Family Law Articles & Resources | Bryan Fagan Law Office

Family Law Articles & Resources | Bryan Fagan Law Office

Ancillary probate concept with model house, cash, glasses, and pen on legal documents, relating to Texas estate planning and probate law.

What Assets Have to Go Through Ancillary Probate in Texas? How Title and Deeds Affect the Process

If you’re handling an estate that includes out-of-state property, you’ve probably found yourself asking, what assets have to go through ancillary probate in Texas? It’s a valid and important question—especially when you’re already managing the emotional and legal weight of someone’s passing. The last thing most families expect is a second probate case in a […]

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Gavel and book labeled "PROBATE" on wooden table, symbolizing probate law and legal proceedings in Texas estate planning.

Are Texas Probate Records Public? How to Locate Old or Archived Probate Cases

If you’ve ever wondered, “Are Texas probate records public?”—you’re not alone. Whether you’re researching a family member’s estate, tracing property ownership, or even trying to verify the outcome of a will contest, knowing how Texas handles probate records can make all the difference. And yes, in most cases, Texas probate records are public—but that doesn’t

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Notebook page with the word "Intestacy" and a sketch of a house, surrounded by stationery items, relevant to probate law and estate planning in Texas.

The No-Will Nightmare: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in Texas?

A will is one of the most important legal documents a person can have, yet many people die without one. When this happens, their estate does not automatically pass to their closest loved ones. Instead, it is distributed according to Texas intestacy laws, which may not align with what the deceased would have wanted. Dying

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Holographic will document with a gavel, symbolizing probate law and estate planning in Texas.

How to Probate a Holographic Will in Texas? How Courts Determine Authenticity

When a loved one passes away, their will determines how their assets are distributed. But what happens if they left a handwritten will without witnesses? In Texas, this is called a holographic will, and while it is legal, probating it can be a complex process. Understanding how to probate a holographic will in Texas is

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Last will and testament document with a key, toy house, and stacks of coins, representing estate inventory and probate processes in Texas.

How to Make an Itemized Inventory for Probate in Texas? Key Documents and Information to Include

Handling probate in Texas can feel overwhelming, especially when creating an itemized inventory of assets. This step is crucial as it ensures all estate property is properly accounted for, valued, and distributed according to Texas probate laws. If you’re an executor or administrator, knowing how to make an itemized inventory for probate in Texas will

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Gavel resting on a black book titled "Probate Law" beside a small red and wooden house model, symbolizing estate planning and probate processes in Texas.

How to File a Probate Claim in Texas? What Creditors and Heirs Need to Know

Dealing with probate in Texas can feel overwhelming, whether you are a creditor seeking payment from a deceased person’s estate or an heir trying to claim your inheritance. Understanding how to file a probate claim in Texas is crucial to ensuring that financial matters are properly settled and that all claims are addressed according to

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Hand revealing a kitchen design blueprint transitioning to a completed kitchen, illustrating home renovation and design concepts relevant to estate planning and property value in Texas.

Flipping Houses in Texas: Legal Pitfalls You Might Overlook

Flipping houses is one of the most lucrative ways to make money in real estate, and Texas has become a prime destination for investors looking to turn old, distressed properties into profitable sales. With no state income tax, a fast-growing population, and a relatively low cost of living compared to other booming markets, Texas presents

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Probate document with a fountain pen, emphasizing estate planning and legal processes in Texas probate law.

What Are Proof of Facts in Texas Probate? Key Documents You’ll Need

If you’re handling an estate in Texas, you may be wondering, what are proof of facts in Texas probate? The probate process in Texas requires various legal documents and factual evidence to validate the deceased’s estate, debts, and rightful heirs. These proof of facts play a crucial role in ensuring the court can effectively distribute

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Stacks of hundred-dollar bills alongside a wax seal and estate planning documents, symbolizing financial aspects of probate law in Texas.

How Much Does a Probate Attorney Cost in Texas? Flat Fees vs. Hourly Rates

Losing a loved one is difficult, and dealing with probate in Texas can add an extra layer of stress. One of the first questions that many people ask is, “How much does a probate attorney cost in Texas?” The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the attorney’s experience, and whether

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