McGarvey PLLC

McGarvey PLLC Real Estate, Title, and General Business Law. Litigation, Transactions, and Contracts.

LAW MONTHMay not only features Law Day but a focus on law throughout the entire month. McGarvey PLLC observes the fundam...
05/28/2026

LAW MONTH
May not only features Law Day but a focus on law throughout the entire month. McGarvey PLLC observes the fundamentals of Law Day as we celebrate the role of law in our society and work to cultivate an appreciation of the legal profession.

Services spanning commercial and residential real estate matters to deed fraud to probate and estate planning to providing fractional general counsel services position us as knowledgable partners to each and every client.

Visit our website mcgarveypllc.com and call us at 281.501.3030 for help with your legal matters.

TEXAS CLERK FILING REJECTIONS: New Authority & Clarity Texas is tightening control over fraudulent filings with updates ...
05/19/2026

TEXAS CLERK FILING REJECTIONS: New Authority & Clarity
Texas is tightening control over fraudulent filings with updates tied to Section 51.901 of the Texas Government Code and related amendments including:

Expanded Clerk Authority: County clerks now have clearer authority to reject filings suspected of being fraudulent or improper

Fraud Prevention Focus: Builds on existing law allowing review of documents that may create fraudulent liens or claims against property

Procedural Safeguards: Establishes more defined standards for flagging, reviewing, and rejecting questionable records

Protecting Property Owners: Helps prevent bad actors from clouding title through improper or deceptive filings

These updates empower clerks to act as a stronger first line of defense against fraudulent property records in Texas. If you suspect that you've become a victim of deed fraud, contact us immediately at 281.501.3030.

TEXAS TACKLES DEED FRAUD: New “Self-Help” Remedy Texas is strengthening protections against fraudulent filings with SB 1...
05/15/2026

TEXAS TACKLES DEED FRAUD: New “Self-Help” Remedy
Texas is strengthening protections against fraudulent filings with SB 1734, expanding remedies under Texas Government Code §51.901(c) including these measures to protect Texans from ongoing deed fraud:

Challenge Fraudulent Filings: Property owners now have clearer procedures to contest the validity of recorded documents believed to be fraudulent

Presumption of Fraud: Certain filings may be treated as presumptively fraudulent under §51.901(c), streamlining review and action

Self-Help Mechanism: Provides a more efficient path to flag, review, and potentially invalidate fraudulent liens or deeds without lengthy litigation

Stronger Deterrence: Will help reduce title fraud schemes and protect homeowners from wrongful encumbrances

At its core, SB 1734 gives Texas property owners more practical tools to fight back against deed fraud and protect clear title. If you suspect you are a victim of deed fraud, please call McGarvey PLLC at 281.501.3030.

TEXAS CRACKS DOWN ON SQUATTERS With the passage of SB 1333, Texas gives property owners a faster, more direct path to re...
05/07/2026

TEXAS CRACKS DOWN ON SQUATTERS
With the passage of SB 1333, Texas gives property owners a faster, more direct path to remove squatters now legally defined as 'unauthorized occupants.' Protecting property owners and removing the previous arduous protocol, the new law includes:

Fast-Track Removal: Owners can request that a sheriff or constable remove an unauthorized occupant from a dwelling without going through a lengthy eviction process

Affidavit Required: The process begins with a sworn complaint confirming the occupant has no legal right to be there

Strict Criteria: Applies only when the occupant is not a tenant or a family member, and has no lease or legal claim

Law Enforcement Authority: Once verified, law enforcement can act quickly to restore possession to the owner

A long time coming, SB 1333 gives Texas property owners a powerful new tool to reclaim property from unlawful occupants, quickly and efficiently. If you're having a problem with tenancy, or any real estate law matter please contact McGarvey at 281.501.3030.

05/07/2026

📣 We're Hiring! | Client Care Specialist (Part-Time)

McGarvey PLLC is looking for someone who brings energy, pays attention to the details, and genuinely loves working with people.

You'll be the first voice clients hear and the first face they see — and that role matters more than most people realize.

✅ Part-time, in-office | Houston, TX
✅ $17.50–$25.00/hr
✅ Real potential to grow into full-time

We want someone who thinks critically, takes ownership, and doesn't wait to be told what to do next. Law firm experience? Not required. The right attitude? Non-negotiable.

📩 Interested? Send your resume + a short cover letter to [email protected]. Don't forget to tell us your favorite Girl Scout cookie. 🍪

A DAY DEDICATED TO LAWThe 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” The rule of law, the idea that...
05/06/2026

A DAY DEDICATED TO LAW
The 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” The rule of law, the idea that no person is above the law, is what ensures the rights of people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams. Law Day, recognized on May 1, allows us to reflect on how the rule of law ensures that we all have the ability to fulfill our dreams.

