Blog

Have a Reverse Mortgage Claim in Probate Court? Protect Yourself

Over fifty years ago, in a probate case coming from Tarrant County, Texas, a probate administratrix told a claimant that the debt would be paid in the estate. The claimant believed the administratrix and did not follow up on a claim that was filed in… Read More
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Recovering on Real Estate Loan or Negotiable Instruments: The Four and Six Year Statute of Limitations

To recover on a real estate lien note, action must be taken within four years after maturity date of the note, obligation or installment. A sale of real property under a power of sale in a mortgage or deed of trust must be made not later than four ye… Read More
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Home Equity Lender or Servicer: Should I file a Proof of Claim in Bankruptcy?

You are a lienholder or servicer of a home equity loan and you receive in the mail a notice that the borrower has filed for bankuptcy. The notice advises you of a date to file a proof of claim. If you are a home equity lienholder or holder of a rever… Read More
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Interviewing Former Justices on the 2nd and 5th Court of Appeals

It wasn’t long ago that I joined the Oral History Section of the Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas and became Co-Chair along with JoAnn Story of Houston. She had been tirelessly working the committee’s state wide effort to interview all… Read More
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Categories: Court of Appeals

Reflections on Former Justice Sidney Farrar – Second Court of Appeals

Retired Senior District Judge Sydney Farrar’s long distinguished career as a practicing attorney, trial judge and Associate Justice on the Second Court of Appeals exemplifies his love of the law and hard work. His oral interview at Texas A&M La… Read More
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Categories: Court of Appeals

Eliminating the Title Dispute

Sometimes lenders who have foreclosed on their borrowers real estate and have recovered title to real property serving as collateral for the loan face a difficult time in removing the borrowers from their homes. This is a delicate task for lawyers as… Read More
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Retired Senior Judge Mary Ellen Hicks

At age five Senior Retired Judge Mary Ellen Hicks knew that one day she would be lawyer but she never thought she would be an appellate court justice. Her time as a Justice on the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth from 1994 – 1996 was just one… Read More
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Categories: Court of Appeals

Four Year Limitations After Closing in Home Equity Litigation

In Jones v. Bank of New York Mellon, CIV.A. H-13-2414, 2015 WL 300495, at *6 (S.D. Tex. Jan. 22, 2015), the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas held that the four year statute of limitations applies in home equity loan cases from the date… Read More
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Be Careful With the Mineral Interests

Two recent Texas appellate cases show what can happen when an owner mistakenly conveys mineral interests and then tries to reclaim them more than four years after the closing. These cases are of interest locally where there is ongoing of leasing of m… Read More
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Watch for Possible Violations in Home Equity Loans

If you prosecute home equity loan foreclosures or defend insured lienholders against non-compliance complaints under Section 50(a)(6) of the Texas Constitution under a title insurance policy be careful once the borrower decides to file for bankruptcy… Read More
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