What's New
The post below are new cases on inheritance disputes in Texas that will that will help explain the process.
What's unusual
Many of the post below are not new but contain an interesting or unusual decision about inheritance disputes.
Find your interest
Cases that may be important in a Texas probate case dealing with inheritance disputes that speak to your interest.
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Can a testator make hand written changes to a will
As a general rule, if a will is not “wholly” in the handwriting of the testator, it must be attested to by two credible witnesses.
Can a murderer inherit his victim’s property?
The Texas slayer rule requires affirmative action to prevent the murderer from inheriting the victim’s property.
No Forced Heirship In Texas
Forced heirship is not recognized in Texas for either children or spouses although Texas does have pretermitted child heirship.
Relationship Poisoning
Relationship poisoning – negative remarks about a person’s family and reinterpreting historical events in a negative manner,
WHAT CONSTITUTES A SIGNATURE ON A WILL
A holographic will is one that is wholly in the handwriting of the testator and signed by him. What constitutes a signature is often contested.
DOES “SPOUSE” MEAN CURRENT SPOUSE?
Problems with terms like "spouse," "children," "heirs..." In an interesting case from 2020, 04-20-00035-CV, a woman...
Texas Spendthrift Trust
A Texas spendthrift trust provides for the beneficiary but is not available to the beneficiary’s creditors. A creditor cannot get to the assets of the trust.
Precatory words in a Texas will
Precatory words – words of desire and wishes should not be used in a Texas will because they may not pass property as you expect.
What can go wrong if you represent yourself – part 2
Can you represent yourself in court in an inheritance dispute? Yes. Is it wise, no. And remember, you can’t represent someone else in court and an estate is someone else.
Robert Ray
Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We handle cases all across Texas. Our principal office is in Lantana, Texas (DFW area).
Why Us?
Inheritance disputes involve someone who has taken advantage of the elderly. These cases are complicated and most often, but not always, involve outsiders. We represent you knowing that these inheritance disputes are private and painful family matters. We know this is a stressful time for you. We strive to obtain the quickest and best results possible so that you can get this troubling episode behind you.