Texas Probate Law: Articles & Guidance by Bryan Fagan Law Office

Texas Probate Law: Articles & Guidance by Bryan Fagan Law Office

The Family Vault: How to Handle Firearms, Jewelry, and Other High-Stakes Inheritances in Probate

In Texas probate cases, some assets aren’t just valuable—they’re loaded with emotion, legal complexity, and sometimes even danger. Family firearms, heirloom jewelry, and high-value collectibles often hold stories that span generations. But when the owner dies, those same prized possessions can spark confusion and conflict. Who gets the family guns? How do you divide jewelry […]

The Family Vault: How to Handle Firearms, Jewelry, and Other High-Stakes Inheritances in Probate Read More »

When Your Ex-Spouse Is Still on the Title: Legal Headaches After Death

Divorce often marks the end of a shared life, but it doesn’t always end shared ownership. Many Texas couples finalize their divorce, move on, and assume their assets are fully divided—until tragedy strikes and someone dies. Then, a new problem surfaces: the ex-spouse’s name is still on the property title. It might sound like a

When Your Ex-Spouse Is Still on the Title: Legal Headaches After Death Read More »

Legal gavel, sealed parchment scroll, and balance scales symbolizing probate law and estate planning.

Trust, But Verify: When a Trustee Mismanages Estate Property in Texas

When someone creates a trust, the intention is usually simple — to protect assets, provide for loved ones, and ensure that the estate is handled responsibly after their passing. But what happens when the very person trusted to manage those assets betrays that confidence? In Texas, trustees are held to one of the highest legal

Trust, But Verify: When a Trustee Mismanages Estate Property in Texas Read More »

Browse Texas Probate & Estate Law CategoriesWhat Is an Affidavit of Heirship: A Texas Family’s Guide to Transferring Property

Losing a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences. When you discover they passed away without a will, it can add a layer of legal confusion right when you're most vulnerable. We understand how overwhelming this can be. In Texas, there's a practical tool designed for this exact situation: the Affidavit of Heirship.

What Is an Affidavit of Heirship: A Texas Family’s Guide to Transferring Property Read More »

Wooden blocks spelling "PROBATE" in foreground with miniature houses and stacks of coins in background, representing estate planning and probate process in Texas.

When a Will Isn’t Enough: Common Reasons Property Still Goes Through Probate in Texas

Many Texans believe that once they have a valid will, their estate will avoid probate entirely. The assumption is understandable—after all, wills are designed to direct where property goes after death. But in reality, a will does not automatically bypass probate. In fact, many estates still pass through the probate process even when a will

When a Will Isn’t Enough: Common Reasons Property Still Goes Through Probate in Texas Read More »

Judge pronouncing sentence with gavel in court, symbolizing legal authority and decision-making in inheritance disputes.

Joint Ownership Gone Wrong: When Co-Heirs Can’t Agree on What to Do With a Property

When a loved one passes away, emotions run high, and families often face tough decisions about how to handle the property left behind. While some heirs come together to make practical and fair choices, others find themselves at odds, unable to agree on what to do with the inheritance. This conflict often centers on real

Joint Ownership Gone Wrong: When Co-Heirs Can’t Agree on What to Do With a Property Read More »

Lawyers discussing legal documents at a wooden table with a gavel and scales of justice, representing estate planning and probate law in Texas.

Can You Inherit a Lawsuit? What Happens When the Deceased Had Pending Legal Claims

Death doesn’t always close the book on legal matters. Sometimes, it cracks the spine even wider. When someone dies with a pending lawsuit, it’s natural to wonder what happens next. Can their claim continue through someone else? Can you inherit a lawsuit the same way you’d inherit their home, money, or family business? And if

Can You Inherit a Lawsuit? What Happens When the Deceased Had Pending Legal Claims Read More »