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Recent Blog Posts
Common Reasons Wills Are Contested in Probate Court
When someone dies, his or her assets will go through the process of probate, which involves distributing property to beneficiaries in court. If someone has written a will before passing on, all of the estate’s property will be distributed according to the instructions in the will. A person who writes a will is called a "testator."
Writing a will generally makes managing an estate easier for all parties, especially the executor of the estate. However, a will can still be challenged, leading to legal disputes. Whether you are writing a will yourself, or you are responsible for somebody else’s estate, it can be helpful to know the common reasons why wills end up disputed in probate court. A Texas probate attorney at Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law can help you avoid pitfalls and mediate conflicts as needed.
Do I Need a Business Contract for My Company?
Whether you are starting a new business venture or taking on a new employee, it can be tempting to skip the paperwork and forge ahead. However, there are several good reasons to write up a business contract with a new partner or employee. A Texas small business attorney can help you draft a contract to protect your company’s interests in the long term.
Attorney Geoff Mayfield has the legal knowledge and experience to help you write different kinds of business contracts. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we offer general counsel and representation to help you meet your small business needs.
The Benefits of a Non-Disclosure Agreement
If you need to protect certain trade secrets, you could consider drafting a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with your employee or business partner. These written agreements are intended to prevent another party from going public with certain information. This could be used to protect a recipe, blueprint, or anything else that gives your business a competitive edge.
Common Title Issues in Real Estate
Buying a new real estate property is an exciting opportunity. However, issues with the title to the property can turn a simple purchase agreement into a much more complicated affair. To avoid wasting your time and money, you can work with a Texas real estate attorney to resolve outstanding title issues.
Having a knowledgeable legal advocate at your side is paramount for protecting your rights. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we have more than 15 years of experience representing clients in real estate transactions, so you can take comfort knowing that your case will be handled by an accomplished attorney. Our firm can take legal action to facilitate the purchase of a real estate property.
Who Owns the Property?
The question of ownership over a property can be more complicated than it initially appears. In most cases, you would assume that the person who bought the property is the sole owner – and in most cases, you would be right. However, defects in the title can muddle ownership rights.
Should I Set Up a Trust in Texas?
If you worry about what will happen to your estate after your death, you might find it eases your worries to make thorough preparations. One step you might take is setting up a trust for your beneficiaries. When combined with a well-written will, a trust can be a powerful tool in its own right. With assistance from a Texas estate planning attorney, you can set up a living trust according to your specifications.
There are numerous benefits to setting up a trust in your lifetime, particularly when it comes to protecting your property. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we can guide you through the process of establishing a trust, helping you steer clear of risks and liabilities.
Can I Avoid Probate Through a Living Trust?
A living trust can be used to exclude certain property from the probate court. After your passing, all of your assets and property will go through probate court to be divided up among your beneficiaries. Even if you designate who will receive your assets in your will, disputes can still arise between your beneficiaries.
Why Is Probate Court So Complicated?
Few people look forward to the process of probate after a loved one passes on. Going through the deceased’s assets and dividing them up can be a tedious but necessary endeavor. Oftentimes, estate administrators and beneficiaries are unprepared for just how complex probate can be. A Texas probate attorney can provide invaluable assistance during this process, lending skilled representation and counsel.
At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we offer highly personalized legal services to help you get to the bottom of probate administration. Together, we can address the various complications that come with dividing up a decedent’s estate, whether you are an administrator or a beneficiary.
How Are Assets Accounted For?
If you are appointed as the administrator of the estate, you will be responsible for dividing up the deceased person’s property. This means that you will have to get a full inventory of the decedent’s assets. This includes personal belongings, real estate holdings, and investments. You will also have to uncover the decedent’s liabilities, which may include unpaid debts or loans.
Three Ways General Counsel From a Lawyer Can Help Your Business
As a small business owner, keeping your daily operations running smoothly might take up all of your attention. With your resources spread thin, it may be difficult to keep track of the legal issues facing your business. However, do not feel as though you have to manage everything by yourself. A Texas small business attorney can help you tackle these problems as they come, looking out for your best interests.
If you need general counsel from a skilled business attorney, Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law is here to help. Our firm can provide you with legal advice and oversight for your specific needs.
General Counsel is Cost Efficient
Larger companies and corporations often have the financial resources to keep an attorney on staff. However, this option may not be feasible for small business owners who can only take on a limited number of employees. Moreover, if you are not dealing with legal issues on a regular basis, it can be hard to justify putting a full-time attorney on your payroll.
How Can an Attorney Help With FSBO Transactions?
Some people looking to sell a home think it is a good idea to cut out the middleman and offer a property directly to a buyer. A "for sale by owner" (FSBO) transaction FSBO transactions may seem quicker and more cost-effective, but they can involve complex legal requirements that an attorney can help you navigate. A Texas real estate lawyer can help protect your rights in these sales, looking out for your best interests from start to finish.
Having a practical attorney at your side can make a real estate sale much smoother to navigate. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we have over 15 years of experience helping clients with real estate concerns. When you work with our firm, we will do everything we can to facilitate the smooth sale of your property.
Negotiating a Purchase Agreement for a Home
Working out a purchase agreement with a potential buyer is rarely a simple process. Before you can move forward with a sale, you will have to prepare a contract to establish the terms of the transaction.
Three Important Things to Include in Your Will
Deciding to write a will is a great first step to take if you want to look out for your family after your death. That being said, the process can be as complicated as it is mentally and emotionally exhausting. If you have resolved to write a will, you might have no idea where to begin or what to include. A Texas estate planning attorney can help you with your will to make sure your concerns for your beneficiaries are addressed.
Drafting a will is a sensitive, highly personal matter. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, our lawyer can sit down with you individually to figure out how you want to portion your estate.
Choosing Someone to Inherit Your Home
Leaving your home to a beneficiary is one of the most generous things you can do. However, choosing a single beneficiary may not be a simple process. Depending on your situation, disputes may arise about who should get the home. To reduce the chances of conflict, you should make sure that your will clearly specifies who has ownership over your home.
How Are Assets Distributed in Texas Probate Court?
When somebody passes on, questions can arise over who has a claim to his or her property. The purpose of probate court is to determine how this property should be divided up between the beneficiaries. If you are going through a dispute involving your loved one’s estate, a Texas probate attorney can answer your questions and take legal action to address your concerns.
At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we have over a decade of experience handling complex legal issues on behalf of our clients. When you work with our probate attorney, you will receive quality representation and counsel during the division of your loved one’s property, helping to move the process along as smoothly as possible.
What if the Decedent Owes Debts?
If someone leaves behind debts such as unpaid bills or loans, it could come back to haunt their beneficiaries in probate court. Upon the decedent’s passing, the personal representative of the estate must notify all of the estate’s creditors, who can come back to collect on the decedent’s debts.
How Can I Resolve a Business Dispute?
If you are going through a disagreement involving your business, you may be concerned about how to handle it without interrupting your daily operations. Whether you are dealing with a business partner or an outside party, a legal dispute can be intimidating to handle on your own. With the help of a Texas business law attorney, you can navigate these conflicts with confidence, backed by a strong legal advocate.
At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, our firm is here to support you through all manner of business disputes, from contract violations to disagreements between partners. With over a decade of experience, Attorney Geoff Mayfield can represent you in any setting and provide you with informed counsel.
Mediation for Business Disputes
If you do not want to involve the court in your business dispute, you might prefer handling your affairs through mediation. This is a more informal way of settling a disagreement, provided that you and the other party are willing to sit down and talk.
1602 N. PanAm Expressway, San Antonio, TX 78208
210-535-0870
