Perhaps the signature looks off, things have been crossed out without authentication, or a page seems to be missing. Or maybe the content of the will simply does not match what you knew about your loved one and their wishes. Could their will be forged? The fact is that very few wills are formally contested, but that does not mean there are not forgeries submitted to the probate court when people die.
A popular myth maintains that, if two people live together for seven years, they have then entered into what is called a “common law” marriage. In truth, no state recognizes marriage as resulting from just cohabitation, and most states do not recognize common-law marriages at all. Texas is one of a handful of states that do recognize common-law marriages. So what happens if one spouse in a common-law marriage passes away?
People with a paid position should be held accountable when they fail to carry out their duties properly. An estate executor is no exception, even if they choose to refuse compensation allowed under Texas law.
The death of a parent or the divorce of parents is difficult for children of any age. Although a child may be happy for a parent who finds a new spouse, that remarriage can cause anxiety as well.
We’re all familiar with TV dramas and movies where wills are “read” and inevitably someone is upset and challenges the validity of the document. But what if the original will is lost? Can a photocopy serve the same purpose?
Nationally, only about 32% of adults have an estate planning document such as a will or trust. Unfortunately, this means that a lot of people will be leaving their estate in the hands of a probate court.
The nature and size of your estate typically determine the cost and amount of time it will take to complete the probate process. On average, the probate process can easily cost from 3 percent to 7 percent or more of the estate's total value and take up to two years to complete.
Even the closest families can fall apart when money and sentiment are involved. Emotions often run high and the executor faces the challenges of trying to honor the decedent’s wishes while also holding the family together.
We live in a world of blended families — yours, mine, and ours. Even in families where everyone gets along, the death of a parent and spouse can cause tremendous tension when it comes to handling the decedent’s estate.
The death of a parent can be an emotional time for their dependents. Unfortunately, such a huge loss can bring about legal disagreements and deepen rifts among siblings. When close family members fail to agree over the terms or validity of a will, the will may be contested.
