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Recent Blog Posts
What Are the Most Common Challenges Families Face During Probate?
Probate is a legal process that settles a deceased person’s estate. It involves multiple steps, such as inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to beneficiaries. In most cases, probate is not an enjoyable process and can be very difficult for families. The process can be highly complex and stir up deep-seated emotional and familial conflicts, particularly if there is a dispute regarding the distribution of assets or interpretation of the will.
If you have any concerns about going through your loved one’s estate in court, be sure to contact a San Antonio, TX probate lawyer. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, represents both beneficiaries and fiduciaries, so you can trust him to handle your case with a full understanding of probate. As a solo practitioner, he gives each client his full attention.
What Is the Process of Probating an Estate in Texas?
The probate process usually begins when someone files an application with the probate court in the county where the deceased person lived. A hearing follows, and if the will is accepted, the court will appoint an executor to carry out its terms. If there is no will, the court appoints an administrator instead.
Top 3 Causes of Disputes Between Commercial Landlords and Tenants
IIn some ways, renting out commercial real estate can be less complicated than renting out residential units. As a commercial landlord, you probably are not too worried about someone smoking inside your property or throwing loud parties that disturb other tenants. You are less likely to be disturbed by after-hours maintenance requests, and you are not subject to some of the stringent housing code requirements that apply to residential units.
Of course, that does not mean that renting out commercial space is going to be all smooth sailing. There are plenty of reasons that a commercial landlord could face litigation. Disputes between commercial renters and property owners are not uncommon.
If you are facing legal threats from your commercial tenant, it is important that you get in contact with a Bexar County, TX real estate attorney as soon as possible to help resolve your dispute. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, has over 15 years of legal experience, providing trusted counsel and guidance to landlords across the San Antonio area.
What Are Some Common Misconceptions Regarding Probate?
Probate is the legal process that settles the estate of a deceased person. The process involves the court-supervised distribution of the deceased person’s assets and the payment of their debts and taxes. It also helps to determine the validity of the deceased person’s will, identify their assets and liabilities, and pay any outstanding debts and taxes. When a will is present, probate aids in the distribution of remaining assets to the heirs or beneficiaries as specified.
If you ever need assistance taking care of a deceased loved one’s affairs, contact a Comal County, TX probate attorney who can guide you through the process while protecting your rights. As a solo practitioner, Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, provides clients with one-on-one help in complex matters.
What Are the Most Common Misconceptions About Probate in 2026?
Not many people are familiar with the processes in probate court. The process can be rife with stress, particularly as family members try to balance the grief of their loved one’s death with the necessity of taking care of the deceased person’s estate. The following are some of the most common misconceptions regarding probate.
Encumbrances That Can Stop You From Selling Your Home
Selling a home is often an exciting prospect. That said, the process can also be rife with difficulties – especially when it comes to the title. Before you can sell your home, you should make sure that it is free of encumbrances. A San Antonio, TX real estate attorney can review your property for any issues and help you take action to correct them.
Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, has over 15 years of experience helping clients with different legal matters. As a solo attorney, he can provide you with individualized legal advice and guidance, so you can rest assured that your case won’t be passed from lawyer to lawyer.
What Is an Encumbrance?
An encumbrance is anything that limits your ability to transfer clean ownership of your property to someone else. It is a claim, restriction, or liability attached to the land or the title itself. Some encumbrances affect how the property can be used. Others affect whether it can be sold at all.
6 Steps To Probating a Will in Texas
Probate can be very complicated. Whether your loved one left a will or not, a problem that arises during any one step can lead to long delays and more expenses. There are generally six steps, or phases, of the probate process in Texas. Some steps are trickier than others. Some may go quickly, and others may seem to drag on seemingly forever. You could benefit from the assistance of a Comal County, TX probate attorney in wading through the process. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, has the experience needed to anticipate and be prepared for any potential difficulties during probate.
What To Expect During Texas Probate in 2026
Each step in the probate process must be completed correctly and in order before any distributions can be made.
