Austin Probate Lawyer

The Supreme Court of Texas ruled that a Hill Country court judge did not have jurisdiction in a probate dispute in which he awarded $3,815,000. The Supreme Court voided his ruling and required that the case be turned over to another judge for resolution. While legislators assigned different powers to the courts, courts at law are typically not allowed to handle probate cases.

For more information on probate law or for help with a probate dispute, contact the Austin probate lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Jameson, LLP at 512-338-1100 today.

According to the sources in Texas (including the Houston Chronicle) the recent changes to the estate tax laws have sparked many people to make important changes to their wills. Some individuals believe that the new tax laws make it difficult for married couples to plan their estates, and people now may wish to change their wills to dispose of property in different ways after death.

If you would like to establish a new will or change an existing will, contact the Austin estate planning lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Jameson, LLP at 512-338-1100 today.

With the deadline for expiration of the U.S. estate tax set to expire this Thursday, some individuals feel that the decision to let the tax lapse was a huge mistake on the part of federal lawmakers.

The estate tax will not be in effect for 2010, unless Congress decides to amend the law to retroactively reinstate the law. In addition, lawmakers can bring back the tax in 2011 at a rate of 55% for individuals who inherit more than $1 million dollars.

If you have questions regarding planning your estate, contact the Austin probate lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Jameson, LLP at 512-338-1100 today.

The son of Brooke Astor, the famed philanthropist who passed away at age 105, was given a 1-3 year jail sentence for stealing money from her estate following her death.

The 85 year-old son was facing 25 years in prison for illegally taking from the multi-million dollar estate, but instead was given the lighter sentence.

If you or someone you love needs assistance with the estate planning process, contact an Austin probate lawyer of Slater Kennon & Jameson, LLP at 512-338-1100 today.

Congress has recently decided that the federal estate tax set to end January 1st 2010 will end for just one year, and then will be brought back.

Many lawyers and others worry that these plans could cause serious problems for clients and documents.  One of the most upsetting parts of this current estate planning issue is that it is very uncertain.  Some individuals are not sure about the best approach to handle this issue because congress has not set definitive plans for the estate tax.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with any stage of the estate planning process, please contact a Austin Estate Planning Lawyer of Slater, Kennon & Jameson, LLP by calling 512-338-1100.