No matter what land or property the government or other entities target for public use acquisition, they must compensate the affected owners accordingly. However, owners receive varying compensation depending on the nature of their property. The government primarily...
Texas Legal Blog
Should you simplify assets as you approach estate planning?
The estate planning process is, in essence, all about planning for the future. And, oftentimes, simple plans are the best ones, both for those who are drafting the estate plans and the ones who will benefit from the plans. Overly complicated estate plans are usually...
The most effective ways to pass wealth to your heirs
One of the primary goals for creating an estate plan is having a strategy that will allow you to maintain control over what happens to your personal property after you pass. By creating a plan, you will be able to decide exactly what will happen to your wealth and...
Appraisals can play a crucial role in eminent domain cases
The term “just compensation” is a crucial part of the eminent domain process. The concept is fairly simple: if the condemning entity is permitted to take your land or property rights then, in return, the property owner is supposed to receive just compensation for that...
What does just compensation in eminent domain cases cover?
Eminent domain is a tricky topic for ordinary land and property owners. Nevertheless, they should know its basic elements, especially if their property is subject to government acquisition. One of the essential elements of eminent domain is just compensation – the...
Can I refuse eminent domain on my property?
Like many states, Texas is rich in land, comprising millions of acres devoted to farms, ranches and forests. Many of these are privately-owned working properties. Since the state does not have much public land, the government and private enterprises often acquire...
Reasons why every adult needs a will
Planning for death is not typically a preferred subject for most people in Texas. Of course, death is inevitable and something that will happen to everyone. As such, it makes good sense to prepare for this inevitable event. Creating a will is a way to ensure that...
How to talk to kids about estate planning
Planning for the eventuality of death and the possibility of incapacitation in the future is not easy. These are sensitive matters, and it is not easy to discuss this possibility with loved ones, especially children. While the discussion about estate planning may not...
What is a breach of fiduciary duty?
A breach of fiduciary duty is a legal term that refers to a situation in which someone who owes a fiduciary duty to another person fails to act in that party's best interests. A fiduciary duty is a legal obligation to act in the best interests of another party,...
Why a trust could be a beneficial estate planning tool
When planning for the future, it is important to take current and future needs into consideration. While there is no way to accurately predict what will happen in the coming months and years, it is possible to make plans that will provide stability and security long...