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...]
Common Law Marriage in Texas
Texas is one of a handful of states that recognizes a common law, or informal, marriage. If a person can prove to a court that the couple had a common law marriage, then they will have the same benefits as those who had a marriage ceremony and obtained a legal marriage license. If the couple separates, the court cannot make any orders regarding property division, child custody, child support, or spousal support unless the court first rules that there was a common law marriage. However, they choose to prove the marriage, both parties must be at least 18 years old. Filing a Declaration of … [Read more...]
