are unable to do so. Illness, accidents and absence are just a few of the reasons why […]
Read MoreCategory: Estate Planning, Houston Elder Law, Texas Probate Litigation
Steps To Take When A Loved One Dies In Texas
The death of a loved one is a difficult time. Dealing with grief while trying to figure out the right steps to take when a loved one dies can be overwhelming. At Morris Ostrom Law, our Texas probate attorneys work hard to minimize the stress of this process on the loved ones of the deceased. The […]
Read MoreWhere To Keep Your Will
Creating a will is one of the most important things you can do for your family. However, having a will doesn’t do much good if your family is unable to find or access it. A question Houston will attorneys at Morris Ostrom Law often get is, “Where’s the best place to keep your will?” There […]
Read MoreCategory: Houston Wills, Texas Wills
Who Pays Debts When a Loved One Dies?
The last thing we think about when losing a loved one is their estate and debts. However, the matter of estate is something every family must navigate in the event of a loved one’s death. For some, the responsibilities of who pays debts when a loved one dies can be a concern. In Texas, laws […]
Read MoreCategory: Houston Probate, Texas Probate Information
What Common Probate Problems Can a Houston Probate Lawyer Solve?
Probate has a reputation for being complicated, lengthy, and sometimes ugly. When disputes and inconsistencies arise with a decedent’s estate, probate court can become a difficult and exhausting experience thanks to several common probate problems. Luckily, the help of a Houston probate lawyer can help you navigate the process for smooth sailing. Below, we cover […]
Read MoreCategory: Houston Probate
How Does Divorce Impact a Will?
Every now and then, a will needs to be updated. Reviewing your will every year to make sure it’s still in line with your wishes isn’t a bad idea. Otherwise, the following big life changes should be reflected in your will: Birth or death of an heir; Major investment adjustments; Real estate sales or purchases; […]
Read MorePrince’s Probate Dilemma Instills the Importance of Wills
The death of the great musical artist Prince last month left fans, friends and family devastated. While his impact lives on through his music and performances, his legacy is not as certain. Unfortunately, Prince did not consider the importance of wills during his lifetime, leaving his assets in the hands of the probate process. What […]
Read MoreCategory: Estate Planning, Houston Probate, Houston Wills
Using Mediation in Probate Cases
In the legal world, mediation is a voluntary negotiation that is facilitated by a neutral third part. Unlike arbitration, which is similar to a trial, mediation does not leave the decision making to the third party. Mediation is a common source of dispute resolution in probate cases. Probate is the process of estate planning, and […]
Read MoreIs Your Estate At Risk For Probate Litigation?
The process of challenging the provisions of a will, trust, or estate-planning document is known as probate litigation. While many estates are settled smoothly, some will be contested in Texas probate court litigation. Estates with the following factors are at the highest risk for probate litigation: Multiple Marriages Dysfunctional Family Nonstandard Estate Plans Unsuitable Agent […]
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