Dear Mr. Premack: The Texas legislature is out of session for 2021. Did they pass any new laws that may influence my estate planning? – R.B. In each legislative term, the State Bar of Texas makes recommendations to the legislature about new laws attorneys would like to have passed, and about modifications to estate planning and probate laws which will make the system work more smoothly. However, in this 2021 legislative session the recommended changes to the Estates Code did not pass the legislature. According to those who closely watch the proceedings, there were no substantive objections to the proposals.…
When you hear the term “drug trafficking”, it probably conjures images of El Chapo or Pablo Escobar. And while you’re not wrong, you don’t have to be head of a world-famous crime syndicate to be charged with drug trafficking in Texas or elsewhere.   A man in San Angelo, Texas was recently sent to prison for 25 years for drug trafficking – and it turns out that was the lucky outcome. He accepted a plea deal with prosecutors for a reduced sentence for the manufacture and delivery of controlled substances. Based on the amount he possessed when arrested, it could…
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Registration is now open for the 2021 State Bar of Texas Virtual Annual Meeting on June 17-18. For $185 you will have access to CLE programming from 20 State Bar sections and can earn up to 10 hours of CLE credit, including all of your ethics for the year. The CLE programming is available only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT on June 17. On June 18, from 10 a.m. to noon CDT, you can watch Annual Meeting favorites including remarks from 2020-21 State Bar of Texas President Larry McDougal and 2020-21 Texas Young Lawyers Association President Britney Harrison,…
Every adult residing in Texas should have a Texas durable power of attorney. What is a Durable Power of Attorney? A durable power of attorney is a document that will allow you to appoint someone you trust to engage in specified business, financial and legal transactions on your behalf. It is called “durable” because it does not terminate if you become incapacitated. If you become incapacitated and do not have a durable power of attorney, a guardianship may be necessary to allow someone to manage your financial affairs. When Does it go Into Effect? Powers of attorney can become effective…
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In a small town police force, one officer is going through some serious emotional issues. His former girlfriend and mother of their child is seeing a senior officer on the same small police force. In March, 2018, the chief of the police force referred Office Michael Grelle to a clinical psychologist for an evaluation. The chief mentioned that Officer Grelle had said he could not control his emotions. The young officer had handled various calls in a haphazard way, said the chief. The officer had cried during a meeting with his supervisors. On March 21, 2018, the psychologist found that…
Texas is a community property state, so once you divorce, you expect to split the assets you’ve acquired since your marriage. You assumed, however, that the home you purchased prior to your marriage and kept solely in your name would be your personal property to keep. However, that could be a mistake. Increases in equity can be considered marital assets You may have owned the property prior to your marriage, but that doesn’t mean that your spouse has no interest in it today — especially if there has been a significant jump in the property’s equity value. The equity that…
The State Bar of Texas Appellate Section is accepting nominations for the Texas Appellate Hall of Fame. The hall of fame posthumously honors advocates and judges who made a lasting mark on appellate practice in Texas. Nominations should include the nominator’s contact information, the nominee’s bio or CV, the nominee’s photo if available, and all the reasons for the nominations (including unique contributions to the practice of appellate law in Texas). The more comprehensive the nomination materials, the better. All material will be sent to the voting trustees for consideration. Nominations will be considered based upon some or all of…
Losing a loved one unexpectedly can be absolutely devastating; and while nothing can bring them back, seeking compensation for a wrongful death can lessen the family’s financial burden. There is limited time to act, however, and if legal action is not taken in time the family may lose the chance to make a claim. The statute of limitations in Texas for wrongful death is two years from the date of the victim’s death, with very few exceptions. To help protect your family’s legal rights and preserve the ability to pursue legal action, contact our team of wrongful death attorneys today…
As an employer and an employee, it is incredibly beneficial to understand how employment law affects your workplace. Employment law governs the relationship between employers and workers. These laws ensure that workers are treated fairly and are able to work safely while also protecting employers’ livelihoods and businesses. Employment laws, also known as labor laws, are based on federal and state constitutions, administrative rulings, court opinions, and legislation. While many workers and business owners are aware of common labor laws – including the federal minimum wage, anti-discrimination laws, and overtime pay requirements – there are many misconceptions about…