TEXAS ADVERSARIAL LAND OWNERSHIP ACT: What You Need to Know Texas is taking a strong stance on foreign land ownership wi...
04/29/2026

TEXAS ADVERSARIAL LAND OWNERSHIP ACT: What You Need to Know
Texas is taking a strong stance on foreign land ownership with the passage of SB 17, often referred to as the Adversarial Land Ownership Act. The law prohibits certain “prohibited persons” and entities tied to designated countries including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, from acquiring interests in Texas real property. The broad reach of this act applies to residential, commercial, agricultural, and mineral interests as well as farmland. Designated countries are defined by national security threat assessments and may be expanded by the State as new threats are recognized.

The Texas Attorney General investigates violations, brings enforcement actions, and oversees compliance, with reporting obligations placed on real estate professionals. Violations can trigger civil penalties, criminal liability, and court-ordered divestment with courts potentially appointing a receiver to take control and sell property if acquired in violation of the law.

SB 17 significantly reshapes who can own Texas real estate making compliance and due diligence more critical than ever.

HOW TO RECLAIM YOUR PROPERTY & PROTECT YOURSELF In situations where title insurance does not cover the loss, homeowners ...
04/27/2026

HOW TO RECLAIM YOUR PROPERTY & PROTECT YOURSELF
In situations where title insurance does not cover the loss, homeowners may need to rely on other resources. These include hiring an attorney who specializes in real estate and property fraud to navigate the complexities of quiet title actions. Additionally, reaching out to the local district attorney’s office or law enforcement can aid in criminal investigations that may help unravel the fraudulent chain of transactions. Recorded deeds have to have the signatures notarized, so additional recovery under the notary’s bond are potentially available if the notary was complicit in the fraudulent scheme.

Although restoring property ownership after multiple sales is challenging, it is not impossible. Through persistence and legal action, property owners have successfully reclaimed their property rights. Unfortunately, given the time and expense involved, the best approach to deed theft remains preventative: staying vigilant about personal information security, including freezing credit reports; regularly monitoring property title records; and utilizing title lock services to catch unauthorized transactions as quickly as possible. Read the final in our three-part series: https://www.mcgarveypllc.com/how-to-reclaim-your-property-and-protect-yourself-in-the-future/

The security of your deed ultimately lies in your hands, however if you suspect fraud, contact the professionals at McGarvey PLLC, mcgarveypllc.com or 281.501.3030..

TEXAS MECHANIC'S LIEN UPDATES: Clarity Matters Recent updates to Texas mechanic’s lien laws impacting Chapter 53 of the ...
04/21/2026

TEXAS MECHANIC'S LIEN UPDATES: Clarity Matters
Recent updates to Texas mechanic’s lien laws impacting Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code including §53.003, bring greater clarity and consistency to lien rights and enforcement. Why it matter to Texas consumers:

— Deadline Calculation Clarified: The law reinforces when the clock starts, focusing on the last month labor or materials were provided rather than ambiguous accrual concepts
— Strict Filing Deadlines: Most lien affidavits must be filed by the 15th day of the 3rd or 4th month, depending on project type (residential vs. commercial)
— Notice & Timing Precision: Required notices and post-filing steps (like sending a copy within 5 days) will continue to be strictly enforced
— Consistency Across Projects: Clarifications help align timing rules across contractors, subcontractors, and retainage claims

Texas courts expect strict compliance and a legal team that understands these exact timing and calculation rules is essential to preserving lien rights. Contact McGarvey PLLC at 281.501.3030 and visit our website mcgarveypllc.com.

TEXAS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS: What’s Changing Property tax relief is on the way! Texas continues to expand measures for ho...
04/14/2026

TEXAS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS: What’s Changing
Property tax relief is on the way! Texas continues to expand measures for homeowners through the following:

— SJR 2: Increases school district homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, reducing taxable value for many homeowners

— SJR 85: Proposes a significant boost to exemptions for elderly (65+) and disabled homeowners, allowing increases from $10,000 up to as much as $60,000

— Enhanced Senior Relief: Additional proposals tied to SJR 85 aim to push total exemptions for seniors even higher, delivering meaningful long-term tax savings

— HJR 133: Reinforces Texas’ ongoing commitment to property tax relief and homeowner protections

These changes signal a continued statewide effort to lower property tax burdens especially for homeowners, seniors, and disabled Texans. Follow McGarvey PLLC to stay up-to-date on legislative issues that affect all Texas property owners! mcgarveypllc.com

NOTARY REFORM: Big Changes for Texas Notaries Texas SB 693 raises the bar on notarial practices resulting in the most s...
04/10/2026

NOTARY REFORM: Big Changes for Texas Notaries
Texas SB 693 raises the bar on notarial practices resulting in the most significant notary reforms in recent years, including new record retention and training requirements. Here's what you should know with an emphasis on real estate transactions in the Lone Star State:

— New Criminal Penalties: Notarizing without the signer’s physical presence can now result in a Class A misdemeanor or even a felony in certain real estate transactions

— State-Run Education: Notaries must complete a mandatory training course administered by the Texas Secretary of State

— 10-Year Record Retention: Records must now be maintained for a full decade

These updates are designed to increase accountability, prevent fraud, and strengthen trust in Texas notarizations.

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3220 Broadway, Suite 200
Houston, TX
77546

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