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Lucé Law, PC Most Frequently Asked Legal Questions

Each individual’s legal issue will differ in some way, but in every case it’s helpful to understand some basics. To help, we have gathered a few of the questions that our attorneys are asked most often on the topics of personal injury, estate planning, business law and more.

Personal Injury Law Questions

When you or a loved one are suffering from a personal injury, many questions about how to best handle the situation will arise. Lucé Law, PC is here to help. Below are some of the frequently asked personal injury questions we hear from our clients.

To find a personal injury lawyer, start by narrowing down your choices to those who have taken on cases similar to yours. Ask for recommendations from trusted friends and family, and if possible, other attorneys you’ve worked with in the past. You can check with your insurance agency and the local bar association for their suggestions. While a lawyer’s education and background are important, also take note of his or her legal track record. Look for someone who can perform well in a trial situation. Ask for a consultation or interview with any lawyer you are considering. Remember, you are hiring someone to defend your interests, so you’ll want to find a lawyer who will work well with you.

The process for filing a personal injury suit begins with a consultation. At this stage, your personal injury lawyer is looking to understand the details of your case. If your lawyer agrees to take your case, they will gather evidence, interview witnesses, as well as work to reach a settlement with the other party’s insurance company. When both parties cannot agree on a fair settlement, your lawyer may proceed to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Typically, three types of damages are available in a personal injury lawsuit – economic; non-economic; punitive. Economic damages cover direct costs like medical bills, lost wages and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship and the loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages are considered a punishment for the defendant, also  serving to hopefully help deter similar behavior by others.

You can still file a personal injury claim if you were partly at fault. In Texas, a person found to be partly responsible for an accident can receive reduced compensation, while anyone that is mostly responsible will receive no compensation. Contributory negligence and comparative negligence can be discussed with the attorney to understand the impact in a personal injury claim in Texas.

While a personal injury calculator can give you a general idea of how much you would be eligible to receive in a personal injury settlement, remember that the numbers are not exact. Personal injury calculators can evaluate hard costs you have already incurred and predict the financial amounts due for those damages. Such tools cannot, however, account for all relevant medical expenses, economic losses related to incapacitation, or general compensation for pain (physical, emotional and/or mental) and suffering. To ensure that you get the most accurate estimate possible, consult with a trained attorney.

People seek personal injury lawyers for many reasons. You should look for legal assistance if:

  • You’re in an accident and suffer a severe injury that forces you to take time off from work, or leaves you with permanent pain or disabilities.
  • You believe you have experienced toxic exposure, a situation that might require proof through consultation with medical specialists and other experts.
  • You believe that you are the victim of medical malpractice.

In these and other cases, an attorney can help you receive fair compensation for relevant medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. If you are having difficulty getting the insurance to pay out, working with an experienced lawyer can increase your chances of receiving a settlement.

While we cannot offer advice on this matter over the internet and without knowing the facts of your case, it is always a good idea to have a personal injury lawyer evaluate your circumstances and give a professional opinion. We are happy to offer a free consultation on your personal injury lawsuit.

You will want to bring all documents related to your case. These documents include medical records, police reports, photos of the auto accident scene, information about the at-fault party – and any communication with insurance companies. Also, where possible, bring proof of your lost wages and any other expenses related to your injury.

When you are hurt in an accident at no fault of your own, you are entitled to receive financial compensation for any damages that you experience. Being injured due to the negligence of another person can leave you with large financial responsibilities that you had no choice in making. And while it’s not always easy to put a monetary value on your pain and suffering, an experienced personal injury attorney will work to help you recoup the costs of seeking medical treatment and income lost from the inability to work – along with addressing any potential long-term issues.

When it comes to fair compensation, we believe that our clients should receive settlements for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress, loss of property and any other effects resulting from an accident. Working with an attorney can help ensure that your settlement is enough to cover all of your needs.

Several scenarios could lead to a lack of compensation, such as your employer not filing the necessary documentation, your participation in criminal behavior and so on. In addition, some employers require injured employees to visit the employer’s own doctor. If you neglected to do this or if your actions aren’t consistent with your claims of injury, then you may not be compensated. If you have suffered a workplace accident through no fault of your own you have the right to receive compensation benefits, and it would be in your best interests to contact an attorney.

Yes, you can sue for these types of psychological conditions if you can prove the negative and debilitating effects they have on your life. Talk with your personal injury attorney about all the consequences of your accident injuries, no matter how small and insignificant they might seem.

