In order to sell a house, you must have clear title to that home. If the legal owner of the property died and left you that house in their will, but you never probated the will, the answer to whether you can now sell the home depends on many factors. When someone dies with a will, Texas law requires that will to be submitted to probate within four years of the death. The probate court oversees the distribution of assets to be sure that, after all the decedent’s debts are paid, the assets are distributed according to the written wishes of the decedent. Transfer of assets by the probate … [Read more...]
Divorce: If Property Is In My Name, Is It Considered Separate Property?
Texas is a community property state for purposes of division of property. This means that, with few exceptions, all property acquired by you during your marriage belongs equally to both you and your spouse. This includes, for example, the income you each earned from the date of your marriage to the date of your separation, pension plans, retirement accounts, real estate, cars, and more. Separate property is awarded to the owner of the property and is not divided. A dispute often arises when one party claims a certain piece … [Read more...]
