Waco Legal Blog
Get the facts about eminent domain in Texas
Texas landowners often have questions about eminent domain, the government right to seize land for the public good. The state Office of the Attorney General has published the Landowners' Bill of Rights, which addresses many common concerns of those who own homes,...
Why can someone contest a will in the state of Texas?
After a loved one passes away, their estate plan should reflect their wishes for their legacy. However, in some cases the will may not truly represent their wishes and interests. Under Texas law, an interested party—beneficiaries, trustees, family members and others...
How to become a guardian of a vulnerable adult in Texas
You may have a family member with diminished capacity due to disability and/or old age. This person may harm himself or herself through self-neglect or an accident. Perhaps the individual is vulnerable to manipulation by a dishonest person. You may be able to protect...
What are some common types of construction defects?
A lot goes into the planning, design and construction of a new building. However, sometimes structures built in the Waco area are faulty due to a construction defect. What is a construction defect? In general, construction defects occur if there is a failure in the...
4 reasons now is a good time for estate planning
According to Forbes Magazine, a majority of adults in the United States have not made any sort of estate plan. You may think that estate planning is only for the elderly or people who are very rich. The truth is that anyone can benefit from an estate plan, and...
What you don’t know about lien waivers can hurt you
Construction professionals understand mechanic’s liens well enough to know they are used to pursue a legal remedy when a party involved in a project has not been paid. Less understood are construction lien waivers – what they can accomplish and when they can be used....
How adequate compensation is determined in eminent domain claims
There are three bedrocks for property owners with regards to Texas eminent domain laws. First, the condemner must be authorized in its use of eminent domain. Second, the land in question can only be seized for public use. And third, the property owner must receive...
How often do you need to update your estate plan?
After creating your estate plan, you may have let it sit for a while. You might think you have no need to review it soon – or at all. Life happens, though, and failing to account for changes could cause problems down the road. Barring any major events, you will want...
Pushing for better terms in an oil or gas lease on your land
When you own acreage in Texas, unless you actively farm the land or raise cattle, it may be little more than extra space for you to walk on or what you perceive as a long-term investment. However, some people have the ability to capitalize on land that they would...
Have you created a plan for paying for long-term care as you age?
When you reach the age where you start thinking about retirement or when you can qualify for Medicare, you may think that you don't need to worry about medical costs in the future anymore. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that there are massive gaps in the...