That depends on how long it takes to reach an agreement with the opposite party, and in which legal venue your case is deliberated. A courtroom trial generally takes longer to settle than a mediation, but once a settlement is reached payouts begin shortly thereafter, and in accordance with the schedule agreed upon.

Every personal injury case is potentially worth the amount of damages that it caused the injured person, and that amount always depends on the circumstances such as type of injury, extent of damages, age of the victim and whether the victim was partially at fault.

Yes you can, and the sooner you take legal action, the better. The more time your attorney has to evaluate the circumstances and gather evidence helps strengthen the impact of your argument. Do not delay, as procrastination could affect time-sensitive dates, the most obvious of which is the statute of limitations itself. Your claim must be filed within the “statute of limitations” time frame.

A settlement is the result of an out of court agreement between the injured party (the plaintiff) and the party responsible for the personal injury (the defendant). In a settlement conference, attorneys, the defendant and the plaintiffs meet with a third party known as the mediator. The mediator is specially trained to bring the plaintiff and defendant to an agreement that avoids a court trial, while reflecting an understanding of what the outcome could be.

The comparative negligence law applies to personal injury incidents in Texas, and holds the accident victim legally and financially accountable when his or her own negligence contributed to the accident and consequential injuries. This means that if the court finds you more than 50% liable for the accident, you cannot collect an award for your injuries at your trial. When you are less than 50% liable you are eligible to receive an award, which is reduced only by the amount of negligence you contributed to your injury.

Most U.S. states use a fault-based system to handle insurance liability. Fault-based systems focus on how much fault each involved party bears for the accident or injury in question. Often, insurance companies might not have your best interests in mind when it comes to negotiating a fair settlement payment in a fault-based state. To ensure that you get a fair outcome, consult with a well-reviewed personal injury law firm before accepting any settlement offer.

Law firms generally charge clients in two different ways: either up-front, out-of-pocket payments or contingency fees. As the name indicates, “contingency” allows the law firm to collect payment retroactively for services rendered after—and only after—a positive settlement outcome. The firm subtracts the contingency fee from the client’s successful settlement payout. When the case does not result in an award, the victim owes nothing more towards lawyer fees.

When determining settlement awards insurance companies consider many variables. At a minimum, fair personal injury settlements should cover medical bills and lost wages, and should provide additional compensation for pain and suffering. Extra compensation might be offered based on the extent of the injuries, especially if they prevent the victim from ever returning to work. Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to settle for an amount that is much less than a fair personal injury settlement.

Wrongful Death Questions

Understanding wrongful death laws and how they apply to your situation is a crucial aspect of navigating legal complexities. At Lucé Law, PC we are dedicated to assisting our clients in comprehending the intricate legal matters that can emerge in cases of wrongful death. We address some common wrongful death questions below.

Yes, a wrongful death claim does not apply only to lost income. In these cases, compensation can cover mental anguish, loss of companionship – and the value of services the deceased would have provided had they lived.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the immediate family members are generally entitled to damages. In Texas, these family members typically include the deceased’s surviving spouse, children and sometimes parents.

A wrongful death lawsuit is brought when a person loses their life due to the misconduct or negligence of another party. In contrast, when an individual suffers harm but does not die, a personal injury lawsuit is filed. In a wrongful death claim, an attorney pursues damages for the surviving family members. In the case of personal injury, the attorney seeks to recover damages on behalf of the  injured persons for their injuries, past physical pain and suffering, medical bills, future physical pain and suffering, past mental anguish, future mental anguish, physical impairment, physical disfigurement, lost wages, and other damages under Texas law.

For personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident or death. There may be occasional exceptions where the period is extended, such as for product liability claims. However, allow sufficient time to build the case by speaking with an attorney as soon as possible.

Wrongful death refers to any fatality that results from another person’s wrongful act, carelessness, or neglect. Some of the circumstances that have led up to lawsuits in the past include care center negligence, traffic accidents, workplace negligence or violence, aggression and so on.

Vehicle Accident Questions

After experiencing a motor vehicle accident, understanding the legal intricacies of such an incident is vital. Here at Lucé Law, PC we specialize in clarifying the complex legal issues that can occur post-accident. Our dedicated team is ready to provide guidance throughout this challenging time. We present some commonly asked questions below.

If you are injured in a car accident and cannot work, don’t panic. With a few simple steps, you can ensure that you receive compensation for lost wages. First, contact your insurance company and file a police report as soon as possible after the incident. Next, find an attorney who can help you file a personal injury claim. In many cases, the insurance company of the responsible party will try to get you to settle for less than you deserve. A skilled attorney, however, will fight for a fair personal injury settlement that fully compensates you for your loss of income and earning capacity.

