The Mendel Law Firm, L.P.

Attorneys & Counselors

Call Now: 281-759-3213

LP Payment button
Home » blog

Chinese Trusts?

by

It is obvious that different cultures have different ways of doing things and different ways of looking at the world. These differences often lead to radically different ways of thinking and reasoning about what is right. They also lead to entirely different ways of handling legal affairs. Consider, for example, how our estate laws would look if we did not have Trusts. Some cultures do not have Trusts, at least that is an argument that is currently playing itself out in Hong Kong's courts. … [Read more...] about Chinese Trusts?

Texas History – Do You Know the Texan Who Founded the Sealy Mattress Company?

by

We have Daniel Haynes to thank for giving us a good night’s sleep. In the 1880s, the Austin County settler invented the process and the machinery for manufacturing the cotton mattress. This was the forerunner of today’s modern bedding. Haynes named his company for the town where he developed the machinery - Sealy, Texas. Thus, began the Sealy Mattress Company. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know the Texan Who Founded the Sealy Mattress Company?

Hidden Gold and Intestate Succession

by

We have told you before that under the laws of Intestate succession your estate is distributed to your closest living relatives if you pass away without an estate plan or at least a Will. However, what we haven't told you is that it is not always easy for your relatives to claim their inheritances. In some cases, unrelated people step in and try to claim to be related and officials have to determine who is actually related to you. This is exactly what happened recently in Nevada with the estate … [Read more...] about Hidden Gold and Intestate Succession

Texas History – Do You Know When the First Time an Airplane Was Used for Military Purposes?

by

During February and March of 1911, the aviation section of the U.S. Army was attached to a military force along the Rio Grande River, and for the first time in American history an airplane was used for military purposes, and the use occurred in Texas airspace. … [Read more...] about Texas History – Do You Know When the First Time an Airplane Was Used for Military Purposes?

The Triathlon Journey Continues

by

Dear Family, Friends, Clients & Colleagues: It has been awhile since I wrote about one of my triathlons, so I thought I would share a story about one of my recent events. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks Stephen A. Mendel ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ It’s 4:20 a.m. on September 28, 2014. It’s a Sunday morning, and I am wide awake. This is a good sign, because the alarm is set for 4:35 a.m. Today’s a big day. … [Read more...] about The Triathlon Journey Continues

Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

by

William Lewis Moody, Jr. (`865-1954) - Entrepreneur & Philanthropist William Lewis Moody was an American financier and entrepreneur from Galveston, Texas. In 1889, Moody persuaded his father to open a bank. Later, the family acquired the National Bank of Texas, which became the W.L. Moody Bank. In 1907, Moody opened the City National Bank, which later became Moody National Bank. Moody had entered the insurance business in 1905 by helping to organize the American National Insurance Company. … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?

Accidental Disinheritance

by

Many people do not know that it is possible to pass away and have their children receive no portion of their estates. This is true even when the deceased has a clear intent to makes sure that the children receive an inheritance. Recently, we have learned that this may have happened to Louis Armstrong who passed away several decades ago. The musician was believed to have passed away without any biological children. His wife signed an affidavit with the court that said that was true. What she … [Read more...] about Accidental Disinheritance