Helping you understand the law so you can take care of your loved ones
At Ellen Williamson Law, PC, we are dedicated to empowering our clients with the knowledge they need to navigate complex legal matters confidently. Our blog serves as a resource for practical insights, legal updates, and expert guidance. Stay tuned for regular updates and tips from our experienced attorneys.
Community Property in Texas: What It Means for Your Estate Plan
In Texas, income earned during marriage is generally community property—owned equally by both spouses—regardless of whose name is on the title. This affects what you can leave in a will (only your half of community property), how separate property can be lost through commingling, and how the step-up in basis at death can eliminate capital gains tax on both halves of jointly owned appreciated assets.
Independent vs. Dependent Administration in Texas Probate: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?
If you've been appointed as executor of a Texas estate, one of the first things we'll sort out is what type of administration applies — and that choice has real consequences for how long probate takes, how much it costs, and how often you'll have to go back to court. Here's what independent and dependent administration actually mean in practice.
