These days, much of life happens online. From banking apps to photo storage to social media, digital accounts often hold some of a person’s most important information and memories. When someone passes away, loved ones are often left trying to sort through more than...
Lufkin Legal Blog
4 red flags in a Texas surface use agreement
When an energy company wants to develop minerals under your land, they will likely present you with a surface use agreement. This document dictates how much of your East Texas acreage the company can occupy and what they must pay for the disruption. While the law...
3 water-related compliance challenges for businesses
Water use can have a profound impact on a business’s environmental compliance. How businesses access, store or reroute water can lead to regulator violations that have costly consequences. Under current state statutes, organizations with physical premises in Texas...
Who can pursue a mechanic’s lien against real property?
A mechanic’s lien is a way for professionals and suppliers to ensure payment after assisting with a project. Liens may follow new construction projects or projects to renovate or expand existing improvements. If professionals and businesses are not paid after thew ork...
Is it necessary to start a business to buy a franchise?
Franchise business opportunities can be accessible options for first-time business owners. People do not need to develop a brand or learn the ins and outs of a particular industry. The franchisor selling franchise opportunities generally provides training and...
When does a living trust simplify Texas probate?
Imagine passing away with property scattered across Texas and beyond. Your family could face months in court, public scrutiny of your assets and delays for heirs who live far away. A living trust may help reduce some of these burdens, though it tends to be most...
Could your company fail a Texas compliance audit right now?
You may be surprised to learn that many Texas businesses that consider themselves fully compliant would struggle to pass a formal audit today. The issue isn’t intentional wrongdoing. More often, the problem is outdated policies, inconsistent practice or missing...
Could fake reviews provide grounds for commercial litigation?
Reputation management is critical for successful businesses. Company leaders often have specialized employees who monitor reviews and consumer posts online to protect against inaccurate and negative digital chatter. Social media platforms and various websites, as well...
What is a real estate contingency clause?
During a real estate transaction, contingency clauses are often used. These may be included in the purchase offer as part of the contractual obligation between both parties. A contingency clause means that the execution of that contract – the sale of the real estate –...
Addressing mineral rights in an estate plan
Frequently, property owners in Texas with mineral rights sign oil and gas leases. These contracts give companies the option of extracting resources from the property by establishing wells there. Oil and gas leases can provide regular revenue for property owners,...


