small-firm · 2019-10-26 · san antonio, texas sally s. andrews houston, texas celia trimble boone...

TEXAS

SMALL-FIRM

PRACTICE TOOLS

CINDY STORMER

Managing Editor: Lisa Dunne

Acquisitions Editor: Neil Stadtmore

Editor: Anne Loughman

Production: Anne LoughmanAmanda Winkler

V O L U M E 1

James PublishingC o n t a c t u s a t ( 8 0 0 ) 4 4 0 - 4 7 8 0 o r w w w . j a m e s p u b l i s h i n g . c o m

Rev. 6, 11/12

Copyright © 2012

James Publishing, Inc.

ISBN: 1-58012-113-6

This publication is intended to provide accurate and authoritative information about the subject matter cov-ered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher does not render legal or other professional services. Iflegal advice or other expert assistance is required, seek the services of a competent professional.

Persons using this publication in dealing with specific legal matters should exercise their own independentjudgment and research original sources of authority and local court rules.

The publisher and the author make no representations concerning the contents of this publication and dis-claim any warranties or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

We view the publication of this work as the beginning of a dialogue with our readers. Periodic revisions toit will give us the opportunity to incorporate your suggested changes. Call us at (714) 755-5450 or send yourcomments to:

Managing EditorJames Publishing, Inc.

3505 Cadillac Ave., Suite HCosta Mesa, CA 92626

Rev. 1, 9/07Rev. 2, 10/08Rev. 3, 11/09Rev. 4, 10/10Rev. 5, 11/11Rev. 6, 11/12

Texas Small-Firm Tools F-2

Rev. 6, 11/12

ABOUT THE AUTHORCindy Stormer has been a practicing Texas attorney for over twenty

years. She is currently an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas. She has beenthe elected District Attorney in Cooke County, an Assistant District Attorneyin Fort Worth, and an Assistant City Attorney for Dallas, and she had a suc-cessful small firm practice for fourteen years. Stormer’s law firm was a gen-eral practice law firm handling civil and criminal trials, family law, personalinjury, real estate, negligence, estate planning, and probate law.

In addition to a varied trial career with extensive jury trial experience,she has written approximately three hundred appellate briefs. Stormer islicensed to practice law in Texas; the U.S. District Court, Northern District ofTexas, and the Eastern District; and in the United States Supreme Court.

She has been a part-time Adjunct Instructor at North Central Texas Col-lege and Tarrant County College where she has taught Texas Trial Practices; Civil Litigation; Family Law; Pro-bate, Trusts and Estates; Torts; Legal Research; Legal Writing; Criminal Procedure and Evidence; Government;English as a Second Language, and other courses. She has also taught at the Basic Prosecutor’s Course sponsoredby the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, and at the Advanced Criminal Law Course for the StateBar of Texas, and various police academies. She is on the planning committee for professional development forthe State Bar of Texas. She was in charge of the legal curriculum for the Dallas Police Academy when she was theChief Attorney for the Dallas Police Department. She was a police officer and in police work for ten years beforebecoming an attorney.

She has been named Outstanding Attorney of the Year by Court Appointed Special Advocates of Texas andDistinguished Alumni by Tarrant County College. She is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.

F-3 About the Author

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDFrederick S. Adams, Jr.

Dallas, Texas

Scott AgtheAustin, Texas

Jeff AkinsSan Antonio, Texas

Sally S. AndrewsHouston, Texas

Celia Trimble BooneAbilene, Texas

Lawrence G. BoydDallas, Texas

Michael S. BurgHouston, Texas

Sharon E. ConwayThe Woodlands, Texas

Mary Lou Flynn-DuPartJackson Walker LLP

Houston, Texas

David GossomWichita Falls, Texas

Stephen HamiltonBoatwright & Hamilton

Lubbock, Texas

Raymond V. JobeDallas, Texas

John H. KimHouston, Texas

Brian S. RiepenDallas, Texas

James D. RunzheimerArlington, Texas

David L. SargentHermes Sargent Bates, L.L.P.

Dallas, Texas

Brendetta ScottHughes Watters Askanase

Houston, Texas


Rev. 6, 11/12

ABBREVIATED TABLE OF CONTENTSChapter 1 Civil Litigation

Chapter 2 Car Accident Cases

Chapter 3 Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Practices

Chapter 4 Business Litigation

Chapter 5 Landlord-Tenant Relations

Chapter 6 Employer-Employee Relations

Chapter 7 Credit and Collections

Chapter 8 Organizing and Operating a Small Business

Chapter 9 Buying and Selling a Small Business

Chapter 10 Marriage Dissolution

Chapter 11 Estate Planning

Chapter 12 Estate Administration

Chapter 13 Guardianships

Chapter 14 DWI Defense

Chapter 15 Misdemeanor Defense

Chapter 16 Real Estate

Table of Cases

Table of Statutes

Index

F-5 Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME 1

CHAPTER 1

Civil LitigationI. General Policies and Procedures

A. General Points§1:01 The Lawyer’s Creed and Rules of Professional Conduct§1:02 Written Policies and Procedures§1:03 Telephone Procedures§1.04 Confidentiality§1:05 Billing Records§1:06 Keeping Clients§1:07 Avoiding Malpractice§1:08 Protection Regarding Social Security Numbers§1:09 Scams

B. Keeping Up With All the Dates§1:10 Calendars§1:11 Tickler System

C. Getting Paid§1:20 Choosing Cases That Pay§1:21 Time Keeping and Billing§1:22 Fees and Costs as Part of a Recovery§1:23 Court Appointed Representation§1:24 Ethical Considerations

II. Reviewing and Accepting Cases§1:30 The Initial Client Interview§1:31 Accepting the Case§1:32 Employment Contracts§1:33 Declining Representation§1:34 Statute of Limitations§1:35 Fees§1:36 Advising Veterans About Benefits§1:37 Suing Government Entities

III. Pre-Suit ActivitiesA. Documents

§1:40 Demand Letters§1:41 Correspondence

B. Research§1:50 Local Rules§1:51 Investigating the Case§1:52 Notice Requirements§1:53 Internet Research


Rev. 6, 11/12

IV. Initiating the ActionA. General Points

§1:60 Preparing the Petition§1:61 Supplemental and Amended Pleadings§1:62 Verified Pleas§1:63 Legal Documents

B. Courts & Jurisdiction§1:70 Federal Courts§1:71 State Courts Generally§1:72 District Courts§1:73 Constitutional County Courts§1:74 County Courts at Law—a.k.a. Statutory County Courts§1:75 Probate Courts§1:76 Justice of the Peace Courts§1:77 Municipal Courts§1:78 Other Considerations in Determining the Court

C. Filing the Lawsuit§1:80 Try to Settle First§1:81 The Clerk’s Office§1:82 Service of Process§1:83 Whom to Serve§1:84 Substituted Service§1:85 Service by Publication

D. Parties§1:90 Jurisdiction Over Parties§1:91 Capacity§1:92 New Parties§1:93 Impleader§1:94 Interpleader§1:95 Intervention§1:96 Immunity

V. Default Judgment§1:100 Seeking a Default Judgment§1:101 Challenges to a Default Judgment

VI. Defending a LawsuitA. General Points

§1:110 Representation by Attorney or Pro se§1:111 The Defendant’s Options§1:112 Answer§1:113 Affirmative Defenses

B. Objecting to Jurisdiction§1:120 Make a Special Appearance§1:121 Include an Answer§1:122 Request a Hearing§1:123 Affidavits§1:124 Don’t Invoke the Court’s Jurisdiction§1:125 Sanctions on Special Appearance


C. Removal to Federal Court§1:126 Diversity Jurisdiction§1:127 Fraudulent Joinder§1:128 Motion to Remand

D. Venue and Forum Challenges§1:130 Venue Challenges§1:131 Forum Non Conveniens§1:132 Notice and Time Limitations§1:133 Hearing§1:134 Sanctions§1:135 Appeals§1:136 Mandatory Venue Provisions§1:137 Permissive Venue

VII. Motions§1:140 General Points§1:141 TROs and Temporary Injunctions§1:142 Motion for Continuance§1:143 Summary Judgments

VIII.DiscoveryA. General Points

§1:150 Governing Rules and Discovery Control Plan§1:151 Service and Response Times§1:152 Filing§1:153 Objections to Discovery§1:154 Motions to Compel§1:155 Protective Orders§1:156 Discovery Traps

B. Types of Discovery§1:160 Requests for Disclosure§1:161 Interrogatories§1:162 Requests for Admissions§1:163 Depositions§1:164 Defending a Deposition§1:165 Inspection of Documents and Other Things§1:166 Physical and Mental Exams§1:167 Electronic Discovery

C. Subpoenas & Business Record Affidavits§1:170 Subpoenas and Subpoenas Duces Tecum§1:171 Business Records Affidavits

IX. Alternative Dispute Resolutions§1:180 General Points§1:181 Mediation§1:182 Arbitration

X. Withdrawals and Dismissals§1:190 Withdrawals§1:191 Motion to Dismiss


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XI. Trial and Post-Trial§1:200 Prepare§1:201 Requesting a Jury Trial§1:202 Peremptory Challenges§1:203 The Jury Charge§1:204 Witness Preparation§1:205 Judgment§1:206 Motion for New Trial§1:207 Bill of Review

FormsForm 1:10 Lawyer’s CreedForm 1:20 Office Procedures ManualForm 1:30 Telephone ProceduresForm 1:40 General Information Intake QuestionnaireForm 1:41 Privacy Policy as to Social Security NumbersForm 1:50 Checklist: InterviewForm 1:60 Filing and File ControlForm 1:70 File Information SheetForm 1:80 Contract for EmploymentForm 1:90 Contract for Employment (With an “Evergreen” Clause)Form 1:100 Declining Representation LetterForm 1:110 Statute of LimitationsForm 1:120 Fees: CourtForm 1:130 Fees: AttorneyForm 1:140 Time SheetForm 1:150 AffidavitForm 1:160 Tape RecordingForm 1:170 Internet Sources for Legal ResearchForm 1:180 Original PetitionForm 1:190 Checklist for the PetitionForm 1:200 Certificate of ServiceForm 1:210 Certificate of ConferenceForm 1:220 Affidavit of Indigency (Pauper’s Oath)Form 1:230 Courts—FederalForm 1:240 Courts—StateForm 1:250 AbatementForm 1:260 Appeal—Letter to Client (From JP Court)Form 1:270 Appeal Bond From JP CourtForm 1:280 Procedures for Filing the LawsuitForm 1:290 Order for Service of ProcessForm 1:300 Alternate Service Motion and Order and Affidavit (Rule 106)Form 1:310 Notice by PublicationForm 1:320 Motion and Order of Appointment of an Ad Litem After PublicationForm 1:330 Statement of EvidenceForm 1:340 Impleader/Joinder/Original Third-Party PetitionForm 1:350 InterpleaderForm 1:360 InterventionForm 1:370 Default JudgmentForm 1:380 AnswerForm 1:390 Procedures for Filing the AnswerForm 1:400 Special AppearanceForm 1:410 Motion for TRO and Temporary InjunctionForm 1:420 Motion for Continuance and Order


