by Steve Spitzer | Jul 1, 2020
In some situations, joint accounts that are otherwise non-probate assets can be brought into the probate estate. The estate executor can recover the non-probate funds from the beneficiaries who received them and can also force financial institutions to provide...
by Steve Spitzer | Apr 1, 2020
Brian Loncar died from a cocaine overdose at age 56 in December of 2016, two days after the funeral of his 16-year-old daughter, Grace. Mr. Loncar, a plaintiff’s personal injury attorney famous for his advertisements as “The Strong Arm,” was found dead at...
by Steve Spitzer | Aug 23, 2019
The Tyler Court of Appeals recently upheld an undue influence finding that denied the probate of a will. Case Facts: The testator was terminally ill with congestive heart failure and pneumonia, and the will was signed less than six weeks before the death. A...
by Steve Spitzer | Jul 30, 2019
A will or an estate plan is important for most individuals to have. But unfortunately, it is considered an afterthought for many people. Surprisingly, the majority of American adults do not have a will. If tragedy were to strike, this could create a variety of...
by Ramey Flock | May 30, 2019
Aretha Franklin’s legendary singing career spanned five-plus decades. The “Queen of Soul” made the most appearances on the Billboard charts of any female performer ever. She died from pancreatic cancer in August of 2018 at age 76. 1. Probate Case It was initially...
by Steve Spitzer | Nov 1, 2018
Whether Texas recognizes a cause of action for tortious interference with inheritance has been unclear for years. This summer, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that the cause of action does not currently exist in our state. Past History: The first Texas case to recognize...
