With a worldwide pandemic, it’s only natural to think about the need for a will and other estate planning documents. School, work, shopping, and many other activities have gone virtual, so why not download a form and make a will? Many online templates do not comply with state laws, and the will may not be valid. At Springer & Lyle, we can manage your estate planning needs virtually and can ensure that your hard-earned estate will pass according to your wishes. What About Witnesses? According to Texas law, unless written entirely in the Testator’s handwriting, a will must … [Read more...]
Sharing the Road with Trucks
Imagine the travesty of an 80,000-pound large truck slamming into the back of an average 4,000-pound car. In accidents like this, the car driver and passenger may be killed or seriously injured while the truck driver walks away unscathed. At our Springer & Lyle law firm, we have some safety tips for you about how to safely share the road with trucks. Be Aware of the Extra Stopping Time a Truck Requires Due to the weight of a large truck, it takes it longer to stop than it does the much, much lighter car. Remember: If you are driving in front of a truck, stay far enough ahead so … [Read more...]
Car Accident Statistics
The Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) reports that as of March 9, 2020, 566 people had already lost their lives in vehicle accidents on Texas highways. That tally changes daily. At Springer & Lyle, we are concerned about the number of people who are injured as well as about the family members of those who die on Texas roadways. We are disturbed by the statistics and want to make you aware of the importance of driving safely. Texas Traffic Crash Facts According to the TDOT, the calendar year 2018 is the most recent year for which crash data is available. This is … [Read more...]
Child Custody Modification
When the court issues its final orders, it expects them to be just that: final. However, courts do recognize that in the case of child custody, there may be a change in circumstances that will require a modification in the custody arrangement. Petitions for modification must be filed in the court that made the original custody orders unless the child has moved. At Springer & Lyle, we are committed to assisting you when you need to request a custody modification. Parents Agree to a Modification If the parents agree between themselves to … [Read more...]
The Effects Daylight Savings Time has on Accidents
At Springer & Lyle, we are aware of the danger lurking around the six days following the day we “spring forward” an hour. Numerous studies have shown that this is a time that car accidents increase when 48 out of the 50 states go on daylight savings time Effects of Losing One Hour of Sleep Moving the clock ahead in the spring deprives folks of one hour of sleep. This does not seem like much, but according to researchers, this loss “causes a significant disruption in sleep cycles.” When sleep cycles are interrupted, then people are drowsy. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as … [Read more...]
What Factors Do Courts Consider When Determining Child Custody?
Texas law has its own set of definitions concerning child custody and visitation. At our Springer & Lyle Denton, Texas law firm, we help our clients understand these legal terms as we work with them to develop a parenting plan that will address all the factors courts consider when determining child custody. Texas Child Custody Definitions Most states use the terms "custody" and "visitation" when determining which parent, the children will live with and which parent will have visitation rights. In Texas, custody is referred to as "conservator-ship." A parent who has the … [Read more...]
How Long Does It Take to Probate A Will in Texas?
The best answer to the question about how long it takes to probate a will in Texas is, “It all depends.” Our attorneys at Springer & Lyle will help you understand the process specific to your circumstances, and to estimate a timeframe for when the process can be completed. What is Probate? Probate is the process where property owned by someone who died is transferred to the person’s heirs after any claims against the property have been settled. If the person left a valid will, the property will be distributed according to the … [Read more...]
Does My Car Accident Case Have to Go to Court?
The Texas State Department of Transportation receives approximately 600,000 vehicle crash reports from law enforcement agencies every year. Thousands of people are injured in those car accidents, some so severely their lives will never be the same. Our attorneys at Springer & Lyle are also aware that most personal injury lawsuits settle before going to court. What to Expect from the Insurance Company Warning: An insurance adjuster for the at-fault driver is not on your side of the case. Adjusters can be very nice, but they work for the insurance company, not you. Their job is to … [Read more...]
Probate: Is it Necessary?
The simple definition of probate is the legal process whereby property is transferred to the heirs of a deceased individual, who is referred to in law as the “decedent.” The definition may be simple, but the process is not. Our probate attorney at Springer & Lyle, Aubry Dameron, will assist you with the somewhat complicated Texas Estates Code so you can understand how probate works in Texas and discover what property can be transferred outside of probate. Many, if not most, estates in Texas if proper planning is in place, can avoid probate … [Read more...]
Things to Do If You Are Thinking About A Divorce
If you are thinking about a divorce, it must mean that you are not as happy as you think you should be. Before you take the leap to divorce court, keep in mind that divorce is not an event, but a process. There are some things you can do while you are still thinking about it. Things to Do When Thinking About a Divorce Talk over your concerns with a counselor or therapist. It may help you get the direction you need in deciding whether to pursue a divorce.Interview attorneys. You want to work with a lawyer who will always work on behalf of your best interest … [Read more...]