Form 1:430 Request for DisclosureForm 1:440 InterrogatoriesForm 1:450 VerificationForm 1:460 Request for AdmissionsForm 1:470 Procedures: DiscoveryForm 1:480 DepositionsForm 1:490 Deposition NoticeForm 1:500 Deposition LetterForm 1:510 Stipulation for Taking Telephone DepositionForm 1:520 Deposition by Written QuestionsForm 1:530 Request for ProductionForm 1:540 Motion for Physical/Mental ExamForm 1:550 Discovery Answers/Objections to DiscoveryForm 1:560 Checklist for Preparing and Challenging Objections to DiscoveryForm 1:570 Motion to Compel DiscoveryForm 1:580 Protective Order Against DiscoveryForm 1:590 Subpoena ApplicationForm 1:600 Subpoena Duces Tecum ApplicationForm 1:610 SubpoenaForm 1:620 Procedures: SubpoenaForm 1:630 Business Records LetterForm 1:640 Business Records AffidavitForm 1:650 Release Agreement Form Form 1:651 Arbitration ClauseForm 1:660 Withdrawal Motion and OrderForm 1:670 Withdrawal LetterForm 1:680 Withdrawal Letter 2Form 1:690 Motion to Substitute CounselForm 1:700 TicklerForm 1:710 Attorneys’ Fees TestimonyForm 1:720 Order for Payment FormForm 1:730 Application and Order to Be PaidForm 1:740 Memorandum of LawForm 1:741 Rule 11 AgreementForm 1:750 Request for a Jury TrialForm 1:760 Jury ChargeForm 1:770 Instructions for WitnessesForm 1:780 Moral TurpitudeForm 1:790 Voir DireForm 1:800 Introducing Tangible EvidenceForm 1:810 Common ObjectionsForm 1:820 Best Evidence RuleForm 1:830 Court ReportersForm 1:840 ImpeachmentForm 1:850 Notice of NonsuitForm 1:860 Motion to Dismiss for Want of ProsecutionForm 1:870 JudgmentForm 1:880 Release of JudgmentForm 1:890 Motion for New TrialForm 1:900 Findings of Fact and Conclusions of LawForm 1:910 Notary AcknowledgmentForm 1:920 Motion for Summary JudgmentForm 1:930 Petition for Order to Take Oral Deposition Under Rule 202.1 Form 1:940 Motion for Mediation


Rev. 6, 11/12

CHAPTER 2

Car Accident CasesI. General Points

§2:01 Essential Elements§2:02 Problems With Personal Injury Work§2:03 Referral Agreements

II. Types of Personal Injury Actions§2:10 Car Accidents Are Typical§2:11 Wrongful Death Claims§2:12 Survival Actions§2:13 Medical Malpractice§2:14 Health Care Treatment Decisions§2:15 Other Types of Actions

III. Office Procedures§2:20 The Initial Client Contact: Telephone Procedures§2:21 Interviewing the Client§2:22 Evaluating the Client and the Case§2:23 The Contract§2:24 Termination of Employment Contract§2:25 Record Authorizations§2:26 Advances to Cover Costs

IV. Investigating the CaseA. Liability

§2:30 Determining Liability and Causation§2:31 Act Quickly§2:32 Hiring an Investigator§2:33 Retaining Experts

B. Damages1. General Points

§2:40 Damage Definitions§2:41 Gathering the Data§2:42 Medical Records and Bills

2. Types of Damages§2:50 Past Medical Expenses§2:51 Future Medical Expenses§2:52 Disfigurement§2:53 Physical Pain§2:54 Mental Anguish§2:55 Loss of Consortium§2:56 Loss of Household Services§2:57 Lost Wages and Earning Capacity§2:58 Physical or Mental Impairment§2:59 Property Damage§2:60 Exemplary Damages§2:61 Prejudgment Interest

C. Insurance Coverage§2:70 Determine Insurance Coverage§2:71 Liability


§2:72 Personal Injury Protection (PIP)§2:73 Comprehensive§2:74 Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist

V. Pleadings§2:80 Statute of Limitations§2:81 Filing a Petition§2:82 Insurer Cannot Be Joined as a Third-Party Defendant§2:83 Forum Non Conveniens§2:84 Answering a Petition

VI. Dealing With Insurance CompaniesA. The Opponent’s Insurer

§2:90 Insurance Adjusters§2:91 Reserves§2:92 Notice Letters§2:93 Timing for a Demand Letter§2:94 Determining the Amount of the Demand§2:95 Writing the Demand Letter§2:96 Brochures and Videos§2:97 Negotiations§2:98 The Client’s Medical Records and Exam

B. The Client’s Insurer§2:100 Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage§2:101 Insurer’s Subrogation Rights§2:102 Stacking Policies§2:103 Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

C. Bad Faith§2:110 Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing§2:111 The Bad Faith Cause of Action§2:112 Document Delays and Unfair Dealing§2:113 Stowers: Failure to Settle for Policy Limits§2:114 Stowers: When Representing Plaintiffs§2:115 Stowers: When Representing Defendants§2:116 Punitive Damages Cannot Be Excessive

VII. Settling the CaseA. Types of Settlements

§2:120 Cash (Lump Sum)§2:121 Structured Settlements§2:122 Tax Implications

B. Working With the Client§2:130 Client’s Refusal to Settle§2:131 Capacity and Authority§2:132 Settlement With Minors or Incompetents

C. The Settlement Agreement§2:140 Review the File and Procedures§2:141 Settlement Agreement as a Contract§2:142 Consideration§2:143 Writing and Filing Requirements§2:144 Collusive Agreements Are Illegal


Rev. 6, 11/12

§2:145 One Satisfaction Rule§2:146 Affect of Settlement on Co-Defendant§2:147 Release

D. Third Parties§2:150 Subrogation Claims§2:151 Tax Consequences§2:152 Paying the Bills§2:153 Unknown Responsible Third Parties

VIII.Discovery§2:160 Comply With Requests You Receive§2:161 Informal Discovery and Request for Disclosure§2:162 Interrogatories, Production & Admissions§2:163 Documents and Physical Exams§2:164 Depositions

IX. Arbitration and Trial§2:170 Arbitration§2:171 Prepare for Trial§2:172 Trial Evidence§2:173 The Physician§2:174 Evidence of Settlement Offers§2:175 Surveillance Evidence§2:176 Perjury for Underreported Income

FormsForm 2:10 Procedures—Telephone IntakeForm 2:20 Questionnaire: Basic CaseForm 2:30 Questionnaire: Complex CaseForm 2:40 InterviewForm 2:50 Declining Representation—No InsuranceForm 2:60 Declining Representation—No FaultForm 2:70 Contract for Employment—SimpleForm 2:80 Contract for Employment—Complex (Includes a Power of Attorney)Form 2:90 Medical and Employment Records ReleaseForm 2:100 Initial Letter to Personal Injury ClientForm 2:110 Notice of Unsatisfied JudgmentForm 2:120 Referral AgreementForm 2:130 Letter of Protection (LOP)Form 2:140 Letter to the InvestigatorForm 2:150 Open Records Request (For Police Report)Form 2:160 Expert LetterForm 2:170 Petition for Personal InjuryForm 2:180 Notify Defendant LetterForm 2:190 Notify Defendant’s Insurance LetterForm 2:200 Motion in Limine, Plaintiff’sForm 2:210 Motion in Limine, Defendant’sForm 2:220 Letter to Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist CarrierForm 2:230 Medicare LetterForm 2:240 Medicaid LetterForm 2:250 Subrogation LetterForm 2:260 Demand LetterForm 2:270 Demand Letter for PIPForm 2:280 Payment Letter


Form 2:290 Office ProceduresForm 2:300 Checklist for PlaintiffForm 2:310 Checklist for DefenseForm 2:320 Settlement LetterForm 2:330 ReleaseForm 2:340 Discontinue Representation LetterForm 2:350 Letter Encouraging SettlementForm 2:360 Final Hearing in a Case Involving an Injured ChildForm 2:370 Letter to Insurance Company Documenting DelayForm 2:380 Bad Faith LetterForm 2:390 Stowers LetterForm 2:400 Recorded StatementForm 2:410 Interrogatories—PlaintiffForm 2:420 Interrogatories—DefendantForm 2:430 Letter to Accompany InterrogatoriesForm 2:440 AdmissionsForm 2:450 ProductionForm 2:460 Request to Inspect PremisesForm 2:470 Deposition QuestionsForm 2:480 Jury ChargeForm 2:490 Voir DireForm 2:500 Personal Injury Trial Script

CHAPTER 3

Consumer Protection and Fair Trade PracticesI. General Points

§3:01 The DTPA Unlawful Acts§3:02 Statute of Limitations§3:03 The Initial Client Contact§3:04 The Contract§3:05 Consumer Status

II. Notice§3:10 Notice Letter: Timing§3:11 Notice Letter: Contents§3:12 Failure to Give DTPA Notice§3:13 Failure of Defendant to Request Abatement

III. Damages§3:20 Actual Damages§3:21 Treble Damages§3:22 Mental Anguish§3:23 Criminal Penalties§3:24 Attorney Fees§3:25 Expert Testimony Needed to Support Damages for Cost of Replacement

IV. Pretrial Activities§3:30 Mediation§3:31 Offers to Settle§3:32 Discovery


Rev. 6, 11/12

V. The DPTA Action§3:40 Venue§3:41 Jurisdiction§3:42 Pre-Emption§3:43 Exceptions§3:44 Restraining Orders & Civil Penalties§3:45 Trials in Actions on Small Amounts§3:46 Post-Judgment Relief

VI. The Petition and Answer§3:50 The Petition§3:51 The Answer§3:52 Contribution or Indemnity§3:53 Statutory Defenses

VII. Other Considerations With DTPA§3:60 Intent§3:61 What the DTPA Does Not Cover§3:62 Warranties§3:63 Proportionate Responsibility§3:64 Waiver§3:65 Professionals§3:66 Medical Providers

VIII.Other Areas of the Law That Protect Consumers§3:70 Right to Cancel Certain Consumer Transactions§3:71 Copy of Contract and Notice of Cancellation§3:72 Timeshares and Health Treatment Facilities§3:73 Telephone Solicitation§3:74 Credit Protection§3:75 Identity Theft§3:76 Residential Construction Commission Act§3:77 Credit Card Defense for Consumers

FormsForm 3:10 Demand/Notice LetterForm 3:20 Interrogatories and Production, DTPAForm 3:30 Admissions in DTPAForm 3:40 Motion and Order for MediationForm 3:50 Original Petition in DTPAForm 3:60 Checklist for DTPAForm 3:70 Memorandum of Law on DTPAForm 3:80 Trial, DTPAForm 3:90 Discovery Against Credit Card Companies

CHAPTER 4

Business LitigationI. General Points

§4:01 Litigation Issues Unique to Businesses§4:02 Foreign Corporations


II. Initiating Business LitigationA. Tolling the Limitations Period

1. General Points§4:10 Tolling Provisions Must Be Pleaded§4:11 Tolling Despite Commencement of Suit§4:12 Statutes of Repose (Persons Protected)

2. Defendant’s Absence§4:20 Defendant’s Absence From State§4:21 Absence Does Not Toll With Real Estate§4:22 Tolling for Absence Applicable Only to Individuals

3. Disability and Minority§4:30 Minority and Unsoundness of Mind§4:31 Married Minors§4:32 Disability Must Exist at Accrual of Action

4. Other Bases for Tolling§4:40 Fraud§4:41 Death§4:42 Filing in Wrong Court§4:43 Agreement of the Parties§4:44 Related Counterclaims and Cross-Claims

B. Selecting the Court§4:50 Corporations§4:51 Partnerships§4:52 A Business’s “Principal Office”§4:53 Tort and Contract Actions§4:54 Long-Arm Jurisdiction

C. Identifying the Business§4:60 Assumed Names§4:61 Suing a Corporation§4:62 Suing a Partnership§4:63 Misnomer§4:64 Relation Back When a Party Is Misidentified§4:65 Capacity

D. Serving a Corporation§4:70 Whom to Serve§4:71 Substituted Service on the Secretary of State§4:72 Service by Publication or Posting

E. Other Issues§4:80 Corporation Must Be Represented by an Attorney§4:81 Failure to Pay Franchise Taxes§4:82 Personal Liability When the Franchise Tax Is Not Paid§4:83 Suing a Dissolved Corporation§4:84 Spoliation§4:85 Shareholders§4:86 Investigating the Defendant’s Finances

III. Typical Business Litigation ActionsA. Notes & Leases

§4:90 Promissory Notes§4:91 Leases


Rev. 6, 11/12

B. Mechanic’s, Contractor’s, and Materialman’s Liens1. General Points

§4:100 Authority and Construction§4:101 Obtaining a Mechanic’s Lien§4:102 Perfecting the Mechanic’s Lien§4:103 Notice of the Lien§4:104 Necessity of Dealing With the Owner§4:105 Foreclosing on a Lien§4:106 Sham Contracts to Prevent a Lien§4:107 Releasing a Lien

2. Specific Types of Property§4:110 Abandoned Property§4:111 Liens on Homesteads§4:112 The Affidavit for a Homestead Lien§4:113 Liens on Vehicles§4:114 Liens on Fixtures§4:115 Liens on Services to Horse Owners

C. Contracts§4:120 Statutes of Limitations§4:121 Changing the Limitation Period§4:122 Contracts to Arbitrate a Dispute§4:123 Contracts Affecting Jurisdiction§4:124 Elements for a Breach of Contract Action§4:125 Installment Contracts§4:126 Assignment of Contract Claims§4:127 Attorney Fees§4:128 Artistic Work

D. Torts1. General Points

§4:130 Statute of Limitations§4:131 Fraudulent Concealment§4:132 Insurance Coverage§4:133 Mental Anguish§4:134 Keep Tort Issues in Mind in Business Litigation

2. Defamation§4:140 Definitions§4:141 Slander Per Se§4:142 Publication§4:143 Defenses§4:144 Privileged Matters§4:145 Business Disparagement

3. Negligence§4:150 Gross Negligence§4:151 Negligent Misrepresentation

4. Other Torts§4:160 Fraud§4:161 Civil Conspiracy§4:162 Conversion§4:163 Malicious Prosecution and Abuse of Process§4:164 Nuisance


§4:165 Tortious Interference With Business Relations§4:166 Tortious Interference With a Contract§4:167 Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress§4:168 Continuing Torts

E. Bankruptcy§4:170 Types of Bankruptcy§4:171 Bankruptcy Documents§4:172 Exempt Property Alternatives§4:173 Texas Exemptions§4:174 Initial Bankruptcy Interview§4:175 Representing a Creditor§4:176 Electronic Filing§4:177 Motion to Lift Stay§4:178 Debts Not Dischargeable

F. Copyright, Patents, and Trademarks§4:180 Distinguishing Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks§4:181 Copyrights§4:182 Copyright Notice§4:183 The Application

G. Oil and Gas§4:190 The Surface Lease

IV. Pleadings and Judgments§4:200 Estoppel§4:201 Attaching Documents to the Pleadings§4:202 Declaratory Judgments§4:203 Summary Judgments§4:204 Motion for JNOV§4:205 Finality of Judgments§4:206 Revival and Enforcement of Judgments§4:207 Attorney Fees

FormsForm 4:10 Letter to Secretary of StateForm 4:20 Citation by PostingForm 4:30 Affidavit for Citation by PostingForm 4:40 Appointment of Attorney Ad Litem After PostingForm 4:50 Notice by PublicationForm 4:60 Affidavit by Publication Involving LandForm 4:70 Checklist in Preparation of the PleadingsForm 4:80 Note—SecuredForm 4:90 Note—UnsecuredForm 4:100 Promissory NoteForm 4:110 Release of Lien or NoteForm 4:120 Bill of SaleForm 4:130 Petition for Suit on a Sworn AccountForm 4:140 LeaseForm 4:150 Mechanic’s Lien IntakeForm 4:160 Mechanic’s Lien LetterForm 4:170 Mechanic’s Lien ForeclosureForm 4:180 Mechanic’s Lien Letter to ClientForm 4:190 Mechanic’s Lien Notice Letter


Rev. 6, 11/12

Form 4:200 Mechanic’s Lien AffidavitForm 4:210 Original Petition for Breach of ContractForm 4:220 Provision for Tolling of Statute of LimitationsForm 4:230 ContractForm 4:240 Breach of Contract InterrogatoriesForm 4:250 Petition, Conspiracy and Tortious Interference With Existing ContractForm 4:260 Petition, LibelForm 4:270 Original Petition for Declaratory JudgmentForm 4:280 Proof of ClaimForm 4:290 Motion for Relief From StayForm 4:300 Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the VerdictForm 4:310 ReleaseForm 4:320 Interrogatories in Aid of JudgmentForm 4:330 Leased Property ChecklistForm 4:340 Collaborators’ Agreement

CHAPTER 5

Landlord-Tenant RelationsI. General Points

§5:01 Rental Agreements and Leases§5:02 The Initial Client Interview§5:03 Self-Representation

II. Forcible Entry and Forcible Detainer (Eviction)A. General Points

§5:10 Definitions§5:11 Bad Faith or Harassment§5:12 Attorneys’ Fees§5:13 Non-Lawyer Representation§5:14 Eviction by New Owner of Building After Foreclosure§5:15 The Lockout Alternative§5:16 Wrongful Eviction§5:17 Constructive Eviction

B. The Eviction Action§5:20 Statute of Limitations§5:21 Jurisdiction§5:22 Proper Parties§5:23 Notice to Vacate§5:24 Demand for Attorneys’ Fees§5:25 The Petition§5:26 Service of Process§5:27 Substituted Service Supports Default Judgment§5:28 The Answer§5:29 Issues in Eviction Actions§5:30 The Eviction Hearing§5:31 Writ of Possession§5:32 Appeal


III. Landlord’s DutiesA. Deposits and Payments

§5:40 Duty to Mitigate Damages§5:41 Cash Payments§5:42 Rental Application Deposit§5:43 Refund of Security Deposits§5:44 Bad Faith Retention of Security Deposit§5:45 Late Fees§5:46 Premises Liability With Leased Premises; Commmon Area and Retained-Control

B. Condition of the Unit§5:50 Smoke Detectors§5:51 Security Devices§5:52 Utilities

C. Liens and Seized Property1. Residential Leases

§5:60 General Points§5:61 Seizure of Property§5:62 Sale of Property

2. Commercial Leases§5:65 Commercial Buildings§5:66 Agricultural Products or Crops

IV. Tenant’s Rights and Duties§5:70 Tenant’s Obligations Under the Lease§5:71 No Subletting§5:72 Fixtures§5:73 Requesting Repairs§5:74 Lien on Landlord’s Property§5:75 Last Month’s Rent§5:76 Receipt for Cash Payment§5:77 Right to Summon Emergency Assistance§5:78 Mobile Home Lots§5:79 Right to Vacate and Avoid Liability Following Certain Sex Offenses

V. Tenant’s Repair and Deduct Remedy§5:80 Repair and Deduct Procedure§5:81 Improper Repair and Deduct§5:82 Casualty Loss§5:83 Closing the Unit§5:84 Landlord May Not Retaliate

VI. Personal Property Left on Premises§5:90 Property Removed From Premises§5:91 Property That Must Be Returned to the Tenant§5:92 Property Presumed Abandoned After Three Years§5:93 Tenant’s Remedy for Improper Removal

VII. Fair Housing Practices§5:100 Discrimination Prohibited§5:101 Familial Status as Discrimination§5:102 Disabilities


Rev. 6, 11/12

§5:103 Contact Government Officials§5:104 Enforcement and Appointment of Attorney§5:105 The Complaint§5:106 Civil Penalties§5:107 Criminal Penalties

FormsForm 5:10 [Reserved]Form 5:20 Lease — ResidentialForm 5:30 Lease — AgriculturalForm 5:40 Client Intake QuestionnaireForm 5:50 Checklist for EvictionsForm 5:60 Instructions for the Eviction CaseForm 5:70 Eviction Notice LetterForm 5:80 Eviction PetitionForm 5:90 Courtroom ScriptForm 5:100 Release of Lease

CHAPTER 6

Employer-Employee RelationsI. General Points

§6:01 Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Election§6:02 Employee’s Workers’ Compensation Claim§6:03 Vicarious Liability§6:04 Negligent Hiring

II. The Employment Contract§6:10 First Client Meeting With Terminated Employee§6:11 Employment at Will§6:12 Modification of Employment at Will to Prevent Discrimination§6:13 Modification of Employment at Will to Prevent Retaliation§6:14 Modification of Employment at Will by Written Policies§6:15 Employment for a Definite Period§6:16 Independent Contractors§6:17 Leased Employees§6:18 Covenants Not to Compete§6:19 Statute of Frauds

III. HiringA. The Hiring Process

§6:31 Recruiting§6:31 Application Forms§6:32 Interviewing Applicants§6:33 References and Offers of Employment§6:34 New Hire Reporting

B. Immigration Issues§6:40 Hiring Illegal Immigrants Is Prohibited§6:41 Cannot Exclude Authorized Aliens§6:42 No Match Letter§6:43 Best Hiring Practices


IV. Office PoliciesA. General Policies

§6:50 Office Procedures / Policy Manual§6:51 Drug Policies§6:52 Posted Notices§6:53 Employment of Children§6:54 Use of Polygraph§6:55 Record Keeping§6:56 Sexual Harassment

B. Wages and Paydays§6:60 Paydays§6:61 Minimum Wage§6:62 Overtime Pay§6:63 Vacation Pay§6:64 Garnishment of Wages

C. Safety and Health§6:70 Texas Requirements§6:71 Federal Requirements§6:72 Health Care

D. E-Mail§6:80 Include Policy in Office Manual§6:81 Electronic Communications Act§6:82 Texas Penal Code§6:83 Privacy Interest Defense

V. Discrimination and HarassmentA. General Points

§6:90 Employment Discrimination Is Prohibited§6:91 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)§6:92 Disparate Treatment and Disparate Impact§6:93 Employer’s Defenses§6:94 Hostile Work Environment§6:95 Burden Shift

B. Types of Discrimination§6:100 Discriminatory Notice or Advertisement§6:101 Discrimination in Hiring§6:102 Age Discrimination§6:103 Sexual Discrimination§6:104 Retaliation§6:105 Disabilities§6:106 Race Discrimination§6:107 Religious Discrimination

C. Sexual Harassment§6:110 Statutory Claim for Sexual Harassment§6:111 Hostile or Offensive Work Environment§6:112 Vicarious Liability

D. Damages for Discrimination or Harassment§6:115 Statutory Damages§6:116 Caps on Damages


Rev. 6, 11/12

VI. Termination of EmploymentA. Grounds and Procedures

§6:120 Termination Based on Good Cause§6:121 Statement of Discharge

B. Improper Terminations§6:130 Wrongful Discharge§6:131 Constructive Discharge§6:132 The Whistleblower Act§6:133 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)§6:134 Refusal to Perform Illegal Act

C. Post-Termination Actions and Procedures§6:140 Lien for Unpaid Compensation§6:141 Unemployment Compensation§6:142 Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress§6:143 Attorneys’ Fees§6:144 Blacklisting

FormsForm 6:10 Intake ChecklistForm 6:20 Employment at WillForm 6:30 Application—EmploymentForm 6:40 Interview—EmploymentForm 6:50 Texas Employer New Hire Reporting Program FormForm 6:60 Equal Employment and Reasonable AccommodationForm 6:70 Anti-Drug PoliciesForm 6:80 Office Procedure Disclaimer—Sexual HarassmentForm 6:90 E-Mail, Fax, and Internet Use PolicyForm 6:100 Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9Form 6:110 Checklist—Employer/Employee

CHAPTER 7

Credit and CollectionsI. General Points

§7:01 Initial Meeting With a Debtor-Client§7:02 Statute of Limitations§7:03 Written Acknowledgment Constitutes New Promise§7:04 Oral Acknowledgment§7:05 Statute of Frauds§7:06 Investigating the Debtor§7:07 Investigating the Creditor§7:08 Checklist of Available Procedures

II. Debt CollectionA. General Points

§7:10 Creditor Is Responsible for Collection Agency§7:11 Creditor May Ratify Collector’s Improper Practices§7:12 Debtor May Not Hinder Secured Creditors§7:13 Asset Protection Planning§7:14 Ethics and Professionalism in Debt Collection


B. Texas Debt Collection Practices Act1. Regulations

§7:20 Collection Practices Are Extensively Regulated§7:21 Threats or Coercion§7:22 Harassment; Abuse§7:23 Fraudulent, Deceptive, or Misleading Representations§7:24 Right to Privacy

2. Damages and Enforcement§7:30 Exemplary Damages§7:31 Criminal Penalties§7:32 Attorneys’ Fees and Fines§7:33 Enforcement by Attorney General

C. Federal Statutes§7:40 Statutes and Prohibitions§7:41 When the Debtor Disputes the Debt

III. Collecting on a JudgmentA. Abstract of Judgment

§7:50 Abstract of Judgment Creates a Lien§7:51 Preparation of the Abstract of Judgment§7:52 Lien Lasts for Ten Years

B. Garnishment§7:60 Prejudgment Garnishment§7:61 When to Use Garnishment§7:62 Applying for a Writ of Garnishment§7:63 Review the Garnishment Return§7:64 Notify the Judgment Debtor of Garnishment§7:65 Garnishee Must File Answer§7:66 Bank’s Right of Offset§7:67 Garnishment of Wages§7:68 Defendant’s Right to Replevy§7:69 Attorneys’ Fees§7:70 Garnishment by Federal Agency

C. Execution of Judgments1. Obtaining a Writ of Execution

§7:80 The Execution Process§7:81 Timing for the Issuance of a Writ§7:82 The Writ§7:83 Duty of Executing Officer§7:84 Failure to Execute§7:85 Improper Endorsement of Writ

2. Exempt Property§7:90 General Points§7:91 Homesteads

3. The Execution Sale§7:100 General Points§7:101 Wrongful Execution§7:102 Secured Creditors and Execution§7:103 Real Property§7:104 Dormancy of the Judgment Lien§7:105 Recovery of Seized Property§7:106 Judgments Against Political Subdivisions§7:107 Unclaimed Judgments


Rev. 6, 11/12

D. Post-Judgment Discovery§7:110 Post-Judgment Discovery Takes Place in the Same Suit§7:111 Types of Discovery

E. Turnover§7:120 The Turnover Statute§7:121 Purpose and Use of the Turnover Process§7:122 How to File the Turnover§7:123 Turnover to Determine Possession and Control§7:124 Turnover Does Not Apply to Wages§7:125 Turnover Statute and Its Application to Homesteads

F. Receivership§7:130 Receivership Statutes§7:131 Advantages and Disadvantages of Receivership§7:132 Requesting the Receivership§7:133 Qualifications for the Receiver§7:134 Appointment of the Receiver§7:135 Powers of the Receiver§7:136 Accounting by the Receiver§7:137 Receiver’s Sale of Property§7:138 Stopping a Receivership

IV. Attachment and SequestrationA. Attachment

§7:140 Purpose and General Use§7:141 Grounds§7:142 Procedure§7:143 Art Is Exempt

B. Sequestration§7:150 Purpose and General Use§7:151 Grounds§7:152 Procedure§7:153 Repossessions

V. Judgments Against Spouses§7:160 General Points§7:161 Separate Property Liability§7:162 Community Property Liability§7:163 Order in Which Spousal Property Is Subject to Execution

FormsForm 7:10 Intake—DebtsForm 7:20 Contract for Employment—Collections/ContingencyForm 7:30 Acknowledgment of ClaimForm 7:40 Unfair Debt Collection Practices LetterForm 7:50 Collections LetterForm 7:60 Abstract of JudgmentForm 7:70 Letter to Client Post-JudgmentForm 7:80 Application for Writ of Garnishment After JudgmentForm 7:90 Writ of Garnishment AffidavitForm 7:100 Writ of GarnishmentForm 7:110 Garnishment NoticeForm 7:120 Agreed Judgment on GarnishmentForm 7:130 Garnishee’s AnswerForm 7:140 Writ of Garnishment JudgmentForm 7:150 Writ of Execution Letter to Clerk


Form 7:160 Writ of Execution Letter to Sheriff or ConstableForm 7:170 Request for Production—CollectionsForm 7:180 Turnover ApplicationForm 7:190 Turnover OrderForm 7:200 Application for ReceiverForm 7:210 Receiver OrderForm 7:220 Oath of ReceiverForm 7:230 Receivership Final OrderForm 7:240 Checklist—CollectionsForm 7:250 Homestead Affidavit as Release of Judgment Lien

CHAPTER 8

Organizing and Operating a Small BusinessI. General Points

§8:01 Initial Client Interview§8:02 Forms of Businesses§8:03 Naming the Business§8:04 Employees§8:05 Licenses§8:06 Sales Tax§8:07 Margin Tax and Other Taxes§8:08 Attorney-Client Business Transactions

II. Sole Proprietorships§8:10 General Points§8:11 Setting Up a Sole Proprietorship

III. Partnerships§8:20 The Partnership Agreement§8:21 General Partnerships§8:22 Limited Partnerships§8:23 Limited Liability Partnerships§8:24 Differences Among Different Types of Partnerships§8:25 Family Limited Partnerships

IV. CorporationsA. Forming a Corporation

§8:30 Introduction§8:31 Advantages and Disadvantages§8:32 Incorporators§8:33 Corporation Name§8:34 Articles of Incorporation§8:35 Filing the Articles§8:36 Bylaws§8:37 Incorporating an Existing Business

B. Maintaining and Dissolving a Corporation§8:40 Organizational Meeting§8:41 Officers§8:42 Compensation§8:43 Shares


Rev. 6, 11/12

§8:44 Common vs. Preferred Shares§8:45 Subchapter C Corporations§8:46 Piercing the Corporate Veil§8:47 Articles of Dissolution

C. Subchapter S Corporations§8:50 Tax Advantage to an S Corporation§8:51 Disadvantages of S Corporations§8:52 Qualifying as an S Corporation§8:53 Establishing and Dissolving an S Corporation

D. Non-Profit Corporations§8:55 Formation§8:56 Advantages of Non-Profit Corporations§8:57 Disadvantages of Non-Profit Corporations§8:58 Tax Consequences

V. Limited Liability Company (LLC)§8:60 General Points§8:61 Advantages and Disadvantages§8:62 Formation§8:63 Name Requirement§8:64 Articles of Organization§8:65 Membership; Regulations; Management§8:66 Recordkeeping§8:67 Assignment of Membership§8:68 LLC and Creditors§8:69 Dissolution§8:70 Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLC)

VI. Holding Meetings§8:80 Requirement for Meetings§8:81 Open Meetings Act§8:82 Public Information Act

FormsForm 8:10 Intake—Business OrganizationForm 8:20 Assumed Name Certificate (for Local Filing in the County)Form 8:21 Assumed Name Certificate (for Filing With the Secretary of State)Form 8:30 Letter to Client, Assumed Name CertificateForm 8:35 Employment AgreementForm 8:40 Partnership AgreementForm 8:50 Letter to Secretary of State, With Articles of IncorporationForm 8:60 Letter to Client, Forming the CorporationForm 8:70 Articles of IncorporationForm 8:80 BylawsForm 8:90 Share CertificateForm 8:95 Certificate of Formation for a Non-ProfitForm 8:96 Checklist for Formation of a Non-Profit CorporationForm 8:100 Articles of Organization (LLC)Form 8:110 Holding MeetingsForm 8:120 MinutesForm 8:130 Checklist, Organizing a BusinessForm 8:140 Margin Tax Calculation


CHAPTER 9

Buying and Selling a Small BusinessI. General Points

§9:01 Initial Client Interview§9:02 Buyer’s Concerns§9:03 Seller’s Concerns§9:04 Checklist

II. Steps in the Transaction§9:10 Investigate the Business§9:11 Letter of Intent§9:12 Types of Assets§9:13 Tax Consequences§9:14 Environmental Reports§9:15 Warranties§9:16 Special Considerations§9:17 Drafting the Contract for Sale§9:18 Closing

III. Buyer’s Interest vs. Seller’s Interest§9:20 Valuing Equipment and Inventory§9:21 Selling Assets or Shares§9:22 Seller’s Capital Gain§9:23 Definition of Capital Assets§9:24 Sales Tax§9:25 Documents to Protect the Buyer§9:26 Sale of Real Property§9:27 Mineral and Water Rights§9:28 Depreciable Assets

IV. Special Concerns§9:30 Alcohol Sales Permit§9:31 Employment Commission Status Report

V. Sales of Different Types of BusinessA. Sole Proprietorship

§9:40 Sale Is Taxed on Individual AssetsB. Partnership

§9:50 Choice of Methods§9:51 Goodwill§9:52 Partnership Dissolution§9:53 Registered Limited Liability Partnerships

C. Professional Practice§9:60 Professional Practice Is Different Than Other Businesses§9:61 Agreement Not to Compete

D. Corporation§9:70 Methods to Accomplish Sale§9:71 Closely-Held Corporations

FormsForm 9:10 Client Intake—Buying and Selling a BusinessForm 9:20 Letter of IntentForm 9:30 Confidentiality Agreement


Rev. 6, 11/12

Form 9:40 Access and Indemnity AgreementForm 9:50 Letter to Comptroller (re: No Sales Tax Due)Form 9:60 Sale of a Sole Proprietorship ContractForm 9:70 Sale/Dissolution of a Partnership ContractForm 9:80 Sale of Professional Practice ContractForm 9:90 Contract for Sale of a Business/CorporationForm 9:100 Sale of a Ranch ContractForm 9:110 Texas Employment Commission Status ReportForm 9:120 Checklist for Buying and Selling a Business

VOLUME 2

CHAPTER 10

Marriage DissolutionI. General Points

§10:01 Family Law Statistics§10:02 Texas Family Law Practice Manual§10:03 Annulment§10:04 Common Law Marriage§10:05 Pre-Marital Agreements§10:06 Family Law Resources

II. Initial Client Contact§10:10 Establish Jurisdiction§10:11 Obtain Preliminary Information§10:12 Anticipate Costs§10:13 Determine Appropriate Lawsuit§10:14 Preparing the File

III. The Original PetitionA. Jurisdiction

§10:20 Matrimonial Long Arm Statute§10:21 Minimum Contacts§10:22 Divorce and Child Custody: Personal Jurisdiction Not Required§10:23 Property Division and Child Support: Personal Jurisdiction Required

B. Preparing and Filing the Petition§10:30 Basic Elements§10:31 Waiver of Service§10:32 Domestic Torts§10:33 Attorney Fees§10:34 Special Requirements§10:35 Filing the Petition§10:36 Request for a Jury Trial§10:37 Notice to the Attorney General§10:38 Name Change

C. Service§10:40 Waiver of Service§10:41 Advise Against Signing a Waiver§10:42 Serve the Opponent§10:43 Service by Posting or Publication§10:44 Service by Posting§10:45 Service by Publication


IV. Temporary Orders§10:50 General Points§10:51 Temporary Ex Parte Restraining Order§10:52 Child Support§10:53 Spousal Maintenance§10:54 Inventory§10:55 Requesting a Hearing

V. Dividing the PropertyA. General Points

§10:60 Just and Right Standard§10:61 Disproportionate Division

B. Types of Property§10:70 Community Property§10:71 Separate Property§10:72 Mixed Property§10:73 Presumption of a Gift§10:74 Personal Injury Recovery§10:75 Professional Degrees§10:76 Stock Options

C. Reimbursement§10:80 Equitable Reimbursement§10:81 Joint Ventures§10:82 Non-Reimbursable Claims§10:83 Claim for Reimbursement; Offsets§10:84 Claims for Reimbursement

D. Tracing1. General Points

§10:90 Trial Court Has Broad Discretion§10:91 Inception of Title§10:92 Tracing Experts§10:93 Livestock

2. Tracing Methods§10:100 Clearinghouse Method§10:101 Minimum Sum Balance§10:102 Community First Out Rule§10:103 Pro Rata§10:104 Value Tracing§10:105 Item Tracing

VI. Real Estate Documents§10:110 General Points§10:111 Contracts Near the Time of Marriage or Divorce§10:112 Special Warranty Deed§10:113 Deed of Trust to Secure Assumption§10:114 Real Estate Lien Note and Deed of Trust§10:115 Warranty Deed With a Vendor’s Lien§10:116 Quitclaim Deed§10:117 Filing the Decree in Lieu of Real Estate Documents


Rev. 6, 11/12

VII. Issues Regarding Children§10:120 Parenting Plan§10:121 Paternity§10:122 Possession and Access§10:123 Parental Alienation§10:124 The Non-Custodial Parent’s Visitation§10:125 Interference With Custody or Visitation§10:126 Uniform Child Custody Long Arm Statute§10:127 Intervention by Grandparents or Others§10:128 Representing Children§10:129 No More Written Designations for Child Over 12 Years

VIII.Vehicle Transfers§10:130 Power of Attorney to Transfer Automobile§10:131 Documents for the Tax Office§10:132 Motor Vehicle Transfer§10:133 Mobile Home Transfer

IX. Discovery and Trial§10:140 Discovery in Family Law Cases§10:141 Pleadings: Sufficiency and Amendments§10:142 Motion for Summary Judgment§10:143 Conducting a Contested Hearing

X. The Final Decree§10:150 Preparing the Final Decree§10:151 Withholding Order§10:152 Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO)§10:153 Income Tax Exemptions§10:154 Finalize the Divorce

XI. Post-Divorce Matters§10:160 Partition of Undivided Property§10:161 Protective Orders§10:162 Motion for New Trial§10:163 Beneficiary Designations and COBRA§10:164 Closing the File

FormsForm 10:10 Marriage Dissolution Telephone IntakeForm 10:20 Family Law—Telephone IntakeForm 10:30 Intake QuestionnaireForm 10:40 Cohabitation AgreementForm 10:50 Pre-Marital Agreement IntakeForm 10:60 Pre-Marital AgreementForm 10:70 Marital AgreementForm 10:80 Employment ContractForm 10:90 Checklist—Marriage DissolutionForm 10:100 Report of Divorce or Annulment of MarriageForm 10:110 Service of Process Information SheetForm 10:111 Change of Name PetitionForm 10:112 Script for Change of NameForm 10:113 Obtaining the Criminal History DocumentsForm 10:120 Original Petition for Divorce


Form 10:130 Letter to Opposing Party With WaiverForm 10:140 Waiver of CitationForm 10:150 Order on Service of CitationForm 10:160 Petitioner’s Supporting AffidavitForm 10:170 Appointment of Attorney Ad Litem OrderForm 10:180 Appointment of Attorney Ad Litem After PublicationForm 10:190 Answer With a General DenialForm 10:200 Temporary Restraining Order and Order Setting Hearing for Temporary OrdersForm 10:210 Temporary OrdersForm 10:220 Calculating Child SupportForm 10:230 ExpensesForm 10:240 InventoryForm 10:250 Final Decree of DivorceForm 10:260 Withholding OrderForm 10:270 Withholding Letter to ClerkForm 10:280 Power of Attorney to Transfer Motor VehicleForm 10:290 Checklist for Transfer of Automobiles and Mobile HomesForm 10:300 Transfer of Mobile Home “Statement of Ownership”Form 10:310 Final Hearing Script—Prove up (Agreed/Default)Form 10:320 Special Warranty DeedForm 10:330 Deed of Trust to Secure AssumptionForm 10:340 Real Estate Lien NoteForm 10:350 Deed of TrustForm 10:360 Quitclaim DeedForm 10:370 InterrogatoriesForm 10:380 ProductionForm 10:390 AdmissionsForm 10:400 Trial Transcript ContestedForm 10:410 Child’s Choice of Managing ConservatorForm 10:420 Custody ChecklistForm 10:430 Letter to Custodial ParentForm 10:440 Visitation Letter to Custodial ParentForm 10:450 Contempt LetterForm 10:451 Authorization for Release of Protected Health InformationForm 10:460 Release of Claim to ExemptionForm 10:470 Confirmation by Client of Advice on Prohibition of Possession of FirearmForm 10:480 Proposed or Agreed Parenting PlanForm 10:490 Checklist for Closing Out the Case

CHAPTER 11

Estate PlanningI. General Points

§11:01 Client Interview§11:02 Meeting a Married Couple§11:03 Avoiding Probate§11:04 Clients With Current Wills§11:05 Prepaid Funeral Expenses§11:06 Conflict of Interest: Prohibited Transactions§11:07 Importance of Financial Planning


Rev. 6, 11/12

II. Financial Planning§11:10 Home Equity Loans and Reverse Mortgages§11:11 Homesteads§11:12 Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAS)§11:13 Investments§11:14 Life Insurance§11:15 Annuities

III. Non-Probate Assets§11:20 Joint Tenancy With Right of Survivorship§11:21 Payable on Death Accounts (P.O.D.)§11:22 Joint Accounts§11:23 Life Insurance

IV. Tax Issues§11:30 Federal Unified Tax Credit§11:31 Estate Taxes§11:32 Gifts and Gift Tax§11:33 Community Property vs. Separate Property§11:34 Property Taxes

V. Wills§11:40 Importance of Having a Will§11:41 Basic Types of Wills§11:42 Community Property§11:43 The Common Forms: A Will and a Testamentary Trust§11:44 Special Provisions§11:45 Executors§11:46 Execution of the Will§11:47 Revocation§11:48 Divorce Voids Provisions for the Former Spouse

VI. Ancillary DocumentsA. Financial Matters

§11:50 Durable Power of Attorney§11:51 General Power of Attorney§11:52 Special Power of Attorney§11:53 Revocation of the POA

B. Health Matters§11:60 Power of Attorney for Health Care§11:61 Directive to Physicians

VII. TrustsA. General Points

§11:70 Creation of a Trust§11:71 Purpose, Types, and Taxes§11:72 Community Property Agreement and Pour-Over Will§11:73 Client Interview§11:74 Crummey Powers§11:75 Letters to Transfer Agents§11:76 Termination of the Trust


B. Marital and Bypass Trusts§11:80 General Points§11:81 When Trusts Are Not Advisable§11:82 How the Trusts Work§11:83 Selecting Assets for Trusts

C. Living Trusts§11:90 General Points§11:91 Disadvantages to Living Trusts§11:92 Advantages to Living Trusts§11:93 Myths About Living Trusts§11:94 Tax Consequences

D. QTIP Trusts§11:100 General Points§11:101 When to Use a QTIP Trust§11:102 Requirements to Establish a QTIP Trust§11:103 Creating a QTIP Trust§11:104 How a QTIP Trust Works§11:105 Disadvantage of a QTIP Trust

E. Charitable Remainder Trusts§11:110 General Points§11:111 Tax Consequences

VIII.Guardianship§11:120 General Points§11:121 Client Interview§11:122 Designating a Guardian for Children§11:123 Alternatives to a Guardianship§11:124 Appointment of Guardian§11:125 Guardian of the Estate

IX. Long-Term Care§11:130 Social Security§11:131 Supplemental Security Income (SSI)§11:132 Nursing Homes§11:133 Medicare§11:134 Medicaid§11:135 Hospice

X. Estate Issues§11:140 Promise Must Be in Writing§11:141 Disclaimers

FormsForm 11:10 Will IntakeForm 11:20 Will QuestionnaireForm 11:30 ProceduresForm 11:40 Joint RepresentationForm 11:50 Execution of WillsForm 11:60 Last Will and Testament/FemaleForm 11:70 Last Will and Testament/MaleForm 11:80 Last Will and Testament With Trust/FemaleForm 11:90 Last Will and Testament With Trust/MaleForm 11:100 Last Will and Testament With Trust and Marital TrustForm 11:110 Bequests Reduced


Rev. 6, 11/12

Form 11:120 Life Estate ProvisionForm 11:130 Will LetterForm 11:140 CodicilForm 11:150 Directive to PhysiciansForm 11:151 HIPAA ReleaseForm 11:160 Power of AttorneyForm 11:170 Power of Attorney for Health CareForm 11:180 Power of Attorney for Health Care InformationForm 11:190 Revocation of Power of AttorneyForm 11:200 Pour-Over ProvisionForm 11:210 Trusts ChecklistForm 11:215 Affidavit of Accuracy and SolvencyForm 11:220 Trust AgreementForm 11:230 Spray Trust Provisions—Unequal DistributionForm 11:240 Marital Deduction Trust and Credit Shelter TrustForm 11:250 Living Trust LetterForm 11:260 Revocable Living Trust AgreementForm 11:261 QTIP Trust ProvisionsForm 11:270 Termination of TrustForm 11:280 Survivorship Agreement for Community PropertyForm 11:290 Insurance Policy Change of Beneficiary LetterForm 11:300 Mineral Rights Lease Transfer LetterForm 11:310 Investment Transfer LetterForm 11:320 IRA Change of Contingent Beneficiary Letter

CHAPTER 12

Estate AdministrationI. General Points

§12:01 The Attorney Represents the Estate§12:02 Jurisdiction and Venue§12:03 Personal Representatives§12:04 Proof Prior to Probate§12:05 Four-Year Period for Probate§12:06 The Estate Tax Return§12:07 Statute of Limitations to Contest Probate§12:08 Suing or Defending an Estate

II. Client Interview§12:10 Acknowledge the Emotional Effects§12:11 Obtain Basic Information Before the Interview§12:12 Establish the Proper County§12:13 Obtain All Necessary Information§12:14 Review the Assets§12:15 Determine the Appropriate Proceedings§12:16 Explain the Procedure and Fees

III. Analyzing the Estate§12:20 Non-Probate Assets§12:21 Debts§12:22 Adoption by Estoppel§12:23 Partition§12:24 Community Property


IV. Special ProceedingsA. No Will or Lost Will

§12:30 Application to Determine Heirship§12:31 Intestate Succession§12:32 Probate of a Lost Will

B. Small Estates§12:40 Intestate Decedent; Affidavit of Heirship§12:41 Small Estate Affidavit

C. Muniment of Title§12:50 General Points§12:51 Applying for Probate as Muniment of Title§12:52 Contesting the Procedure§12:53 Muniment of Title Hearing§12:54 After the Muniment of Title Hearing

D. Independent Administration1. Establishing Administration

§12:60 Availability and Advantages of Independent Administration§12:61 Initiating Independent Administration§12:62 Hearing on Independent Administration§12:63 After the Hearing

2. Proceedings During Administration§12:70 Oath and Bond§12:71 Inventory§12:72 Order of Payment of Claims and Allowances§12:73 Interested Persons May Demand Accounting§12:74 Removing an Independent Executor§12:75 Closing Independent Administration

V. Court-Supervised (Dependent) AdministrationA. General Points

§12:80 Use and Waiver§12:81 Citation and Service§12:82 Minors§12:83 Out-of-State Executor or Witnesses

B. Establishing Administration§12:90 Initiating Court-Supervised (Dependent) Administration§12:91 Hearing§12:92 After the Hearing

C. Proceedings During Administration§12:100 Set Aside of Exempt Property§12:101 Family Allowance§12:102 Notice for Presentation of Claims§12:103 Classification of Claims§12:104 Dealing With Claims§12:105 Bond§12:106 Sale of Real Property§12:107 Accounting§12:108 Operation of Businesses

D. Closing the Estate§12:110 Disbursing Real Estate§12:111 Beneficiaries Receipt and Release§12:112 Account for Final Settlement


Rev. 6, 11/12

FormsForm 12:10 Client Intake QuestionnaireForm 12:20 Client Interview—ProbateForm 12:30 Analyzing the Type of Probate ProcedureForm 12:40 Heirship QuestionnaireForm 12:50 Heirship AffidavitForm 12:60 Procedure for Affidavit of HeirshipForm 12:70 Application to Determine HeirshipForm 12:80 Motion to Appoint Attorney Ad Litem in Heirship ProceedingForm 12:90 Answer by Ad Litem to Application of HeirshipForm 12:100 Affidavit of Facts—HeirshipForm 12:110 Small Estate Administration Letter of RepresentationForm 12:120 Small Estate Affidavit and OrderForm 12:130 Muniment of Title ApplicationForm 12:140 Muniment of Title, Office ProceduresForm 12:150 Order Admitting the Will to Probate as a Muniment of TitleForm 12:160 Proof of Death and Other Facts—Muniment of TitleForm 12:170 Proof of HandwritingForm 12:180 Muniment ScriptForm 12:190 Letter to Client on MunimentForm 12:200 Letter of Representation, Independent AdministrationForm 12:210 Temporary Administration LetterForm 12:220 Application for Letters TestamentaryForm 12:230 Application for Independent AdministrationForm 12:240 Oath of Independent AdministrationForm 12:250 Proof of Death and Other Claims, Independent AdministrationForm 12:260 Waiver and Renunciation of Rights to Letters TestamentaryForm 12:270 Waiver of Dependent Administration and BondForm 12:280 Waiver of CitationForm 12:290 Family AllowanceForm 12:300 Independent Administration Order—TestamentaryForm 12:310 Independent Administration Order—Non-TestamentaryForm 12:320 Independent Administration, Agreed OrderForm 12:330 Independent Administration ScriptForm 12:340 Independent Administration Office ProceduresForm 12:350 Notice to CreditorsForm 12:360 Letter Regarding Notice to CreditorsForm 12:370 Second Letter of Representation—Independent AdministrationForm 12:380 Inventory—ProbateForm 12:390 Letter to Client Regarding InventoryForm 12:400 Receipt and ReleaseForm 12:410 Letter to ClaimantForm 12:420 Closing the Independent EstateForm 12:430 Agreement—ProbateForm 12:440 AuthorizationForm 12:450 Letter of Representation, Agreement to Proceed as IndependentForm 12:460 Waiver of Right to Proceed as Dependent AdministrationForm 12:470 Letter of Representation—Dependent AdministrationForm 12:480 Application for Dependent Administration—TestamentaryForm 12:490 Proof of Death—Dependent AdministrationForm 12:500 Order Admitting Will to Probate as Dependent AdministrationForm 12:510 Dependent Administration Office ProceduresForm 12:520 Dependent Administration Script—WillForm 12:530 Dependent Administration Script—No WillForm 12:540 Letter of Representation 2—Dependent AdministrationForm 12:550 Notice to Claimant


Form 12:560 Authenticated Unsecured Claim FormForm 12:570 Letter to Claimant—Secured ClaimForm 12:580 Verification of Funds on DepositForm 12:590 Application for Authority to Expend FundsForm 12:600 Application for Sale of Real PropertyForm 12:610 Order Setting Hearing on Application for Sale of Real PropertyForm 12:620 Order of Sale of Real PropertyForm 12:630 [Reserved]Form 12:640 Report of Sale of Real PropertyForm 12:650 Decree of Sale of Real PropertyForm 12:660 Application to Pay Attorneys’ FeesForm 12:670 Annual Account—Dependent AdministrationForm 12:680 Application for ReimbursementForm 12:690 Application for Compensation of AdministratorForm 12:700 Bank Account LetterForm 12:710 Computation of Estate TaxesForm 12:720 Account for Final SettlementForm 12:730 Order to Pay Funds to Court Registry for MinorForm 12:740 Dependent Administration Interrogatories ProceduresForm 12:750 Direct Interrogatories to Be Propounded to ExecutorForm 12:760 Interrogatories of the Subscribing WitnessForm 12:770 Appointment of Resident AgentForm 12:780 Application to Set Aside Exempt PropertyForm 12:790 Application for Allowance in Lieu of Exempt PropertyForm 12:800 Petition for Breach of Fiduciary DutyForm 12:810 Disbursement AuthorizationForm 12:820 Payment of Claim Without GuardianshipForm 12:830 Stock Transfer Letter

CHAPTER 13

GuardianshipsI. General Points

§13:01 Guardianships Require Expertise§13:02 Purpose and Types of Guardianship§13:03 Look for Less Restrictive Alternatives§13:04 Client Interview§13:05 Temporary (Immediate) Guardianships§13:06 Representing the Ward

II. Establishing the Guardianship§13:10 The Guardianship Application§13:11 Prepare for the Hearing§13:12 The Hearing§13:13 After the Hearing§13:14 Letters of Guardianship

III. Conducting the Guardianship§13:20 Powers and Duties§13:21 Inventory and Appraisement§13:22 Support and Maintenance of the Ward§13:23 Creditors§13:24 Sales


Rev. 6, 11/12

§13:25 Compensation§13:26 Veteran’s Benefits§13:27 Annual Accounts§13:28 Annual Determinations§13:29 Closing the Guardianship§13:30 Injunctive Relief in Guardianship§13:40 Involuntary Commitment

FormsForm 13:10 Guardianship IntakeForm 13:20 Letter to Doctor in GuardianshipForm 13:30 Application for Letters of GuardianshipForm 13:40 [Reserved]Form 13:50 Oath and Bond of GuardianForm 13:60 Waiver and Renunciation of Right to Be Appointed GuardianForm 13:70 Guardianship Proof of FactsForm 13:80 Guardianship OrderForm 13:90 Guardianship Office ProceduresForm 13:100 Guardianship Hearing ScriptForm 13:110 Application to Set a Monthly Allowance for Expenditures by GuardianForm 13:120 Application for Compensation in GuardianshipForm 13:130 Answer of Guardian Ad LitemForm 13:140 Letter of Instruction to GuardianForm 13:150 Order Approving BondForm 13:160 Notice to Persons With Claims in GuardianshipForm 13:170 Sale of Property Hearing Script in GuardianshipForm 13:180 Order Approving Guardian’s Annual AccountForm 13:190 Application to Close and Discharge GuardianshipForm 13:200 Order Approving Account for Final SettlementForm 13:210 Order Closing and Discharging Guardianship

CHAPTER 14

DWI DefenseI. General Points

A. Criminal Defense Work§14:01 Ethics and Importance§14:02 Duty to Investigate§14:03 Attorney-Client Relationship§14:04 Websites

B. Offenses and Definitions§14:10 Driving While Intoxicated§14:11 Intoxication§14:12 Operating a Motor Vehicle§14:13 Public Place§14:14 Alcohol and Minors§14:15 Open Container Law

C. The First Client Meeting§14:20 The Non-Citizen Client§14:21 Client Interview§14:22 Fee Agreements


II. Arrests and Tests§14:30 Definition of an Arrest§14:31 Authority for Warrantless Arrest§14:32 Exclusionary Rule§14:33 Field Sobriety Tests§14:34 Implied Consent to Breath and Blood Tests§14:35 Attacking Breath and Blood Tests§14:36 Admissibility of Scientific Tests§14:37 Use of Experts to Challenge Tests§14:38 Expert Testimony a Necessity for the State§14:39 Blood Search Warrants

III. Pre-TrialA. Initial Procedure

§14:40 Information or Indictment§14:41 Arraignment§14:42 Announcement§14:43 Right to a Jury Trial

B. Discovery and Trial Prep§14:50 Discovery Request§14:51 Open Records Requests§14:52 Pretrial Hearings§14:53 Motions to Suppress§14:54 Request for Jury to Assess Punishment§14:55 Preparation for Trial

IV. PunishmentsA. Basic Punishments

§14:60 Driver’s License Suspension§14:61 Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing§14:62 Surcharge Assessment§14:63 No Deferred Adjudication

B. Enhancements§14:70 The Enhancement Scheme§14:71 Third Offense Is a Felony§14:72 Prior DWI Convictions Which Can Be Used For Enhancement§14:73 Involuntary Manslaughter and Intoxication Manslaughter Enhancements§14:74 Proving Prior Convictions§14:75 Stipulations Are Admissions§14:76 Prior Convictions Must Be in the Jury Charge

V. The TrialA. Initial Procedure

§14:80 State Must Prove Every Element§14:81 Voir Dire§14:82 Batson§14:83 Reading the Indictment

B. Common Issues§14:90 Chain of Custody§14:91 Confessions and Defendant’s Statements§14:92 Testimony by Defendant


Rev. 6, 11/12

§14:93 Proof of Finality of Prior Convictions§14:94 Retrograde Extrapolation§14:95 Admissibility of Business Records§14:96 Refusal to Give a Breath Sample§14:97 Videotapes§14:98 Trial Testimony§14:99 Closing Argument

C. Jury Charge§14:100 General Points§14:101 Drafting the Jury Charge§14:102 The Application Paragraph§14:103 Lesser Included Offenses§14:104 Extraneous Offenses—General Points§14:105 Extraneous Offenses—Notice by State§14:106 Extraneous Offenses—Proof of Identity§14:107 Extraneous Offenses—Limiting Instructions

VI. DWI Community Supervision§14:110 Basic Conditions§14:111 Minimum Confinement§14:112 Rehabilitation Treatment§14:113 Educational Program§14:114 Deep-Lung Breath Analysis Mechanism§14:115 Driver’s License§14:116 Revocation of Community Supervision

VII. Occupational License§14:120 Eligibility for an Occupational License§14:121 Preparing the Petition§14:122 Filing the Application§14:123 The Hearing

VIII.Collateral ConsequencesA. Direct DWI Consequences

§14:130 List of Consequences§14:131 Ignition Interlock Devices§14:132 Property Forfeiture

B. Other Offenses§14:140 General Points§14:141 Student Grants and Loans§14:142 Public Assistance; Health Care; Housing§14:143 Employment and Licenses§14:144 Passports§14:145 Possession of a Firearm§14:146 Right to Vote§14:147 Jury Service§14:148 Ability to Hold Public Office§14:149 Driver’s License§14:150 Citizenship§14:151 Military Service


FormsForm 14:10 Intake Questionnaire—CriminalForm 14:20 Employment Contract—CriminalForm 14:30 Entry of AppearanceForm 14:40 Waiver of Jury TrialForm 14:50 Discovery—DWIForm 14:60 Application for Jury to Assess PunishmentForm 14:70 Motion in Limine—DWIForm 14:80 DWI Motion to SuppressForm 14:90 Letter to ClientForm 14:100 Script—Failure to TestifyForm 14:110 DWI Mandatory PunishmentsForm 14:120 Criminal Voir DireForm 14:121 Criminal Jury Questionnaire Form 14:130 Occupational License PetitionForm 14:140 Occupational License OrderForm 14:150 Occupational License Hearing—ScriptForm 14:160 Occupational License LetterForm 14:170 Occupational License ProceduresForm 14:180 Jury Instructions for Determination of Voluntariness of StatementForm 14:190 Jury DWI Charge (Guilt/Innocence)Form 14:200 Jury DWI Charge (Punishment)

CHAPTER 15

Misdemeanor Defense I. General Points

A. Misdemeanors and Penalties§15:01 Definition and Distinction From Felonies§15:02 Misdemeanor Penalty Ranges§15:03 Penalties for Controlled Substances

B. The Prosecutor’s Role§15:10 Prosecutors Protect Justice§15:11 Prosecutor’s Basic Obligations§15:12 Disclosure of Evidence§15:13 Crime Victim’s Compensation

C. Defense Attorney’s Obligations§15:20 Plea Offers§15:21 Investigate Facts and Law§15:22 Advise on Punishment§15:23 Advise on Collateral Consequences§15:24 Negotiating the Deal

D. Procedures§15:30 Initial Client Interview§15:31 Initial Procedures and Discovery§15:32 Court Proceedings§15:33 Writ of Habeas Corpus§15:34 Representing the Mentally Ill Client

II. Traffic Tickets§15:40 General Points§15:41 Stipulation and Appeal Bond


Rev. 6, 11/12

§15:42 Deferred Adjudication§15:43 Plea Offer§15:44 Defensive Driver Course§15:45 Challenging the Detection Device for Speeding

III. Search and SeizureA. General Points

§15:50 General Rule: Warrant Is Required§15:51 Arrests Without Warrants§15:52 Levels of Interaction§15:53 Must Have an Affirmative Link§15:54 Forfeiture

B. Specific Searches§15:60 Places Incident to Arrest§15:61 Persons Incident to Arrest§15:62 Persons During the Execution of Search Warrants§15:63 Body Fluids§15:64 Protective (Cursory) Searches§15:65 Prevention of Destruction of Evidence§15:66 Vehicle Inventory Searches§15:67 Curtilage and Open Fields§15:68 Border Searches§15:69 School Searches§15:70 Water Safety Checks§15:71 Automobiles§15:72 Dog Search/Odor

C. Stops, Detentions, Arrests§15:80 Detention§15:81 Reasonable Suspicion§15:82 Warrantless Arrests in the Home§15:83 Traffic Stops§15:84 Roadblocks and License Checkpoints

D. Motions to Suppress and Jury Charges§15:90 Pretrial Motion to Suppress Evidence§15:91 Objections to Search Warrants§15:92 Jury Charge on Illegal Search§15:93 Corroboration Required in Some Drug Offenses

IV. Confessions and Statements§15:100 Definition and Protection§15:101 Warning Requirement for Custodial Interrogation and Statements§15:102 Exceptions to Warning Requirement§15:103 Voluntariness§15:104 Corroboration§15:105 Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law§15:106 Recorded Statements Must Be Provided to the Defense

V. Plea Bargaining§15:110 Purpose§15:111 Duty to Inform Client§15:112 Agreement Is Binding§15:113 Appeal After a Plea Bargain


VI. Speedy Trial§15:120 Basis for the Right to a Speedy Trial§15:121 Time Length§15:122 Factors§15:123 Burden of Proof§15:124 Remedy for Violation

VII. Pretrial Issues§15:130 Appointing Experts§15:131 Multiple Defendants§15:132 Habitual Offenders§15:133 Criminal Attempt§15:134 Competency and Capacity§15:135 Enhancement§15:136 Indigency§15:137 Consolidation and Joinder§15:138 Motion for Continuance§15:139 Bench Warrant§15:140 Evading/Escape§15:141 Subpoenas in Criminal Cases

VIII.Community SupervisionA. General Proceedings

§15:150 Definition: Deferred Proceedings or Probated Sentence and Probation Eligibility§15:151 Presentence Investigation Report (PSI)§15:152 Payment of Fines, Costs, or Restitution§15:153 Shock Probation

B. Deferred Adjudication§15:160 Definition and Procedure§15:161 Violation of a Condition§15:162 Subsequent Offense§15:163 Offenses for Which Deferred Adjudication Is Not an Option§15:164 Consequences of Deferred Adjudication§15:165 Petitions for Nondisclosure

C. Special Conditions§15:170 Judge May Impose Any Reasonable Condition§15:171 Community Service§15:172 Offense Committed Because of Bias or Prejudice

IX. Trial Issues§15:180 Visiting Judges§15:181 The Plea§15:182 Failure of the State to Timely Designate an Expert§15:183 Double Jeopardy§15:184 Lesser Included Offenses§15:185 Evidence Stipulations§15:186 Voir Dire Challenge for Cause§15:187 Character Evidence of Victim§15:188 Jury Charges§15:189 Allocution§15:190 Concurrent v. Cumulative Sentencing§15:191 Credit for Time Served


Rev. 6, 11/12

§15:192 Other Trial Strategies§15:193 Eyewitness Identification—Wrongful Convictions§15:194 The Punishment Phase

X. Post-Trial§15:200 Post-Trial Considerations§15:201 Motion for New Trial§15:202 Appeal§15:203 Confinement§15:204 Sex Offender Registration§15:205 Immigration§15:206 Expunction

FormsForm 15:10 Crime ClassificationsForm 15:20 Affidavit of Non-ProsecutionForm 15:30 Motion Objecting to Extraneous OffensesForm 15:40 Motion to Give Notice of Extraneous OffensesForm 15:50 Motion for ProbationForm 15:60 Motion to Appoint InvestigatorForm 15:70 Motion to Suppress SearchForm 15:80 Motion to Suppress ConfessionForm 15:90 Motion to Limit Cross-ExaminationForm 15:100 Motion to Not Be Tried in Jail ClothesForm 15:110 Motion for Independent ExpertForm 15:120 Motion to Suppress IdentificationForm 15:130 Motion for Appointment of an InterpreterForm 15:140 Discovery—CriminalForm 15:150 Writ of Habeas Corpus ApplicationForm 15:160 Writ of Habeas Corpus OrderForm 15:170 Writ of Habeas Corpus Hearing—ScriptForm 15:180 Personal Recognizance BondForm 15:190 Motion for Examining TrialForm 15:200 Questions for Expert Testing Bodily FluidsForm 15:201 Intake Sheet—Mental IllnessForm 15:210 Traffic Ticket Appeal BondForm 15:220 Traffic Ticket Letter to CourtForm 15:230 Traffic Ticket Letter to ClientForm 15:240 Traffic Ticket ProceduresForm 15:250 Speedy Trial Motion and Order Form 15:260 Hearing on Speedy Trial MotionForm 15:270 Competency MotionForm 15:280 Motion for SeveranceForm 15:290 Bench Warrant ApplicationForm 15:300 Bench WarrantForm 15:310 Motion for Shock ProbationForm 15:320 Preservation of Error for Denial of Defense Challenges for CauseForm 15:330 Criminal Jury ChargeForm 15:340 Stipulation—CriminalForm 15:350 Analyzing the Admissibility of the Defendant’s StatementsForm 15:351 Admissibility of StatementsForm 15:360 Findings of Fact and Conclusions of LawForm 15:370 Identification Hearing—Predicate QuestionsForm 15:380 Expunction InterviewForm 15:381 Expunction PetitionForm 15:382 Expunction Order


CHAPTER 16

Real EstateI. General Points

§16:01 The Initial Client Intake§16:02 The Texas Property Code§16:03 Documents Should Show Marital Designation§16:04 Filing Real Estate Documents§16:05 Distinction Between Void and Voidable§16:06 Real Estate Documents Must Be in Writing§16:07 Parol Evidence

II. Real Estate DocumentsA. Frequently Used Documents

§16:10 Warranty Deed§16:11 General Warranty v. Special Warranty§16:12 Deed of Trust§16:13 Deed of Trust to Secure Assumption§16:14 Warranty Deed With a Vendor’s Lien§16:15 Real Estate Lien Note§16:16 Quitclaim Deed§16:17 Assumption Warranty Deed§16:18 Warranty Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

B. Other Documents§16:20 Special Deeds§16:21 Homestead and Non-Homestead Affidavits§16:22 Temporary Lease§16:23 Removal of Mechanics Lien§16:24 Easements§16:25 Contract for Deed

III. Trespass to Try Title§16:30 Definition and Authority§16:31 The Petition§16:32 The Answer and Demand for Abstract of Title§16:33 The Judgment

IV. Foreclosures§16:40 Parties and Settlement§16:41 Non-Judicial Foreclosure§16:42 Judicial Foreclosures§16:43 Public Sale Procedure§16:44 Sheriff’s Sale§16:45 Market Value at the Time of Foreclosure

V. Adverse PossessionA. General Points

§16:50 Definition§16:51 Elements and the Petition§16:52 Actions Barred for Land Dedicated to Public Use§16:53 Burden of Proof on Adverse Possessor


Rev. 6, 11/12

B. Statute of Limitations Periods§16:60 Four Different Statutory Periods§16:61 Three-Year Limitations Period§16:62 Five-Year Limitations Period§16:63 Ten-Year Limitations Period§16:64 Twenty-Five-Year Limitations Period§16:65 Two-Year Limitation Period

VI. Real Estate Closings§16:70 The Earnest Money Contract and Sales Contract§16:71 Order the Title Policy§16:72 Preparing the Title Opinion§16:73 After the Title Has Been Examined§16:74 Determine the Property Taxes§16:75 Obtain the Payoff Amount Owed to the Mortgagee§16:76 The Settlement Statement§16:77 At the Closing§16:78 After the Closing§16:79 After Funding§16:80 Send the Documents

VII. Special Real Estate Issues§16:90 First Right of Refusal§16:91 Discrimination Prohibited§16:92 Undisclosed Conditions§16:93 Partition Suit§16:94 Surface Minerals§16:95 Discrimination in Housing§16:96 Reverse Mortgages§16:97 Researching the Property§16:98 Advising the Mineral Lessor§16:99 Tax Protests§16:100 Attorney’s Fees and Costs

FormsForm 16:10 Real Estate IntakeForm 16:20 Earnest Money ContractForm 16:30 Warranty DeedForm 16:40 Warranty Deed With Vendor’s LienForm 16:50 Acknowledgment of Status of TitleForm 16:60 Assumption Warranty DeedForm 16:70 Deed in Lieu of ForeclosureForm 16:80 Affidavit Claiming LienForm 16:90 Foreclosure Notice LetterForm 16:100 Notice of Substitute Trustee’s SaleForm 16:110 Foreclosure Mortgage LetterForm 16:120 Foreclosure Posting AffidavitForm 16:130 Foreclosure Citation by PostingForm 16:140 Foreclosure Sale TranscriptForm 16:150 Foreclosure DeedForm 16:160 Foreclosure Affidavit


Form 16:170 Foreclosure Sale LetterForm 16:180 Judicial Foreclosure Notice LetterForm 16:190 Notice of Lis PendensForm 16:200 Judicial Foreclosure IntakeForm 16:210 Foreclosure ProceduresForm 16:220 Judicial Foreclosure PetitionForm 16:230 Judicial Foreclosure DefaultForm 16:240 Judicial Foreclosure Order of SaleForm 16:250 Certificate of Appraisal ValueForm 16:260 Sheriff’s Notice LetterForm 16:270 Notice of Sheriff’s SaleForm 16:280 Sheriff’s DeedForm 16:290 Adverse Possession PetitionForm 16:300 Adverse Possession OrderForm 16:310 Statement of Evidence—Adverse PossessionForm 16:320 Adverse Possession ScriptForm 16:330 Sales ContractForm 16:340 Letter to Title CompanyForm 16:350 Settlement StatementForm 16:360 Settlement Statement ProceduresForm 16:370 1099S AffidavitForm 16:380 Release of LienForm 16:390 Disclosure NoticeForm 16:400 Affidavit as to Debts and LiensForm 16:410 Environmental Inspection EasementForm 16:420 Federal Truth in Lending Disclosure StatementForm 16:430 Homestead AffidavitForm 16:440 Non-Homestead AffidavitForm 16:450 Distribution DeedForm 16:460 Deed Without WarrantyForm 16:470 Guardian’s DeedForm 16:480 Seller’s Temporary Residential LeaseForm 16:490 Affidavit of Completion and IndemnityForm 16:500 Abandonment of EasementForm 16:510 Forfeiture AffidavitForm 16:520 Appointment of Substitute TrusteeForm 16:530 Foreclosure Sale Deed (Substitute Trustee’s Deed)Form 16:540 Affidavit of Non-Military Status

TABLE OF CASES

TABLE OF STATUTES

INDEX
