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...

19 December

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Can’t Find the Original Will? New 2025 Texas Probate Rules You Need to Know

Posted by Robert Newton

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

It is a scenario that causes immediate panic for many Frisco families: a loved one passes away, you know they had a Will, but despite searching every desk drawer and safe deposit box, you can only find a photocopy. Historically, probating a copy of a Will in Texas was a steep uphill battle. The law traditionally presumed that if the original Will couldn’t be found, the testator (the person who wrote it) must have destroyed it with the intent to revoke it. However, thanks to recent legislative updates in the Texas Estates Code (including key clarifications in SB 1448), the process...

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...

05 November

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Selling Estate Property in Texas: A Guide for Executors

Posted by Robert Newton

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

When you are named an Executor in a Texas probate case, your duties include everything from inventorying assets to settling debts. Often, the most valuable and complicated asset is real estate. Whether it’s a family home or investment property, selling involves specific legal steps. Knowing whether you need a court order or how to handle title can mean the difference between a smooth closing and a year of legal delays. Here is what every Texas Executor needs to know before listing a property. Independent vs. Dependent Administration: Your Authority to Sell The first and most critical factor is the type of probate administration...

10 October

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Navigating Texas Probate: The Critical Role of the Notice to Creditors

Posted by Robert Newton

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

Probate in Texas can be a complex journey, often filled with emotional challenges for families. As a Texas probate attorney, I guide clients through the various methods of probate, each with its own unique requirements. One crucial aspect that frequently arises, particularly in dependent administrations or when there's a concern about outstanding debts, is the "Notice to Creditors." Understanding this often-overlooked step is vital for a smooth and legally compliant probate process. What is a Notice to Creditors? At its core, a Notice to Creditors is a formal, court-ordered publication that informs potential creditors of the deceased individual's estate that a probate...

08 October

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Ins and Outs of Independent Administration in Texas Probate

Posted by Robert Newton

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

The Texas Advantage: Streamlining Estate Settlement Probate can often seem like a bureaucratic maze, but in Texas, there's a preferred path that offers efficiency and less court oversight: Independent Administration. This unique feature of Texas probate law allows the appointed executor or administrator to manage and settle the estate with minimal involvement from the probate court once they are legally qualified. This hands-off approach can save the estate significant time and money compared to the court-supervised Dependent Administration. So, what are the specific requirements and key duties that allow an estate to qualify for and successfully complete an independent administration? How to Qualify...

01 October

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Dying Without a Will (Intestate) – Guide to Determination of Heirship

Posted by Robert Newton

in Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate Law

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of legal uncertainty. If a family member in Texas passed away without a valid Last Will and Testament—a situation known as dying intestate—the legal path to transfer their assets might involve a complex court process called a Determination of Heirship. This essential guide will help you understand what a Texas Determination of Heirship is, when it's necessary, and how a seasoned probate attorney can guide your family through it. What is a Determination of Heirship? In short, a Determination of Heirship is a formal judicial proceeding where a Texas probate court legally...

30 September

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Texas Small Estate Affidavit: Streamlining Probate

Posted by Robert Newton

in Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate Law, Uncategorized

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of navigating complex legal procedures. Fortunately, for families dealing with a modest estate in Texas, the law provides a streamlined alternative to formal probate: the Small Estate Affidavit (SEA). This critical legal tool, governed by Chapter 205 of the Texas Estates Code, allows eligible heirs to collect and transfer a decedent’s assets quickly and affordably. What is a Small Estate Affidavit? A Small Estate Affidavit is a sworn legal document that, when approved by a probate court judge, serves as the authority to legally transfer certain assets to a deceased person’s...

23 September

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What is a Muniment of Title in Texas Probate?

Posted by Robert Newton

in Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate Law

Navigating the Texas probate process can feel overwhelming, especially after losing a loved one. Fortunately, for certain estates, there’s a simplified and cost-effective method available: probate as a muniment of title. This streamlined legal procedure allows a valid will to be presented to a court and established as a legal document, transferring property to the beneficiaries without the need for a full, formal estate administration. If the deceased left a will and the estate is relatively straightforward, a muniment of title can be a great option to consider. When Can You Use a Muniment of Title? A muniment of title is not...

19 September

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Dependent Administration in Texas: When Court Supervision is Necessary

Posted by Robert Newton

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

When a loved one passes away, settling their estate can be a complex and emotional process. While many people prefer the efficiency of an Independent Administration, there are specific situations where a Dependent Administration is the only—or best—way to proceed. This type of Texas probate involves a higher level of court supervision, which, while more time-consuming and expensive, offers crucial protections for all parties involved. Understanding why a Dependent Administration might be necessary is vital for families navigating the probate system in Texas. What is a Dependent Administration? A Dependent Administration is a court-supervised method of Texas probate. Unlike an independent executor...