If you think you may need an attorney in the areas of Small Business, Real Estate or Probate, you can contact Dan about your situation. Reaching out does not cost you anything and you can get valuable insight into whether or not you need an attorney.
You want a local attorney because it helps save on travel costs and ensures familiarity with local laws. For instance, if you need to probate a will or handle legal matters in San Antonio, hiring a local attorney will likely save you money by eliminating unnecessary travel expenses and ensuring you have someone well-versed in the specific legal landscape of the area.
If you have a real estate matter, a copy of the sales agreement, deed, deed of trust and related communications will be helpful. If it is probate matter, a copy of the will and death certificate are a good start. If it is a business problem, a copy of all the relevant communications (emails, letters, text messages, etc.) is always helpful.
It’s always best to contact an attorney early in the process, whether you’re dealing with probate, starting a small business or handling a real estate transaction. For probate, reaching out as soon as a loved one passes can help streamline the process and avoid complications with the estate.
When forming a small business, consulting with an attorney before filing paperwork ensures your business is structured correctly from the start. In real estate, legal guidance during contracts, purchases or sales can prevent costly mistakes and protect your interests.
When meeting with an attorney, it’s important to provide the following information:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers for all parties involved.
- A concise summary of the issue or situation you’re facing.
- Copies of any relevant documents, such as contracts, agreements, demand letters, legal petitions, emails and text messages.
Having these details ready will help your attorney better understand your case and offer effective guidance.
A Company Agreement is a custom-written document for a company that lays out the framework for how a business will operate. In other words, it’s like your very own rulebook for the owners and other employees in charge of your business. Company Agreements cover things like ownership structure and members’ rights and responsibilities. For more information, visit our company agreements page to see common items included in this document.
Yes, it is possible to write your own will, and Texas law recognizes both formal and holographic (handwritten) wills as valid. However, it’s always wise to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure your will is drafted correctly and reflects your wishes.
A lawyer can provide valuable guidance, particularly in complex situations like planning for specific distributions or addressing concerns about potential disputes. Seeking legal advice can give you peace of mind that your will meets all legal requirements and will be upheld in the future.
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives an individual or organization — referred to as your attorney-in-fact or agent — permission to act on your behalf if and when you can no longer do so. Based on the type of POA, this may give the agent the power to make financial, business, medical, real estate or insurance decisions.
While it is possible to create a living trust on your own using online resources, working with a knowledgeable attorney ensures that your trust is properly drafted and tailored to your unique circumstances. Trusts are important legal documents that help protect your assets and ensure your wishes are followed, and mistakes made in their creation can lead to significant complications later on. By having a lawyer involved, you can feel confident that your assets and loved ones are fully protected.
While many renter-landlord disputes can be resolved without legal intervention, there are situations when a lawyer can help your case. Here are some examples of when to hire a lawyer:
- Eviction: If you plan to fight an eviction or improper eviction is taking place.
- Discrimination: If your landlord is discriminatory, a lawyer can help stop the illegal behavior and recover any damages.
- Unfulfilled promises or repairs: If your landlord fails to follow through with repairs or promised actions.
- Personal or property damage: Damage to your property or injury to your person will require a lawyer to receive compensation.
A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of property from one person to another, while a title represents the legal right to own and use that property. The deed acts as proof of the transfer, while the title signifies ownership and control over the property. Essentially, the deed is the paperwork that formalizes the change in ownership, while the title is the legal concept of ownership itself.
Although Texas doesn’t require a real estate attorney for most property transactions, hiring one can be extremely beneficial in more complex situations. For example, a real estate attorney can offer valuable expertise in commercial transactions, all-cash sales, owner financing or if you’re inexperienced with mortgage paperwork. Whenever a deal involves unfamiliar or intricate details, having legal counsel ensures your interests are fully protected and the transaction proceeds smoothly.
Although you can probate a will on your own, certain aspects of the process are best handled with the help of an experienced probate attorney. If there are disputes over determining heirs or complex ownership issues such as royalties or business interests, an attorney can provide essential guidance. Additionally, when dealing with estate taxes, outstanding debts or insufficient funds to cover expenses, hiring a probate lawyer is crucial to avoid legal complications and ensure proper handling of the estate.
To incorporate your small business, you’ll need to file articles of incorporation with the state. While it’s possible to handle this yourself, it’s highly advisable to have a business lawyer review your paperwork during the formation process. Ensuring that critical documents like your company agreement and employee agreements are correctly drafted from the start can help you avoid costly legal issues down the road.