DeFord Law Firm Articles
Texas Legal Articles & Insights
Explore clear guidance on family law, estate planning, probate, and high-net-worth legal matters in Texas.
Recent Articles
Start with the newest legal guidance from DeFord Law Firm.
What Happens to Your Estate Plan After a Divorce in Texas?
Review what divorce changes and what still needs to be updated.
5 Common Custody Mistakes Texas Parents Make
Understand common custody errors that create avoidable conflict.
Relocating After Divorce
What parents should know before moving after divorce.
Special Needs Inheritance Planning in Texas
Table of Contents Inheritance and Special Needs Planning Quick Answer Why Good Intentions Can Create Problems What Families Often Overlook Why Benefit Rules Matter Common Planning Mistakes The P.R.O.T.E.C.T. Planning Framework What Peace of Mind Looks Like FAQs Final...
Parenting Time and Visitation Rules Explained
When a Texas divorce involves children, one of the most important issues to resolve is parenting time, also called visitation. Texas law gives judges a strong preference for a predictable, court approved schedule, but parents who can work together have far more room...
Custody Modifications in Texas: Why Your Estate Plan Needs to Change Too
A custody modification is often the exact moment your will, beneficiaries, and powers of attorney need a second look. Key Takeaways: A custody modification can shift decision-making rights in ways your existing will does not reflect. Beneficiary forms follow whatever...
Family Law Articles
Divorce, custody, child support, relocation, mediation, and parenting guidance for Texas families.
5 Common Custody Mistakes Texas Parents Make
Practical custody guidance for Texas parents.
The Real Cost of a Texas Divorce
Compare mediation, litigation, and strategic cost factors.
How Business Owners Lose Control of Their Company in Divorce
Table of Contents When Divorce Threatens More Than the Marriage Valuation Is a Power Shift Why Valuation Is Not Neutral The Real Cost of Getting It Wrong A Framework to Protect Control FAQs Conclusion How Business Owners Lose Control of Their Company in Divorce For...
Myth vs. Reality: Does Divorce Change Your Estate Plan?
Myth vs. Reality: Does Divorce Change Your Estate Plan? Divorce brings obvious changes—finances, parenting, and daily life. But one area many people overlook is their estate plan. Many assume their ex is automatically removed from everything. That sounds logical—but...
The Real Cost of a Texas Divorce: What to Expect
Table of Contents The Real Cost of a Texas Divorce What Drives the Cost of a Texas Divorce? The Cost of Mediation in Texas The Cost of Going to Trial Hidden and Emotional Costs Why Mediation Is Worth Taking Seriously Domestic Violence Situations Taking the First Step...
Estate Planning Articles
Wills, trusts, guardianship, beneficiary updates, and planning after major life changes.
What Happens to Your Estate Plan After a Divorce?
What divorce does not automatically fix in your estate plan.
Do You Need a New Will After Moving to Texas?
Why an out-of-state will may still need review.
Five Estate Planning Myths
Common misconceptions that leave Texas families exposed.
Explore Estate Planning Services →
Five Estate Planning Myths That Leave Families Unprotected
Table of Contents Five Estate Planning Myths That Leave Texas Families Unprotected Myth No. 1: “I Don’t Have Enough Assets” Myth No. 2: “My Spouse Will Automatically Inherit Everything” Myth No. 3: “A Will Keeps My Estate Out of Probate” Myth No. 4: “I’m Too Young to...
Unmarried Couples: The Hidden Risk of Joint Accounts
Table of Contents The Hidden Risk of Joint Accounts The Assumption Behind Shared Accounts What Happens Immediately After Death What’s at Stake How Unmarried Couples Can Reduce Risk What a Strong Outcome Looks Like FAQs Conclusion Unmarried Couples: The Hidden Risk of...
LGBTQ+ Couples: 10 Valentine’s Estate Planning Must-Dos
On This Page LGBTQ+ Couples and Estate Planning Before Kids The Core Problem: The Marriage Assumption Why Timing Creates Vulnerability What Happens When Planning Gaps Meet Real Life 10 Valentine’s Estate Planning Must-Dos What Success Looks Like FAQs Conclusion LGBTQ+...
Probate Articles
Resources for families, executors, and beneficiaries navigating probate after a death.
What to Do After a Spouse Dies
Clear next steps after sudden loss and probate uncertainty.
Understanding the Texas Probate Process
A starting point for families trying to understand probate.
Will Contests in Texas
What families should understand when an estate dispute begins.
Understanding Probate and Real Estate in Texas: What You Need to Know About Property Transfer After Death
When someone dies in Texas while owning real estate, their property doesn't simply pass to their loved ones automatically. Many Texans operate under the misconception that jointly owned homes transfer seamlessly to surviving spouses or that inherited property can be...
Understanding Will Contests in Texas: Your Complete Guide to Challenging and Protecting Wills
Who Can Challenge a Will in Texas? When a loved one passes away, emotions run high, and sometimes family members feel surprised or hurt by the contents of a will. If you've been left out of a will or specifically disinherited, you might wonder whether you have any...
Navigating Probate After the Death of a Loved One in Texas
When someone you care about passes away, the emotional toll is heavy. Along with grieving and supporting other family members, you're often left with the added burden of legal and financial responsibilities. One of the first and most important legal steps that may...
High-Net-Worth & Complex Matters
Complex estates, business ownership, significant assets, fiduciary risk, trusts, and high-value family matters.
How Business Owners Lose Control of Their Company in Divorce
Why valuation and settlement structure matter in complex divorce.
What Happens to Your Estate Plan After a Divorce?
A crossover issue involving beneficiaries, control, and asset protection.
Blended Families and Trusts
Planning for inheritance, remarriage, and family complexity.
Explore High-Net-Worth Services→
The Hidden Way Texas Divorce Could Force You to Sell Your Business
Most business owners in Texas don’t realize it until it’s too late: a divorce doesn’t just divide a home or bank account—it can put your entire company on the chopping block. When the business and the marriage are intertwined, the emotional and financial stakes...
Understanding Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements in The Woodlands, Texas: What You Need to Know
Marriage is a life-altering decision, and ensuring your financial future is secure is a critical part of preparing for it. One of the best ways to protect your assets and set clear expectations in case of future issues is by creating a prenuptial or postnuptial...
How to Navigate the Division of Assets in a Texas Divorce: Key Insights and Practical Tips
Going through a divorce is never easy, especially when it comes to dividing assets. In Texas, understanding how the division of assets works is essential for anyone facing the end of their marriage. Texas is a community property state, meaning that most assets...