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Legal BriefsA COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGABOUT PROBATING A WILLIBy Kathleen Cassidy Goodman, PLLCf you believe you don’t have to probate your spouse’s Will when your spouse passes away, and you think,“I know my spouse left me everything, so I don’t have to do anything” – you are wrong! This very common misconception leads many people to leave their loved ones with more than just their assets; instead, they leave their children and loved ones with problems.When someone passes away, his or her name does not automatically disappear off the deed to the house or other real property. The title to real estate and other probate assets will remain in the deceased person’s name unless title has been specified with a right of survivorship or a Transfer on Death Deed has been filed with the deed records. In Texas, when the first spouse passes away, normally, the surviving spouse needs to have the property transferred from the deceased spouse’s name into the surviving spouse’s name.Frequently, the situation occurs where well-intentioned friends provide inaccurate information. They may erroneously direct the surviving spouse to just give a quick call to the local tax office, give them notice of the death of your spouse, and his or her name will be removed. True, the name is removed – but only from the tax documents – and not from the deed. Sometimes the error goes on for years or even decades until the surviving spouse tries to sell the property, or passes away, and never realizes the deed to the real property is still in both spouses’ names.If the surviving spouse does not transfer title after his or her spouse passes away,HBy Deborah Seguinighlights Publications would like to give you the opportunity to honor YOUR favorite militarymember or veteran (or just straight up brag about them!) The path these brave men and women have chosen also impacts family and friends. Long absences, on- call, distance, and difficult working conditions take a toll on friendships and family ties. Yet these ties remain strong.There are never enough opportunities to show how much we appreciate and care for our military members. If you have someone you would like to see honored in this way, send a 150 words- 200 words entry telling who they are, their relationship to you, branch, service, but mostly, what you want others to know about them and why they are special to you.Send your entries along with a pictureMay 2023“ Like A Good Neighbor, State Farm Is There”Serving Helotes and surrounding areas since 2001State Farm Insurance Kellie MooreMon. - Fri. 9am - 6pm • Open Sat. 9am - 1 pm • After hours by appointmentthis will create an additional burden for the children or the beneficiaries following the death of the surviving spouse. Regardless of whether your spouse passes away with a Will or without, it is critical that you consult an attorney to determine if you need to probate the Will or to determine what needs to be done to transfer title to the property to your name.Kathleen Cassidy Goodman is an attorney in areas of estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and business law. She can be reached at her office in Helotes at (210) 949-1000 or for more information, visit www.bexarlaw.comto info@highlightspub.com by June 10 in time for our July issue. It will also be a great keepsake.Jewelry Experiencewww.heloteshighlights.com11Stop by for a Free quote and receive a FREE GIFT!10744 Braun Rd. San Antonio, TX 78254 (210) 688-7707 www.kelliemoore.netWhat’s Its Current Value?RegisteredGemologist Appraiser• Insurance Appraisals• Appraised While You Wait & Watch • Fair Market Appraisals• Estate Appraisals• Over 35 Years ofwww.sanantoniojewelryappraisers.comGot Garage Door Problems?We Can Help!We Can Help!We sellWe sellautomaticautomaticgarage doorgarage dooropeners!openers!Locally Owned & Operated Mon.- Fri. 7am-7pm Sat.- 9am - 5pmSales & Service All Makes & Models(210) 942-8272urbangaragedoorco.com$39.99 GARAGE DOOR LUBE & TUNE Help garage doors run smooth! URBAN GARAGE DOOR CO.No cash value. Expires 5/31/23$32 OFF REPAIRS(Excludes electronics)URBAN GARAGE DOOR CO.No cash value. Expires 5/31/23$100 OFF ANY NEW GARAGE DOOR URBAN GARAGE DOOR CO.Schedule An Appointment!12274 Bandera Road, Ste. 236210-316-8758No cash value. Expires 5/31/23