If you are in a car accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel much pain right away. Immediately after a crash you may be too shaken up or too agitated to notice that you are seriously hurt, or you may easily have an injury that doesn’t present symptoms for a day or two. When you choose not to seek immediate medical treatment after an accident, an insurance company is more likely to believe that the injury was caused by another recent activity (or an ongoing condition) rather than the accident itself. As a preventive measure, always have a doctor check you out after you’ve gone through physical trauma.

If you’ve been in a car accident, do not let the other driver’s claims adjuster rush or hassle you in any way. Unless you are nearing the statute of limitations for filing a claim in your state (each state has its own timeline), you can file whenever you feel ready. The insurance company wants to reach the lowest settlement possible, and a swift decision can result in the injured party ultimately receiving less than deserved. Take the time to consult with a legal professional who can guide you through the proper car accident steps, and ensure that you receive a fair settlement covering all past and, in some cases, future damages.

Car accident settlements often move slowly for various reasons. Completing the necessary car accident steps can require a significant amount of time after the incident. Proving liability can take a long time, especially if witnesses, experts and judges are involved in determining who was at fault. Medical professionals might need to verify that your injuries were a result of the accident. If you’re dealing with ongoing medical treatment, it may take longer to assess the financial burden resulting from the accident. If you can wait until you have received all of your treatment, or at least enough to establish the medical support or procedures you will need in the future, you have a greater chance at recouping more of the money you deserve.

Motorcycle injuries can be particularly devastating, especially if the crash involves a full-sized vehicle. Even if you escape with what seem like minor injuries, go to the hospital immediately for a professional medical evaluation. If possible, take photographs of the accident immediately after the crash to serve as valuable evidence to support your settlement claim. Finally, reach out to a competent personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Even if you believe you might be partially at fault, you could still have sufficient cause to file suit and obtain a settlement for your motorcycle accident.

The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim will vary from case to case. Before a settlement is reached, the insurance adjusters will gather records such as collision reports and witness accounts. If the insurance company presents an acceptable offer, the case may be settled within a few months. If a lawsuit is involved, the case may last a year or even much longer.

When you are injured in an auto accident, your first step is usually to seek justice and compensation. In most accidents a person will not be acquainted with the responsible party, but what happens when a family member is at fault? Filing a personal injury lawsuit against a family member is not only legal, it would be necessary if you needed compensation for costly medical bills or loss of income.

Business Law Questions

Understanding business law and how it applies to your business is an important part of owning a successful business. At Lucé Law, PC we’re here to guide our clients through the complicated legal issues that may arise. Some of the most frequent questions we receive are listed below.

When you’re starting a business with a partner, make sure you begin with a legally binding contract that offers protection to all entities. Have an attorney review the contract before anyone signs the document. If your partner ignores the terms, you are entitled to pursue legal remedies, including expulsion from the business if legal and necessary.Business litigation can be very complex. When you’re dealing with a breach of contract allegation, consult with an attorney before taking serious action against your partner. If you try to expel your partner unlawfully, you could face complications from breach of partnership or wrongful dissolution charges. An attorney can help decide whether or not (and how) to expel your partner if necessary, or how to file a suit for contract violation.

Owning your own business gives you flexibility and autonomy in your work. When you’re just getting started, however, you’ll have to navigate a labyrinth of paperwork and legalese as you create buy/sell agreements, figure out how to protect your assets – and incorporate your company. Don’t let yourself become lost in that crucial first phase of launching a company. Instead, protect yourself and your new enterprise by contacting a business formation lawyer.

The Small Business Administration recommends hiring an attorney for all legal matters, especially when you are forming a corporation. Lawyers can help you in multiple ways, from ensuring that your company is protected under the law to helping you with tax requirements. An attorney will also share advice on patents, business plans and other relevant endeavors.

For a business owner, few things are more frustrating than seeing another company using their slogan and logo. If you trademark your company’s name and slogan, you receive legal protection under intellectual property law. You may also have protection under copyright law if you have used a trademark to protect your logo. To avoid time-consuming mistakes in the trademark process, work with an attorney who understands intellectual property or IP law.

If you don’t have trademarks for your company’s name, slogan and logo, you should still contact an intellectual property attorney. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you determine how – and whether you can or should – pursue litigation under unfair competition regulations, even without legal IP protection measures in place.

