Application for Probate More Than 4 Years After Testator’s Death A will may not be submitted to probate after the fourth anniversary of a testator’s (person who made the will) death unless it is shown that the person applying for probate was not in default in failing to bring it to probate sooner. Here default...KEEP READING

A structured settlement is a type of annuity that is typically used to resolve personal injury claims. In Texas, if you have reached a settlement in your personal injury case, you may be able to transfer your structured settlement payments to another party. This process is known as a “request for transfer.” What is a...KEEP READING

If you need to settle the estate of a loved one who passed away without a will in Texas, you’ll need to file a Texas small estate affidavit. This document essentially allows you to transfer the deceased person’s property to their heirs without going through probate. Keep reading to learn more about how to file...KEEP READING

Introduction Probate is a process by which an administrator (the executor) of an estate (the decedent’s property) distribute the estate’s assets to the decedent’s beneficiaries. In Texas, probate is handled by the Texas State Probate Office. There are at least five types of probate (more if you count the various permutations such as testate dependent,...KEEP READING

In a recent case, St. John v. Hearne, a Texas probate court granted a bill of review but did not dispose of contested issues. The Court of Appeals noted that granting a bill of review does not terminate the proceedings and is not equivalent to final judgment for purposes of appeal. Legal Terminology Interlocutory Appeal...KEEP READING