by Keith Hajovsky | Nov 12, 2026 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Probate, Wills
Key Takeaways: Not Required: Under Texas Estates Code Chapter 252, filing your will at the courthouse for safekeeping is optional and not something most people do. Preventing Tampering or Loss: Filing a will with the court is a good precaution if you worry it might...
by Keith Hajovsky | Nov 5, 2026 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Intestate - Dying Without A Will, Marital Assets, Probate
Executive Summary: Without a will, trust, or transfer deed, your Texas home is distributed strictly by family status under Texas Estates Code Chapter 201. Single Owners Children: Split equally among them. Parents only: Split equally between mother and father. One...
by Keith Hajovsky | Oct 15, 2026 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Probate, Wills
Executive Summary: Legal Status: You can legally name co-executors for your will in Texas under Texas Estates Code Section 307.002. Common Motivations: People often choose co-executors to avoid hurting a child’s feelings or to try and resolve existing friction...
by Keith Hajovsky | Oct 8, 2026 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Probate, Wills
Executive Summary Texas probate can be relatively quick and inexpensive compared with probate in many other states when the will is properly prepared and executed. A properly drafted will should generally allow the estate to use independent administration, which...
by Keith Hajovsky | Oct 1, 2026 | Asset Protection, Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Intestate - Dying Without A Will, Probate, Wills
Executive Summary: No Texas state estate tax: Texas does not levy an estate tax or “death tax” at the state level. Federal exemption limits (2026): Federal estate taxes only apply to individuals with estates worth over $15 million or married couples with...
by Keith Hajovsky | Sep 10, 2026 | Estate Administration, General Estate Planning, Non-probate Assets, Probate, Wills
Key Takeaways: Transfer on Death Deed (TODD): Texas Estates Code Chapter 114 lets property owners transfer real estate automatically at death without probate. Main benefit: No need for probate. The beneficiary only needs to file a copy of the death certificate at the...