Real Estate Law Questions

A real estate attorney assists clients with legal guidance, document preparation and litigation services. Here are some of the most common real estate law questions we receive at our McKinney office.

Some of the main reasons to work with a real estate attorney involve assistance with buying or selling real estate, commercial sales and leases, selling property to an out-of-state buyer, creating documentation for a custom home, foreclosures, breach of contract and landlord-tenant disputes. Real estate attorneys can draft and oversee contracts, helping to prevent complications and future conflicts. With careful scrutiny and contract amendments, a lawyer works to secure their client’s best interests in a deal.

In a typical real estate deal, each party has a financial interest at stake. Real estate attorneys are motivated to protect their client’s legal rights and responsibilities. From drafting and negotiating a contract to representing a person or company in the courtroom during real estate litigation, an experienced attorney works to uphold your best interests.

A real estate attorney can help during a property purchase by reviewing all relevant documentation before a deal is finalized. An attorney reviews property deeds, mortgage loan statements, title insurance and other essential documents. With the help of an attorney you can also determine if there are any lien disputes or claims against the property, enabling you to make the best decision about the potential purchase.

Another possible issue during a property purchase is the existence of dangerous conditions, illegal structures and other pitfalls that would require additional investment. A real estate attorney will make sure you are contractually protected, whether that involves canceling the contract or being fairly compensated. And when it comes to executing a real estate deal, your attorney can draft or review closing documents based on the particular requirements of the transaction.

In many cases, you can solve a real estate dispute without going to court. To prevent/minimize issues that can and do arise between buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants and other parties, attorneys will create a personalized plan tailored to the situation. Real estate litigation attorneys work to resolve commercial and residential property disputes for their clients in a timely and affordable manner. Frequently, this process involves a settlement through negotiation, mediation or arbitration before a court appearance is required.

Some common reasons to pursue litigation include title disputes, failures to disclose property defects, mortgage disputes or foreclosures, disputes between condo owners and boards, zoning issues, breaches of construction contracts and so on. Even though most people enter into real estate contracts with positive intentions, when issues arise it may be necessary to seek a favorable resolution through real estate litigation.

Estate Planning Questions

Estate planning need not be a daunting process. Having a plan directing what you want to happen with your estate when you are no longer able to oversee it will give your loved ones peace of mind. Here are some of the most frequently asked estate planning questions.

A living will is a tool used during estate planning that allows you to ensure that your wishes are met in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury. A living will goes into effect once you are incapacitated, either due to a terminal illness or a serious injury that results in a permanent vegetative state. A living will outlines which, if any, life-prolonging medical treatments you would want in that scenario, and usually requires that a doctor certify your condition is terminal.

Because every state has its own requirements, you should work with a living will attorney who is familiar with the laws and local regulations to prepare your paperwork. We also recommend appointing someone who will hold power of attorney for your healthcare if you are incapacitated but not terminal.

If someone passes away before they had time to compose a will, they will have died “intestate” and the state will take over the distribution of your estate. Instead of them having complete control of who gets what, all that responsibility is handed over to the court. This can be a big challenge if there is estrangement from the blood relatives, as “intestate” uses the family as the basis for asset distribution. So if you feel strongly about one or two family members having access to your assets when that is against your wishes, it’s a good idea to meet with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney before your death. Each state has a different method of distributing intestate, and the order in which assets are distributed to your family depends on whether you have a living spouse or children. When you have specific questions about intestate distribution consequences from your estate, speak to an experienced estate planning attorney.

If you pass away without a will or living trust, your assets will be distributed through the court in an “intestate” manner. This means your surviving family members will be given a portion of your estate in accordance with state law. Generally, your surviving spouse will receive all the property you and your spouse acquired during marriage. Your children and spouse will split the remaining property. Some individuals do not have any heirs to distribute their estate to when they die. If you would like to choose who should receive your money after you pass away, you must create an estate plan. Otherwise, you lose control over your assets when you die and the government will claim the money. Intestate distribution can be very complex, so it is imperative to speak with an experienced estate planning attorney to assist you with specific questions.

Selecting your spouse as executor of your estate often makes sense for several reasons. First, you should always choose someone you can trust to carry out your wishes – and for many people, a spouse fits this role. Additionally, your passing may affect your spouse financially more than anyone else, so he or she has the greatest stake in managing your assets prudently.

If you do not choose your spouse or another executor, the court will name someone for you, which might not be an ideal option. We advise discussing your estate planning with your spouse and your attorney to identify the best possible executor. If you end up choosing your spouse as executor, also have a backup executor in line in case your spouse is too upset or overwhelmed after your passing to take on the task of handling your estate.

