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Texas Intestacy Estate Planning for Children Born out of Wedlock: Part 1 of 2

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In most states, including Texas, a child born out of wedlock is an illegitimate child. Rightfully, illegitimate children are treated as heirs in some cases. According to Texas law, they can take advantage of many of the state’s intestacy statutes. However, illegitimate children may not be able to receive inheritances under the state’s intestacy laws. Texas law gives illegitimate children or children born out of wedlock the intestate rights to inherit from their natural mothers but not from their … [Read more...] about Texas Intestacy Estate Planning for Children Born out of Wedlock: Part 1 of 2

Texas History – Do You Know How Many Texan Combatants Died at the Alamo?

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Santa Anna’s army of approximately 2,600 had 600 killed and wounded, although those totals range lower in Santa Anna’s official report and higher in some Texan accounts. All the Texan combatants died. Their estimated numbers on the final day varied in conflicting reports from 189 to 257. Of those Texans who perished, at least nine (9) were of Hispanic ancestry. Approximately thirty (30) women, children, and slaves survived the siege and fall of the Alamo. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know How Many Texan Combatants Died at the Alamo?

Procedures in Probating a Will in Texas: Part 3 of 3

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Continuing the last blog within this three-part series, we will discuss proceeding with administration of the decedent’s estate using the Small Estate Affidavit. Unless the decedent’s assets fall within the small estate exception, the administration process involves appointing a personal representative to administer or oversee the distribution of the decedent’s assets pursuant to his or her will. If the decedent died without a valid will, you may be able to bypass the formal estate … [Read more...] about Procedures in Probating a Will in Texas: Part 3 of 3

Texas History – Do You Know How the Alamo Got Its Name?

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There are two potential explanations. Spanish authorities established the Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718 and construction continued over the next several decades. Following secularization in 1793, a company of Spanish soldiers from San Carlos del Alamo de Parras in Coahuila used the buildings as its headquarters. The soldiers referred to their post as the Alamo and applied the name to their new assignment. Another explanation for the name refers to the Alamo (cottonwood) trees growing … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know How the Alamo Got Its Name?

Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

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Gloria Swanson (1899-1983) - Actress   Swanson was one of the most prominent stars during the silent film era as both an actress and a fashion icon. She did especially well under the direction of Cecil B. DeMille, whom she made dozens of silent movies and was nominated for the first Academy Award in the Best Actress category. In 1929, Swanson successfully transitioned to talkies with The Trespasser. However, personal problems and changing tastes saw her popularity wane during the 1930s … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

Procedures in Probating a Will in Texas: Part 2 of 3

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Continuing this three-part blog series, we will discuss what is necessary to probate your will in Texas. After the probate court establishes the authenticity of the decedent’s will or validity, you will have to administer the will. In Texas, the estate administration occurs after a court approves the decedent’s appointed executor. If the decedent’s will failed to appoint an executor, or if the executor is unable or unwilling to serve, the probate court must appoint a personal representative to … [Read more...] about Procedures in Probating a Will in Texas: Part 2 of 3

Texas History – Do You Know Who Chaired the Conventions of 1832 & 1833?

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Fifty-eight (58) delegates from sixteen (16) districts met at San Felipe de Austin in October 1832, and chose Stephen F. Austin as presiding officer of the convention. On April 1, 1833, fifty-six (56) delegates met again at San Felipe de Austin, where William H. Wharton was selected as the president of the convention. At both conventions the major issue discussed was statehood while still maintaining ties with Mexico. At the 1833 convention a constitution committee, chaired by a new arrival in … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know Who Chaired the Conventions of 1832 & 1833?