-
3 days ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
What can be done if an executor delays probate or withholds estate information, including when to hire a probate litigation lawyer? Contributed Photo / STQ: My mother died in January 2023. My sister is the executor of her estate. When I enquire about what is going on with the probate, she gets hostile and says it's in probate court and she's waiting to hear from her lawyers and the court. I contacted the probate court, and they cannot find the case.
-
1 week ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
Most companies that trim trees will want to have their workers climb the tree, and that means they may need to enter your neighbor's yard. Elizabeth Conley/Staff PhotographerQ: Our next-door neighbor’s 40-foot-tall tree encroaches over our carport. Each fall, it makes a mess of the carport and yard. We are also concerned that the tree will hit our roof during a tropical storm or hurricane (we live close to Galveston Bay).
-
2 weeks ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
The new owner of a property in Harris County needs to submit Form 25.25(b)RP (called Request to Correct Name or Address on a Real Property Account) along with a copy of the recorded deed. Will Waldron/Times UnionQ: A property in my townhouse complex was foreclosed on in April (unpaid HOA dues, etc.). The Harris County Appraisal District still shows the previous owner. We have been unable to collect homeowners association dues, thus placing a burden on the other residents.
-
3 weeks ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
Every time a thunderstorm passes through, satellite service is lost. Can the contract with the provider be cancelled? Michael Cummo/Hearst Connecticut MediaQ: I recently signed a contract for satellite television service. It seems that every time a thunderstorm passes through, I lose service or the system has to reboot. That causes me to miss much of the programming I'm trying to watch. How can I cancel my contract?
-
1 month ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
Q: Last September, I sold a car to a New York resident. I did not remove the Texas plates. A few days later, he drove the car through the Lincoln Tunnel in New York City two times, incurring two $17.63 tolls. I received bills from New York which I protested. One of the bills was transferred to the new owner after I spoke to a representative at the New York State Thruway Authority.
-
1 month ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
Q: I've been thinking about asking my girlfriend to sign a prenuptial agreement ahead of our marriage. We're both 69, have adult children, and I also have grandchildren. We rent a home, but looking ahead, I may purchase a home for the two of us. I can make the down payment and pay the principal and interest on the loan plus the property taxes and insurance. I understand that as my spouse, she will have the right to live in the home after my death.
-
1 month ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
Q: Can a non-resident, non-citizen who owns property in Texas execute a will in Texas? Would it be valid? A: Yes, but the person needs to be careful to coordinate the Texas will with his or her estate planning documents which are signed in the person’s country of residence. For instance, if the person wants the Texas will to apply only to Texas property, then that should be stated right at the beginning of the will.
-
1 month ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
Q: I own a home that my sister and her husband live in, and I claim the homestead exemption on my primary residence. I was told by a real estate title expert that if I sign a revocable life estate deed as grantor, giving my sister and her husband a life estate in the property as grantees, they would then be listed as the owners on the appraisal district’s website and would be able to claim the homestead exemption. I would retain the right to cancel the life estate.
-
1 month ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
Q: If I cause an automobile accident and the victim is awarded a judgment against me that insurance doesn’t cover, are my retirement accounts and my homestead property exempt from the award? A: Yes. The homestead exemption is limited to 10 acres if you live in a city, or if you live outside a city, then the limit is 100 acres for an unmarried person and 200 acres for a married couple. Article continues below this adThere are generally no limits on the size of your retirement accounts.
-
2 months ago | 
houstonchronicle.com | Ronald Lipman
Q: When a minor turns 18, what estate documents should be drafted, and how soon? What if trust funds will begin being disbursed to that person at that age? A: Once a person reaches age 18 (the age of majority in Texas), it is a good idea for that person to sign a Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Directive to Physicians and HIPAA release.
