General Practice Blog

This post compares Texas and Illinois law; figures and deadlines are stated generally, so confirm the current rule in the relevant state before acting. In an earlier post I wrote that the strongest claim in Texas is worthless if it is filed one day late. Here is the two-state twist that my Texas and Illinois…

This post discusses Texas law. The strongest claim in Texas is worthless if it is filed one day late. Civil claims are subject to statutes of limitations and other deadlines that vary by the type of claim, and some are surprisingly short. Notice requirements, contractual claim periods, and administrative prerequisites can shrink the window further.…

This post discusses Texas law. Most disputes are better resolved without a trial when a fair resolution is achievable. That is not a lawyer being soft; it is arithmetic. Litigation costs money, time, and attention, and a good settlement today is often worth more than a better judgment two years from now. I pursue negotiation…

This post compares Texas and Illinois law; figures and deadlines are stated generally, so confirm the current rule in the relevant state before acting. I advise both employers and employees in Texas and Illinois, and nothing illustrates the difference between the two states like the non-compete agreement. The identical paragraph, signed by identical employees, can…

This post discusses Texas law. There is no universally correct entity, only the right entity for your liability exposure, tax situation, number of owners, and plans for growth or investment. Texas LLCs, including series LLCs, are popular for good reason: they separate operational risk from ownership and offer real flexibility. But they are not always…

This post discusses Texas and federal law. It is one of the most common misunderstandings in small business: “I registered my LLC with the state, so the name is mine.” Registering an entity name and owning a trademark are two different things. The “LLC” designation identifies your legal entity; it does not by itself give…

This post compares Texas and Illinois law; figures and deadlines are stated generally, so confirm the current rule in the relevant state before acting. Because I practice in both Texas and Illinois, families sometimes ask me which state’s probate is worse. The honest answer is that both states offer independent administration, which keeps court supervision…

Not every will should be probated without a fight, and not every challenge to a will is legitimate. In Texas, a will can be contested on grounds such as lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, duress, or improper execution. These contests generally must be brought within two years of the date the will is…

Texans hear probate horror stories from friends in other states and assume the worst. The reality here is better, provided the paperwork was done right. The reason is a Texas procedure called independent administration, and understanding it explains most of what your family will (or will not) go through. What independent administration is In an…

This post compares Texas and Illinois law; figures and deadlines are stated generally, so confirm the current rule in the relevant state before acting. I have been licensed in Illinois since 1996 and in Texas since 1997. I lived in Illinois from 1995 to 2017, Illinois was the center of my practice through 2018, and…