Application
A personal representative opens the probate case by filing a will with the probate court. This must take place within four years of the testator’s passing, but it is generally done quite promptly. In most cases, the will should be filed in the same county where the deceased person lived.
Common Mistakes During the Closing Process That Derail a New Home Purchase
Few life events are as exciting as purchasing a new home. Whether this will be your first time as a homeowner or you are upgrading to a new residence, staying grounded is crucial. Mistakes and oversights during the home-buying process can lead to nasty surprises during closing. For legal help, consider working with a San Antonio, TX real estate attorney.
Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, has years of experience guiding homeowners through major transactions. We can provide you with legal advice tailored to your unique situation, whether you are a first-time home buyer or you are moving into a new property better suited to your household.
What Happens During a Real Estate Closing in Texas?
Real estate closing is the final step before a buyer becomes the legal owner of a home. In Texas, this often happens through a title company. The buyer, seller, agents, lender, and title company all have roles, but they may not all meet in one room.
5 Types of Trusts That You Might Need in Your Texas Estate Plan
Trusts are increasingly common vehicles for distributing estate assets. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be wealthy for a trust to work well in your estate plan. In fact, trusts can be great for smaller estates as they allow your surviving loved ones to skip probate, which can become costly.
It is important to work with an experienced San Antonio, TX estate planning lawyer who can assess your situation and guide you through the process to meet your goals. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, has over two decades of legal experience, so you can trust him to provide you with careful guidance.
What Can a Trust Do That a Will Cannot in Texas?
A will explains who should receive your property after you pass. A trust can do more. A trust can hold property during your lifetime, after your death, or both. This can make it useful for families who want more control over how money, real estate, or other assets are managed.
Is My Business Big Enough To Need an Employee Handbook?
There is no strict requirement for Texas employers to provide a handbook to employees. However, it is often advisable to have one to protect from lawsuits and legal risk later down the line. Even if you run a small business, having an employee handbook prepared is in your best interests.
Our experienced Comal County, TX business lawyer has over 15 years of experience helping small business owners with legal matters. If you have any questions about your obligations as an employer, Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, can provide you with answers and take preventative measures to shield you from legal risk.
What Should a Texas Employee Handbook Include in 2026?
A small business does not need hundreds of employees before an employee handbook becomes useful. Even a company with a small staff can run into disputes over pay, attendance, discipline, harassment, or time off. A handbook gives employees clear rules, and it gives employers a written record of what those rules are.
Navigating the Stages of a Real Estate Transaction in Texas
In Texas, real estate deals go through several stages, requiring close cooperation between the buyer and seller. Trying to rush through the process without proper legal representation can cause major issues, amounting to lost time and money. With the help of a Bexar County, TX real estate attorney, you can navigate the transaction with clarity and confidence.
If you are looking for an experienced lawyer to handle your real estate transaction, consider working with Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law. As a solo practitioner with over 20 years of legal experience, Geoff Mayfield can look out for your interests and help keep the process moving along smoothly.
What Are the Stages of a Texas Real Estate Transaction in 2026?
Most real estate transactions generally follow four core stages. Though the process varies between residential and commercial deals. Commercial transactions often involve more complex due diligence, inspections, and negotiations.
How Often Can You Change Your Power of Attorney?
Granting someone power of attorney is a major decision that gives them legal authority to act on your behalf. As life circumstances change, you may want to revise who you have appointed or modify the powers granted. In Texas, you can revoke or modify a power of attorney at any time as long as you are mentally competent.
A Comal County, TX estate planning lawyer can help you make any changes to your estate plan or alter any legal documents you wish to change in 2026. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, you will receive personalized attention and legal advice to help you navigate any concerns about your power of attorney.
What Does Texas Law Say About Revoking a Power of Attorney?
Texas law allows you to cancel an existing power of attorney whenever you wish (Texas Estates Code Sec. 752). The revocation must be accomplished through a written document signed by you or through the execution of a new power of attorney that expressly revokes the previous one.
8531 N. New Braunfels Ave, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78217
210-535-0870
