Blog


Mar

22

2023

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What Is A Muniment Of Title Probate, And When Is It Appropriate?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Texas law provides for a shortened, less complicated, less expensive form of probate in specific circumstances. This is called probate as a muniment of title. This funny-sounding procedure really means that your loved one's Will is officially recognized as valid by the probate court. It then becomes part of the public record in the county where the probate was filed as notice to third parties to honor the terms of the Will to transfer property to the beneficiaries. This is a simple process compared to a full, regular probate.

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Mar

16

2023

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6 Compelling Reasons to Have a Living Trust

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

There are at least six really good reasons for you to have a living trust in your estate planning package.

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Mar

8

2023

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The Cost Of A Full Dependent Administration In Texas

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

In this series of blogs, I have outlined various different types of probates and probate alternatives to help you settle an estate and understand the potential costs. A dependent administration is significantly more expensive than any other type of probate. Wise estate planning could avoid this high cost.

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Feb

1

2023

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What Is A Small Estate Affidavit Proceeding And What Does It Cost?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

In this series of blogs, I am outlining various different types of probates or probate alternatives to settle an estate and their likely costs. As I mentioned in the introduction to this series, the cost is predominantly determined by the type of procedure followed.

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Jan

18

2023

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Do I Have To Probate If There Was A Will?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

I have addressed in another blog several steps that can be taken as part of the estate planning process that help avoid the need for probate. If those steps were not taken, a full probate still may not be needed.

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Jan

3

2023

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The Average Cost Of A Determination Of Heirship Proceeding In Texas

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

In some situations where a loved one passes away without a Will, you may need a determination of heirship in order to pass on their estate. If you find yourself in this situation, make sure you have an experienced attorney to guide you through the steps involved. Otherwise, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the process.

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Dec

13

2022

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Use This Slick Trick To Transfer Real Estate Without Probate In Texas

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Texas law has recognized an estate planning trick that is extremely effective and low cost, called a deed with an enhanced retained life estate or “Lady Bird” deed. This tool can be used for all types of real estate interests.

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Dec

1

2022

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How Much Does It Cost To Set Up A Trust?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

A revocable trust is one that can be completely or partially revoked either during the lifetime of the person creating the trust or afterward. An irrevocable trust means just that: it cannot be revoked.

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Oct

25

2022

image for Probate As A Muniment Of Title: What Is It & What Does It Cost?

Probate As A Muniment Of Title: What Is It & What Does It Cost?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

There are several different types of probate in Texas where a loved one dies having a Will. The complexity of the proceeding and the cost varies widely depending on which type of probate you can or must use to pass your loved one's estate. The simplest and least expensive type of probate is known as a "muniment of title" proceeding.

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Aug

18

2022

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What Happens If You Don’t Probate A Will In Texas?

Posted by: Adair M. Buckner

Probate can be costly and complicated. Unfortunately, not probating a Will could cause your family more stress in the long run. If your loved one has passed away and left a Will behind, you may find yourself in a situation where this is the case.

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