An Executor’s Guide to Administering an Estate
Estate Planning 101: The Five Most Important Clauses for Wills and Trusts
Top Ten Mistakes Executors Make and How to Avoid Them
Estate planning is a vital step in protecting your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are protected. Yet, many individuals unintentionally make mistakes that can lead to confusion, delays, and unnecessary expenses....more
After the loss of a loved one, families often face difficult questions—especially when the terms of a will are unexpected or the person named as executor is unfit. In these situations, it’s important to know that you do have...more
In Thomas v. Doolittle, an independent executor of the estate of an alleged husband appealed the sufficiency of the evidence to support the trial court’s order granting appellee’s petition for declaratory judgment, holding...more
It is not uncommon for a dispute to arise over a funeral and the rights to a body. Over half a million people die each year in England and Wales with 581,363 deaths registered in England and Wales in 2023....more
In Suday v. Suday, the executor was also the sole beneficiary of her mother’s estate. No. 24-1009, __ Tex. LEXIS __ (Tex. June 27, 2025) (per curiam). She engaged in substantial litigation seeking to challenge her parents’...more
In In re Est. of Prieto, the contestant’s mother executed a will in 2008 leaving her property to a trust. No. 04-22-00038-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 6336 (Tex. App.—San Antonio August 28, 2024, no pet.)....more
When a loved one passes away, the emotional toll of the loss can be compounded by the sudden responsibility of managing the deceased person’s estate—especially if you’ve been named as the executor under a Last Will and...more
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries and debts are settled. While many estates pass through probate smoothly, disputes can and do arise—sometimes...more
Have you been asked to be a trustee or executor? A trustee or executor has substantial financial and legal liability, and the trust or estate will pay an attorney to guide them through the process....more
In Suday v. Suday, a trial court denied an executrix’s challenge to its jurisdiction with regard to her mother’s estate. No. 04-23-00836-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 6953 (Tex. App.—San Antonio September 25, 2024, pet. filed)....more
As discussed in a previous blog, prior to an executor making distributions from an estate he/she must produce an accounting which the beneficiaries of an estate are entitled to review. Provided that the accounting is...more
Elderly persons often sign new estate documents, including trusts and trust amendments. Certainly, all persons with competence and without improper influences have the right to leave their property to whoever, and however,...more
Prior to the distribution of an estate by an executor to its beneficiaries, an executor must prepare an accounting which outlines the assets of an estate, its liabilities, and the expenses paid by an estate prior to actual...more
When is the executor nominated by the decedent in a will deemed unfit to serve as executor? Rarely – but a recent decision in Surrogates Court set forth the standard and deemed the nominated executor in that case unfit to...more
The Chambliss estate planning team often helps families navigate the complexities of administering a loved one’s estate. Challenges can arise in addressing the personal property in the estate...more
Managing your residuary estate - Even with a comprehensive estate plan, it’s likely you’ll have some assets in a residuary estate. Like the sediment at the bottom of your glass after you finish a fine wine, an estate plan...more
In Gaddy v. Fenenbock (In re Est. of Fenenbock), a probate court entered an order directing the independent executor of an estate to make a partial distribution of assets from the residuary clause in the decedent’s will into...more
In In re Mason, a trial court entered a discovery order requiring a defendant, who was an executor and trustee, to produce documents and information to the plaintiffs, his children. No. 12-24-00023-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS...more
In Castaneda v. Chapa, the executrix of an estate sued regarding the decedent changing account designations and a deed to real estate. No.13-22-00537-CV2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 3376 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi May 16, 2024, no pet....more
What is a Refunding Bond and Release? If you are beneficiary of an Estate, at some point you will be asked to sign a Refunding Bond and Release prior to receiving your bequest from an Estate. The logical question that...more
Florida Court of Appeal Holds that Illinois Law Firm Subject to Jurisdiction of State of Florida in Connection with Legal Malpractice Lawsuit Brought by Personal Representatives of Deceased Father’s Florida Estate - Neal...more
As a beneficiary of an estate, you may be expecting to receive your inheritance in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, the process to properly administer an estate prior to distributions being made by an executor might take a...more
What is the immediate importance of estate planning and why should any parent, business owner, homeowner, or those nearing retirement be focused on this issue? Why do most people delay one of the most critical financial and...more
Creating a last will and testament is the first step in creating an estate plan – a critical planning tool to ensure that your wishes are honored and that your loved ones are cared for after your death....more
In Gordon v. Gordon, a couple created a revocable trust and named a friend, who provided financial advice, as successor trustee. No. 03-22-00454-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 3611 (Tex. App.—Austin May 23, 2024, no pet. history)....more