Estate Disputes Questions

A well-considered, comprehensive estate plan can prevent conflict following the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, even with the most careful planning, estate disputes may still occur, requiring the guidance of a dedicated Texas attorney.

Undue influence in an estate dispute covers fraud, deceit and coercion that overpowers a testator’s free will in the execution of a will. Undue influence can be challenging to prove, as manipulation or exploitation often occurs in secret. However, an experienced estate disputes attorney builds a case that meets the burden of Texas law. An attorney may also work with beneficiaries to show that a will is valid, and accurately represents the testator’s clear wishes during the estate planning process.

Texas courts often look at the circumstances surrounding the creation of a will to determine undue influence. To make a judgment, courts look at factors that include the available opportunities for deception, the relationships between each party involved in the estate dispute, as well as the state of the testator’s mental and physical capacity.

A family settlement agreement in an estate dispute is a method of resolving probate litigation without needing a trial. Used as a strategy to resolve will contests, probate disputes and other conflicts, family settlement agreements can reduce time-consuming and expensive litigation proceedings. A common example of an agreement may involve a will that distributes assets unevenly to family members. If all parties determine that the estate should be divided equally, the court will enforce the family settlement agreement over the wishes laid out in the will.

For a family settlement agreement to be enforced, all heirs must agree to the terms and set out a plan for asset distribution and real estate inheritance that differs from the terms of the will. The courts often favor this process, as it effectively reduces estate disputes and prevents litigation.

There are several reasons for disputing a will or trust, even when an experienced attorney has drafted the document. Lack of testamentary capacity refers to a person’s ability to understand the elements of a will or amendments they are requesting be made to an existing document. Due execution involves the technical aspects of a will, including the appearance of a testator’s signature and the inclusion of a witness. If a person was manipulated into signing a will that didn’t represent their wishes, this is called undue influence.

In addition, relatives may file a power of attorney dispute if there is a conflict over the appointment of an agent to oversee the estate. For estate disputes in Texas, a spouse, child, creditor or other person with a claim on property can dispute the will’s validity within two years.

Criminal Law Questions

Facing criminal charges is a confusing and stressful experience. But with the help of an experienced criminal law attorney, individuals can access the best advice and representation from the initial charges through to a trial in court.

For a person to be charged with DWI (driving while intoxicated) in Texas, they will first be asked by an officer to perform sobriety tests. The officer may then request a breath sample or blood sample to determine the levels of alcohol in a person’s system. And while it is possible to refuse these tests, the officer can obtain a warrant if they believe the driver is intoxicated. A criminal law attorney guides clients through the DWI legal process, including fighting a license suspension.

After an arrest, clients may face an arraignment, civil proceeding, plea entry, preliminary hearing, pre-trial and trial. It is certainly possible for a person to represent themselves. However, it is beneficial to work with an experienced criminal law attorney. The attorney can guide the individual through each stage of the process, supplying sound advice and determined representation.

Common misdemeanor offenses in Texas include petty theft, DWI charges, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, drug crimes involving low quantities, criminal trespass and certain weapons possession charges. Misdemeanor charges are brought more often than felony charges, with misdemeanors typically being restricted to offenses that don’t involve significant property damage or violence. If you face a misdemeanor charge, a criminal law attorney can often reduce the chance of jail time or substantial fines.

During an arraignment, a person charged with a misdemeanor will submit a guilty, not guilty or no contest plea. In some instances, the individual will have a plea deal with the prosecution. In most cases however, a criminal lawyer will build a robust defense against the charges. Criminal attorneys understand the legal process and the steps required to secure the best possible outcome for a defendant.

Defenses against weapons charges in Texas will vary depending on the details of the case. It may be possible to use an unlawful search and seizure defense, the Second Amendment right to bear arms, or special exemptions for particular circumstances. The most appropriate legal strategy can be determined with the help of a dedicated and experienced Texas criminal defense attorney.

A conviction for weapons charges could have severe consequences for a person’s employment and financial circumstances. Convictions may result from illegal possession, carrying a firearm in a Texas workplace, carrying a weapon in a place that serves alcohol, owning a prohibited weapon (armor-piercing ammunition, explosives, short-barrel firearms), or carrying a weapon while committing a crime. A criminal defense attorney will diligently advocate for the rights of clients, providing smart, effective defenses for weapons charges.

