Texas Estate Planning Blog | Bryan Fagan Law Office

Texas Estate Planning Blog | Bryan Fagan Law Office

The Curious Case of the Missing Title Deed: Probate Battles Over Lost Documents

In the world of Texas probate law, few situations create more confusion—and conflict—than the disappearance of a key document. One of the most common? The missing title deed. When a property owner dies, and no one can find the deed, families are often left in a state of uncertainty. Who owns the property? Can heirs […]

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How to Avoid Probate in Texas Living Trust: Key Benefits and Legal Protections

If you’re wondering how to avoid probate in Texas living trust, you’re not alone. Probate can be a lengthy, public, and often expensive legal process that many Texas families would rather skip. Thankfully, a living trust offers a powerful solution to bypass probate altogether—when it’s done right. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how

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Common Estate Planning Mistakes People Make in Their 30s and 40s in Texas

In your 30s and 40s, estate planning rarely feels urgent. Between building a career, managing debt, raising children, or navigating adult relationships, the idea of death or incapacitation can seem too distant to plan for. In Texas, however, estate planning is just as important for young and middle-aged adults as it is for retirees. And

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How to Avoid Probate in Texas After Death: Legal Tools to Protect Your Assets

When families start asking how to avoid probate in Texas after death, they’re usually looking for ways to spare their loved ones the headache of navigating the court system during an already stressful time. Probate in Texas, while more efficient than in some other states, can still be time-consuming, expensive, and public. The good news?

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When the Executor Is Also a Beneficiary: Texas Law on Potential Conflicts

In the aftermath of a loved one’s death, estate administration can be one of the most emotionally and legally complex experiences a family faces. At the center of this process stands the executor — the person appointed to carry out the deceased’s final wishes, settle debts, and distribute assets according to the will. Often, the

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Leaving Property to a Minor in Texas: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

When most people write a will or plan their estate, they do it with love and responsibility in mind. They want to ensure their assets go to those they care about most, especially children and grandchildren. But what happens when those intended heirs are minors? Can a child inherit property outright? What does Texas law

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Can You Distribute Money Without Probate in Texas After a Spouse Passes?

If you’ve recently lost your husband or wife, you may be asking yourself: can you distribute money without probate in Texas after a spouse passes? It’s a tough question, and the answer isn’t always simple—but it’s one of the most important ones to get right. Probate in Texas can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, especially

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When Siblings Can’t Agree on an Inherited Property: Sell, Rent, or Battle It Out?

Inheriting property after the death of a loved one can be a complex and emotional experience. This is especially true when more than one person shares the inheritance. For siblings, the passing of a parent often means not just grieving a loss, but also figuring out what to do with the family home or other

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Can You Cut Someone Out of Your Will? How Texas Law Handles Disinheritance

It’s a subject few families like to confront, but it plays out every day in probate courts across Texas: the act of disinheriting someone from your will. Whether it’s the child who drifted away, the sibling who never returned your calls, or even a spouse whose relationship with you has long soured, people often want

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Texas Probate Rules If Beneficiary Dies Early: Legal Options for Surviving Family Members

If you’re dealing with an estate and wondering what happens under Texas probate rules if a beneficiary dies early, you’re not alone. This situation can cause confusion, delays, and even disputes among family members—especially when the will doesn’t clearly account for such scenarios. In probate law, timing matters. Whether the beneficiary dies before or after

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