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Legal BriefsA COMMON MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT PROBATING A WILL45 + YEARS OF POOL CARE EXPERIENCE & OVER 275 STORES STRONG & GROWING!PinchAPenny.comVINEYARD | 18415 BLANCO RD. | 210-447-7779©2023 Pinch A Penny, LLCIBy 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 namewill 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, this 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.comWe’re Keeping itCLEAN!Disinfect with a professional clean.Let’s make your life easier and let our PROs handle the cleaning!Try MaidPro today and sweep up this exclusive offer: $125 $25 OFF YOUR 2ND, 4THAND 6TH CLEANINGReference Stone Oak Highlights and also receive a FREE Fridge or oven clean $50 value.Offer valid for weekly or biweekly services.Use Code:OFFSOHL125Kim Folden,OwnerCall 210-664-4884 or visit maidpro.com/stone-oakLooking To SellOr Buy A Home?17 Years’ ExperienceNelly Rose-REALTOR®THE NELLY ROSE GROUPRE/MAX North-San Antonio 21720 Hardy Oak Blvd., SA, TX 78258Habla Españolwww.homesbynelly.com$29 Initial Visitincludes consultation exam & adjustment. No appointment needed. No insurance needed. *offer valued at $4522100 Bulverde Rd. Ste. 110. SA TX 78259 • 210.972.5985May 2023www.stoneoakhighlights.com 15CHECK OUT OUR 4-DAY SALEMAY 18-2115% OFFPUMPS, HEATERS & FILTERSI can help! Call Today.210-693-3105