Law Office of Melissa G. Brown, PLLC

Law Office of Melissa G. Brown, PLLC Estate Planning & Real Estate Attorney Your future deserves thoughtful planning and reliable support.

Melissa is ready to listen, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way. Schedule your free consultation today and let’s get started.

The way I like to spend my downtime…
05/10/2026

The way I like to spend my downtime…

HOA’s—Ever curious as to where the HOA gets its authority to govern in your specific neighborhood? Typically recorded in...
04/18/2026

HOA’s—Ever curious as to where the HOA gets its authority to govern in your specific neighborhood? Typically recorded in the real property records at or before the neighborhood was even developed, a document called the “Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions” (often referred to as the CCR’s) establishes the HOA and its authority to govern. It’s a legally binding document that can control anything from exterior modifications to your home, to the number of pets allowed for each household. The HOA can enforce these restrictions by imposing fines or even filing a lawsuit against a homeowner for the collection of HOA assessments. While living in an HOA community can feel too restrictive, and no one wants to have to pay HOA assessments, the HOA helps maintain a certain standard of living within the community, ensures that properties are well-kept, and helps the community continue to be aesthetically pleasing and cohesive.

The laws governing HOA’s can be found by searching online using a search phrase such as “Texas Property Code Title 11, Chapters 201-215”. If you need finding your CCR’s, or need help interpreting the rules and obligations set forth therein, send me a message as I’m happy to try to help at no charge.

04/10/2026

Most people assume they don’t need (or don’t want to pay for) a real estate attorney when buying or selling a home; this is especially true if they’ve already hired a real estate agent and have been involved in such a transaction before. However, hiring an attorney can potentially save you in more ways than one; and it will be money well spent if you find yourself forced to initiate or provide a defense in any litigation.

The various sorts of lawsuits can be based upon the terms of the contract, matters affecting the property not being properly disclosed, surveys that fail to show encroachments, or title defects which your title policy does not cover.

Court costs and attorneys fees after the closing of the transaction will almost definitely be higher than retaining an attorney before you even sign the contact.

Next time you consider buying or selling a home, it’s something well worth your time to think about!

04/08/2026

Dying without a Will in place is called dying “intestate”. When you die intestate the State of Texas has specific statutes in place which govern who will inherit your Estate. Typically it’s your surviving spouse (if any), your children, your parents or siblings. But you might be surprised to know that the determination as to the % amount of your Estate going to each heir may differ for separate vs. community property. This is especially true if your children are from a prior marriage.

The results of the State’s determination as to who gets what % can easily fracture family relationships if a dispute arises. Particularly if there is any real property that needs to be sold to pay the funeral costs or any debts of the decedent.

Bottom line? Everyone needs a Will in place to preserve your wishes and intentions when it comes to the distribution of your Estate after death.

Do you know anything about “Ladybird Deeds” aka Enhanced Life Estate Deeds? If not you should! They can be a great way t...
04/06/2026

Do you know anything about “Ladybird Deeds” aka Enhanced Life Estate Deeds? If not you should! They can be a great way to transfer your real property to another person upon your death without the need for that person or a loved one to open a probate (if that is the only asset in your estate).

If you’re the owner, you still retain the right to use, control, sell or mortgage the property without the consent of your beneficiary. In fact, the beneficiary doesn’t actually have any rights or ownership interest until your death.

To discuss the most effective way to transfer your real property, and any other assets, outside of probate, feel free to contact me by DM. I offer free consultations!

People often believe that a DIY Will is sufficient to transfer their property and assets to their intended beneficiaries...
04/06/2026

People often believe that a DIY Will is sufficient to transfer their property and assets to their intended beneficiaries. In Texas, even holographic Wills can sometimes be admitted to probate if written entirely in the decedents handwriting and signed. While a DIY Will does avoid some legal expenses for the party drafting one, if drafted improperly, it can cause additional costs to the heirs and executors, as well as the estate itself. How does this happen? If the identification of property to be transferred is incorrect, there are missing signatures/witnesses, or if provisions designating alternate executors are missing.

In order to avoid passing too many costs on to your beneficiaries, it’s truly worth it to pay an attorney to draft your Will.

I can help you do so at a reasonable cost. Please send a direct message to me if you’d like to inquire about all of the estate planning documents I can provide as well as my fees.

Have a great Monday!

Happy Easter! Today is a beautiful day to go for a walk!
04/05/2026

Happy Easter! Today is a beautiful day to go for a walk!

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7300 State Highway 121, Suite 300
McKinney, TX
75070

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Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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