Both DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Impaired) refer to the same general action of illegally operating a vehicle when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Though many people use the terms interchangeably, some states classify them as separate crimes. In those states, a DUI is typically the less severe of the two charges.

If you have been convicted of a DUI, the charge will stay on your record even if you relocate. Most states share information about DUIs, and some support one another in honoring license suspensions. With the help of an experienced DUI and DWI attorney however, you can work to have your conviction overturned.

Litigation Questions

The litigation process can quickly become complicated and confusing. The following are some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions about litigation.

If you’re a business owner, you know that intellectual property theft can be extremely costly and problematic. However, If another company steals your invention you may pursue recourse under intellectual property law.

While protective measures – including patents and copyrights – can help your case, you do not need such safeguards in order to sue a company for stealing your work. If you don’t have a patent, however, you will need to prove that the invention was your original idea by using extensive documentation. For example, you could use a nondisclosure agreement to prove that a company stole your idea despite the terms outlined in the document. Work with a patent and IP attorney to determine whether or not your case merits a lawsuit, what damages you may be entitled to claim – and how long you have to file under the statute of limitations.

If a debt collection agency is harassing you, contact the creditor to see whether you can create a payment plan or come up with another compromise. If that doesn’t work, or if the agency continues to contact you incessantly, send a letter outlining the behavior and requesting that the creditor no longer contact you. By law, the collection agency must cease. If you are still experiencing harassing behavior, consult an attorney for assistance. Once you have legal representation, a collection agency lawyer will need to direct all further communication to your lawyer, rather than to you.

As a business owner, you want quick resolutions to the inevitable disputes that arise. By hiring a business litigation lawyer, you can handle any issue with efficiency – and get back to running your day-to-day operations. There are many different services offered by a business lawyer, including drafting third-party agreements, debt collection, breach of contract and more. Every business faces unique challenges when it comes to litigation, and a lawyer can help you handle any upsets, whether large or small, external or internal.

For instance, if you find that your business is being sued, you need an attorney to fight to protect your rights. An attorney with the right experience can guide you through the litigation process and can get you the results you want. To bring each client the best resolution possible, we provide diligent representation and support.

Civil statute of limitations laws will apply to each case, but the time period varies depending on the type of claim. Contact us directly and we can advise based on the details of your case.

No law requires a consumer to provide personal information over the phone to a debt collector. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a collector, ask for the name of the caller or the company and keep your personal information to yourself. If you begin receiving phone calls from a collections agency asking for your address, bank account information or Social Security number, contact a collection agency lawyer for assistance.

Probate Questions

Navigating the probate process while dealing with the loss of a loved one can be difficult. When handling probate for a client, these are some of the most common questions we answer.

Yes, there are several strategies to avoid probate in Texas. Jointly owned property, payable-on-death designations for bank accounts, transfer-on-death designations for securities and revocable living trusts can all facilitate the direct transfer of assets without going through probate. These opportunities can save both time and money for the heirs.

A person dying without a will in Texas is considered “intestate.” In such cases Texas intestacy laws will dictate the distribution of the deceased’s assets. These laws establish a specific order of heirs eligible to receive the assets, generally favoring the spouse and direct descendants.

A probate lawyer assists with the probate process, offering guidance and expertise. Lawyers help file documents, administer assets, pay debts and taxes, address disputes and distribute the remaining assets. Due to the complex nature of probate law, an attorney serves as a valuable ally throughout this process.

In Texas, any competent adult can serve as an executor (provided they do not have a felony conviction). The court appoints an administrator if the individual named in the will cannot perform the duties.

The duration of the probate process in Texas can vary greatly. For example, an estate with substantial assets that faces estate disputes and probate litigation is likely to take considerable time to fully resolve. However, for a simple estate with no conflicts, probate may take from a few months to a year.

Have a Different Legal Question?

When you are struggling with questions or concerns about legal issues – from estate planning to business law, litigation or criminal law – Lucé Law, PC is just a call away. Contact us today by calling (972) 632-1300, or request a free legal consultation.

Legal Practice Areas

Joe Lucé represents individuals dealing with the repercussions of personal injuries, auto accidents, slip and fall injuries and wrongful death.
Personal Injury

Personal Injury

Our experience dealing with personal injury claims means we know how to get results.

wrongful Death attorney

Wrongful Death

The loss of a loved one is compounded when it’s the result of wrongful death.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents occur regularly in commercial buildings, workplaces, stores and malls.

Auto Accidents

Auto Accidents

Auto accidents are frequently preventable, with distracted drivers, vehicle malfunctions and other conditions to blame.