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?
Thought for the Day:
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Helen Keller … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Procedures in Probating a Will in Texas: Part 2 of 3
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?
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?
Thought for the Day:
The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts...take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature. Marcus Aurelius … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Procedures in Probating a Will in Texas: Part 1 of 3
This three-part blog series discusses the steps of probating a decedent’s will after he or she dies. If you are the decedent’s appointed executor or personal representative, you may be able to gain a cursory understanding of your probate duties during the next several months by reviewing these blog entries. If you are the personal representative of a decedent who died intestate or without a validly written will, your duties will also include locating the decedent’s heirs. Once you locate any … [Read more...] about Procedures in Probating a Will in Texas: Part 1 of 3
Texas History – When Was the Issue of Slavery First Addressed in Colonial Texas?
Mexican law prohibited the practice of human bondage, but national officials did not enforce the law in colonial Texas because the cultivation of cotton was the means to developing a cloth manufacturing industry. In 1829, when President Vicente Guerrero emancipated all slaves in Mexico, lawmakers exempted Texas to satisfy complaints by Stephen F. Austin on behalf of Texas slaveholders. In Texas, a system of indentured servitude developed whereby slaves signed a long-term contract with masters … [Read more...] about Texas History – When Was the Issue of Slavery First Addressed in Colonial Texas?
Thought for the Day:
Change your thoughts and you change your world. Norman Vincent Peale … [Read more...] about Thought for the Day:
Estate Plans for the Living
When most people think about estate plans, they think about documents that will be used by their relatives and the courts after they pass away. This is usually the bulk of an estate plan. However, some of the most important documents in an estate plan are actually legal instruments that are designed to be used while you are still alive. In fact, these documents lose all legal effect as soon as you pass away. One of these documents is called a Health Care Power of Attorney. In this short, … [Read more...] about Estate Plans for the Living
Texas History – Do You Know How Much Land a Settler Could Receive in 1825?
In 1825, while under the Mexican flag, a married man could receive as much as 4,428 acres for grazing purposes and 177 acres for farming by paying for locating, surveying, and securing title, which altogether would cost him less than land acquisition in the United States. An unmarried man could receive one-fourth that amount. Whether single or married, the men could take up to six (6) years to pay for their land, with payments beginning no later than the fourth year. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know How Much Land a Settler Could Receive in 1825?
