Intestacy

The Uninteded Consequences of Not Having A Will:
Deadbeat Dad Claims Part of Deceased Son’s Estate

January 9, 2012

While I was in Houston over the Holidays, I read an article in the Houston Chronicle that illustrates the unintended consequences of not having a will. It was about a man named Timothy Cole, whose father had not been a part of his life since he was seven years old. Timothy Cole died in the [...]

Read the full article →

The Characterization of Property in Texas

September 26, 2011

I have written before that in the case of intestacy, the characterization of property as separate or community dictates how and to whom it is distributed.  It also affects which property you can dispose of in a Will at your death. But how does one distinguish between which property is community and separate? The following [...]

Read the full article →

The Price of Not Having a Simple Will

August 22, 2011

I read an article by Don McNay recently, which highlights the complexities, expense and unwanted results that can arise in cases of intestacy. McNay is a financial columnist and advisor and explains that he tells anyone who comes in his door to get a will so that they can control how their assets are disposed [...]

Read the full article →

Will My Stepchild Inherit Any Portion of My Estate If I Die Without a Will?

November 8, 2010

From the time we’re children reading Cinderella, we hear stories of strained relationships between stepchildren and their stepparents. So much so that stories of positive relationships often take us aback. But loving relationships are common. For example, I know a stepmother who bonded so much with her stepdaughter that she continues to have visitation privileges [...]

Read the full article →

Dying Without A Will: The Texas Intestacy Statutes

October 18, 2010

Dwight D. Eisenhower once said that “America is best described by one word: Freedom.” His quote basically sums up what makes America unique. We Americans relish our freedoms. We want to live how we like and spend our hard-earned money on what we want. And we resist when the government tries to interfere with our [...]

Read the full article →

The Complexities of Intestacy for Blended Families in Texas

March 22, 2010

Having a will is important for every adult, but especially so if you are part of a blended family. Without a will, your assets will be distributed according to a statutory formula, which may not reflect the way you would want your assets to be distributed. Intestacy can be complex in blended families In Texas, [...]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries