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In Texas, co-ownership of property is a common arrangement, especially among family members, business partners, and married couples. Co-ownership occurs when two or more individuals hold title to the same piece of real property. Understanding real estate law in Texas helps determine how those interests are divided. Property law recognizes three primary forms of joint…

Generally, ownership of a piece of real estate includes the house, the land beneath it, and a presumed right to the air above it. But in Texas, the concept of owning the airspace above one’s home has caveats. While Texas real estate law generally supports a homeowner’s rights to the airspace immediately above their…

When homeowners, HOAs, or businesses face construction defects, their first thought is often litigation. But lawsuits are costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. Fortunately, Texas law provides alternative methods that are often faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective. The key is understanding which resolution method applies to your situation and how to use it to…

In Texas, the concepts of eminent domain and condemnation are closely related, but they are distinct processes. Understanding the distinction between eminent domain and condemnation is important for landowners, developers, and legal practitioners navigating their property rights.  Understanding Eminent Domain Eminent domain is the legal power of the government to seize private property for…

As summer unfolds with long days and a more relaxed pace, it’s the perfect time to check important items off your to-do list—including creating or updating your estate plan. Whether you’re heading out on vacation or enjoying a slower schedule, taking time to plan for the future offers peace of mind today and protection…

When construction defects occur in a commercial or residential project, contractor liability will dictate how you can hold the responsible parties accountable and under which legal theories.  In Texas, a contractor can generally be held liable when a defect in their work directly results in: Not all cosmetic issues or minor imperfections will rise…

Houston was hit hard in 2024 by two catastrophic storms: If you’re a Texas homeowner still dealing with damage from the 2024 storms, chances are you’ve been tossed back and forth between your insurance company and your builder, with no resolution, no repairs, and rising out-of-pocket costs due to both storm damage and potential…

Anyone buying commercial real estate needs to have a thorough understanding of the local zoning regulations. These will dictate what you can and cannot do in a particular area, which in turn could influence whether or not you can establish the business you want there.  Sometimes the local authorities do not seem to offer…

Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) in Texas often face challenges when collecting unpaid assessments from previous property owners. This article explains what HOAs can and cannot do in these situations. Legal limitations for Texas HOAs HOAs have the right to place a lien on a property for unpaid assessments, but this lien is generally limited to the…

Making your property accessible to people with disabilities is both a legal and ethical obligation. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commercial buildings must be physically accessible to people with disabilities, including employees.  If you own a commercial building, it is crucial to comply with ADA standards. Failure to do so can lead…