A Texas Attorney You Can Count On

Probate: We Can Help

As mentioned above, probate in Texas is more streamlined than other states but can still be overwhelming. Attorney Cahan helps clients determine (1) is probate necessary, and if so (2) which probate jurisdiction to file, (3) which of the three forms of Texas probate to choose, and then he follows through according to the client’s wishes. Understandably, many clients are emotionally overwhelmed and ask Richard to handle everything including filing the probate, administering the probate process, and making any necessary court appearances. Other clients retain Richard’s probate services on an ‘as needed basis’ in which they perform some of the probate tasks but have Richard handle forms, form filing, answering legal questions as they come up, and making court appearances on their behalf.

No matter the level of involvement required in your probate matter, Austin probate attorney, Richard Cahan, strives to ensure that his clients’ wishes regarding disposition of estate assets are accomplished in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

We offer top-drawer legal services in Texas. We serve the following localities: Central Texas including Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, San Marcos, Pflugerville, Travis County, Hays County, Williamson County, Bexar County, Including San Antonio and all of Central Texas.

Other Means to Transfer Assets, Etc.

Muniment Of Title

The process known as ‘muniment of title’ is an easy and often inexpensive way to transfer estate assets if there’s a valid will in place. Muniment of title can be used in the following situations:

Talk to your probate attorney to decide if muniment of title is an option for you.

Small Estate Affidavits

When there is no will and the overall value of the probate estate is $75,000 or less, then those who inherit property are allowed to prepare an affidavit to collect the property.

Small Estate Procedures

Texas law allows executors to use a basic small estate process when the value of the property doesn’t exceed the amount needed to pay the determined family allowance and select creditors. In this proceeding, the executor may provide an accounting that shows where the estate money was spent. Once the court approves it, the estate can be closed. Additionally, in situations whereby after all expenses of the funeral and final illness are paid, and the leftover assets do not exceed the amount of the determined family allowance, the court may then issue an ‘order of no administration’ and thereby assign any estate assets to the surviving spouse and/or the deceased’s minor children.

Estate Planning for Everyone. Yes, That Means You!

“Estate planning, that’s for old people.” “The only people who need an estate plan are the super rich with a bunch of houses and stuff.” “I’m too young for all that.” “I just own one house and a car, I don’t have an estate.”

We have heard them all. There are a million misconceptions about estate planning and who needs an estate plan and why. The biggest misconception by far is that estate planning is only for the wealthy. While it is true that someone with a high net worth financially speaking absolutely must have an estate plan in place, estate plans are not just for the wealthy. Everyone could benefit from having an estate plan in place, regardless of their level of income, or amount of assets they have. To many of us, the word ‘estate’ conjures up images of 15 bedroom mansions sitting on a cliff overlooking the ocean, but the word ‘estate’ is actually much less ostentatious than that. Simply put, an ‘estate’ is essentially everything you own. This includes your home, other real estate, your car, your checking and savings accounts, any investments, your life insurance policy, furniture that has any value, personal possessions, etc. So while you may think you have nothing of real value to warrant an estate plan, you do. Everyone has an estate.

The time to think about your estate plan, and put it in place, is now. You should contact an estate planning attorney in Pflugerville, TX and get started. When someone passes away without an estate plan in place, the court has no choice but to implement a court-controlled probate process. This could leave your spouse with a small amount of money to live on, if you have children that receive shares. The court will control the inheritance received by minor children, and in the tragic event that both parents were to die at the same, or relatively same time, such as in an accident, etc., the court will appoint their guardian—something you could have decided and controlled, had you put an estate plan in place. In short, there is a long list of controllable actions that are within your control as long as you have an estate plan in place that dictates how things are handled. Without the estate plan, it’s mostly all out of your control, which is not what you want.

Wills, Trusts, And Other Estate Planning Documents

Richard enjoys working with his clients on a one-on-one basis to create wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents that everyone needs, but so many procrastinate putting in place. We understand; planning for death is something most people don’t really enjoy. That’s why we make the process of drafting a will or planning an estate easy as can be and rewarding as well. When it’s all done, you’ll feel good that you took the time to get your life and family legacy in order! Read our numerous 5-STAR client Testimonials, and contact us to get started; we’re here to help.

Property/Tenant Law & Evictions

No matter what side of the situation you are on, property/tenant issues can be emotional and exhausting. As a skilled property/tenant law attorney, Richard has handled many cases, helping tenants who are being treated unfairly, but also helping landlords evict negligent tenants who have decided to cease payment of rent or who are a nuisance to the neighborhood and/or destroying the property. As an experienced eviction attorney in Pflugerville, TX, Richard has seen it all, every possible landlord/tenant issue and he has successfully brought countless cases to comfortable completions, restoring order and maintaining legal mandates. If you are a landlord/property owner who is having trouble with a difficult tenant, give Richard a call. Or if you are a tenant who is being harassed, mistreated, or abused by your landlord, give Richard a call. The laws are clear, and Richard will fight for you when your rights are being taken advantage of.