When it comes to personal injury cases, the importance of medical records cannot be overstated. These invaluable documents serve as a cornerstone in establishing the extent of injuries, necessary medical treatments, and the resulting damages suffered by the plaintiff. At Springer & Lyle, we would like you to understand the role that medical records play in proving damages in a personal injury case. Medical records serve as a critical piece of evidence in personal injury cases, aiding plaintiffs in establishing causation, providing comprehensive details of injury severity, tracking … [Read more...]
Do All Wills Have to Be Probated in Texas?
In Texas, when a person dies and leaves a will, that will must be submitted to the court. However, all wills do not have to be probated. For a will to be admitted to probate, the court must determine a necessity for administration. Only estates with no contests, no real property, no debt, and no accounts without satisfactory beneficiary designations can really avoid probate. All others require the probate court to direct the proper distribution of the decedent’s (the person who died) assets, although there are several procedural options within the probate umbrella. If the decedent did not name … [Read more...]
Why Are There So Many Summer Accidents?
Summer is the season of sunshine, warmth, and outdoor activities. It’s a time when we enjoy going on vacations, swimming, hiking, and participating in various outdoor sports. However, it’s also the time when we tend to see a higher number of accidents. Every year, emergency rooms report a significant increase in patients during the summer months. 7 Reasons for Summer Accidents Summer accidents happen due to a combination of factors. Increased outdoor activities, more road trips, water-related accidents, heat-related illnesses, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, and fireworks are … [Read more...]
Can My Ex Move Out of The Area and Take The Kids?
Divorce is never easy, but it can be especially difficult when children are involved. After a divorce, both parents may want to move on with their lives and start fresh somewhere else. But what happens when one parent wants to move out of the area with the children? Review Your Custody Agreement If you have a custody agreement in place, you will need to review it carefully to determine what it says about moving out of the area. If you are the custodial parent and you want to move with the children, you may need to get permission from the court or from the other parent. If you are the … [Read more...]
Do I Need to Include Personal Belongings in My Will?
In Texas, if you die without a will, your property, including your real property and personal property, will be distributed according to Texas law. This may or may not be the way you want your property divided. It is possible that your siblings, parents, or grandchildren will not inherit anything. This is true even if all family members know that you wanted to leave a specific piece of personal property to a specific person. If you die with a will and do not specify how you want your personal belongings divided, your Executor will have the option to liquidate and divide the value or … [Read more...]
Divorce, Children and Summer
Divorce can be a difficult and emotional experience for both parents and children, and it can become even more complicated during the summer months when kids are out of school and routines may be disrupted. Below are valuable tips and strategies for navigating divorce and co-parenting during the summer with a focus on the well-being of the children. Communication is Key One of the most important things you can do as co-parents during the summer is to maintain open lines of communication. Make sure you are both aware of any changes in schedules, upcoming events or activities, and any … [Read more...]
Should I Go To The Hospital After A Car Accident?
Being in a car accident is of course stressful. You may feel that you were not hurt and resist seeking medical help. You just want to go home. At Springer & Lyle, we want to help you understand the importance of getting prompt medical attention following a motor vehicle accident. Why You Need Prompt Medical Attention Following a car accident, your body naturally releases adrenaline into your system. You may also be in shock. These two natural events may trick you into thinking you are not hurt when you very well may have some type of injury. There are several reasons why you should … [Read more...]
Divorce: What Happens To Our Belongings
Texas is a community property state. This means that all property acquired during the marriage belongs equally to each spouse. This includes not only your real estate, retirement accounts, automobiles etc., but also includes your belongings, such as your furniture. How to Divide Belongings The first step in dividing your belongings is to make a list of all the items you own together. This includes individual items such as a piano, paintings, bedroom set, living room furniture, etc. You need to put a monetary value on these items. Identify separate property. You each need to make … [Read more...]
When Should I Contest a Will?
On occasion, a Will offered for probate does not reflect the true wishes of the person and the probate of that Will may be contested. The state of Texas wants to be sure the wishes of the testator (the person who wrote the will) are followed, but certain circumstances may show the Will is not valid. Will contests are frequently difficult and costly, and strong evidence will need to show the Will is not valid. How to Begin a Will Contest: Filing the Petition and Standing The first step in contesting the will is to file a petition in probate court after the will has been admitted. You … [Read more...]
Are Car Accident Settlements Taxable in Texas?
Texas does not have a personal income tax, so there is no need to be concerned about claiming any of your personal injury settlement or jury award as income for Texas tax purposes. The only concern is whether you are expected to claim the money as personal income when submitting your federal IRS tax return. Springer & Lyle provides you with some of the information you need to be sure you comply with the relevant law. Does the Federal Government Tax Your Personal Injury The IRS code establishes how you are to handle the different aspects of your personal injury award that you receive … [Read more...]
