24 December

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The New 2025 Texas Probate Rules: Simplification for Married Estates

in Business Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate Law, Wills & Trusts

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal requirements that follow can often feel like an overwhelming burden. However, if you are navigating the probate process in Frisco, Texas, or anywhere in Collin County, there is some good news. As of September 1, 2025, new updates to the Texas Estates Code have officially taken effect, aiming to make the administration of an estate faster and less complicated. One of the most impactful changes involves the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims, the document that tells the court exactly what the deceased person owned. No More "Separate vs. Community" Guessing Games Under...

06 December

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Secure Your Legacy: Why a Trust is More Powerful Than a Will

Posted by Robert Newton

in Business Law, Estate Planning, Government/Legislation, Probate, Real Estate Law, Wills & Trusts

For Frisco and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) families planning for the future, the choice between a will and a trust is one of the most critical decisions you will make. While a will dictates your wishes, a Texas trust provides a robust, private, and efficient legal structure to protect your assets and your loved ones right here in the Metroplex. It’s an essential tool for comprehensive estate planning in the Lone Star State, going far beyond what a simple will can achieve. The Top Benefits of a Trust Under Texas Law A trust, a legal arrangement where a trustee holds assets for the...

03 January

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How to Choose the Right Business Entity in Texas

Posted by Robert Newton

in Business Law

Choosing the right business entity is one of the most important decisions entrepreneurs make when starting or restructuring a business. The type of business entity you select impacts everything from your taxes to your personal liability and day-to-day operations. In Texas, business owners have several options, each with unique benefits and challenges. Here’s a guide to help you make the best decision for your venture. 1. Understand the Types of Business Entities In Texas, the most common business entities include: Sole Proprietorship: Simplest to set up but offers no liability protection. Partnership: Ideal for two or more owners but requires clear agreements...

23 May

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The Importance of Annual Corporate Meeting Minutes

Posted by Robert Newton

in Business Law, Government/Legislation

In the bustling world of corporate governance, maintaining meticulous records can often feel like a daunting task. Yet, one of the most critical practices for any corporation, regardless of size, is the regular documentation of meeting minutes. As an attorney with extensive experience in business law, I cannot stress enough the importance of conducting and maintaining annual meeting minutes. This article aims to illuminate the reasons why this practice is not just a formality but a strategic necessity for your business. Legal Compliance: Avoiding Unnecessary Risks One of the foremost reasons for maintaining annual meeting minutes is legal compliance. Corporate laws in...

10 May

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Why You Should Reinstate Your Texas Limited Liability Company

Posted by Robert Newton

in Business Law

re you a business owner in Texas with a limited liability company (LLC) that has been administratively dissolved? If so, you might be wondering whether it's worth the effort and expense to reinstate your LLC. As an attorney specializing in business law, I'm here to tell you that reinstating your Texas LLC is not only important but also beneficial for several reasons. Let's explore why reinstatement should be a priority for your business: Regain Good Standing: When your LLC is administratively dissolved, it loses its good standing with the state. This means that your company is no longer recognized as...

04 January

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Empowering Your Future: Understanding Durable Power of Attorney in Texas

Posted by Robert Newton

in Business Law, Estate Planning, Legal Advice, Real Estate Law, Wills & Trusts

Introduction: In the vast landscape of estate planning, one crucial document that residents of Texas should be well-acquainted with is the Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). This legal instrument empowers individuals to make important financial decisions on your behalf, offering peace of mind and security in times of need. In this SEO blog post, we'll delve into the specifics of a Durable Power of Attorney in the state of Texas, highlighting its significance, key elements, and how it can be a cornerstone in your comprehensive estate plan. What is a Durable Power of Attorney? A Durable Power of Attorney is a legal...

08 January

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Opening a Business in Texas

Posted by Robert Newton

in Business Law, Real Estate Law

Starting a business in Texas is a big step for anybody. Sometimes it is a decision to quit one’s job and embark on your own journey. Other times, your new venture started as a hobby that grew into a business. Whatever the case, there are certain Texas legal matters that should be considered. Texas business attorneys will usually advise that you need to open a business entity. The primary choices are a Texas limited liability company, Texas corporation, Texas S-corporation, or Texas limited partnerships. The choice will be dependent upon your business’s composition, business purpose, and business goals. They types of...

17 December

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The Nomenclature of Texas Business Entities

Posted by Robert Newton

in Business Law

The Governing Hierarchy of business entities is quite confusing to many people. However, it is important to understand the difference between the positions and titles as they relate to the various types of entities available. In Texas, the most popular types of business entities include corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and partnerships. Each type of business entity has its own nomenclature and types of governing documents. The governing documents are what form the rights, obligations, and duties of the investors and governing body. A separate post will address the differences in the governing documents. Corporations Corporations are comprised of stockholders, a board of...

11 December

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Perils of Buying a Business

Posted by Robert Newton

in Business Law, Real Estate Law

Buying a business is a big decision. It is also an adventure. It starts with finding a business that meets one’s requirements. Then, buyers should hire an attorney to draft an asset purchase agreement or stock purchase agreement that describes the rights and obligations of the buyer and seller, as well as, the applicable time tables for the sale. Many buyers do not understand the importance of the purchase agreement, but it is an essential part of the buying process. Similarly, many sellers do not understand the importance of a due diligence period. Due diligence periods are critical to the purchase...

26 June

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Texas LLC’s and Corporations

Posted by Robert Newton

in Business Law

Several different types of business entities exist in the State of Texas. Here, I will speak to the more popular ones, the corporations and limited liability companies. Corporation Corporations are probably the most statutorily recognized entity. Most of the stock listed on the stock exchanges are corporations. In Texas, they carry the moniker “Inc.,” “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Corp.,” “Company,” or “Co.” after its trade name. The owners of a corporation are called stockholders or shareholders. The distributions of profits received by stockholders are called dividends. The stockholders must hold meetings annually. At the annual meeting, stockholders elect a board of directors. The board of...