Weekly Docket

Proving Adoption in Probate, Security Deposit Refund Deadlines & Title Company Overpayments

Philip Silberman Episode 122

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0:00 | 18:33

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they tackle a complex probate dispute involving contested heirship and sealed adoption records. They discuss the legal hurdles of proving an adoption when a step-mother alleges a daughter is not a legal heir, and whether a court can be persuaded to unseal confidential adoption paperwork to resolve a father’s estate. They also dive into a landlord-tenant dispute regarding the strict 30-day statutory deadline for security deposit refunds in Texas. They analyze whether a refund check postmarked just days late—even if the letter was drafted on time—constitutes a violation of Texas law and what it means for landlord liability. Finally, they answer a critical question for property sellers: if a title company accidentally overpays you at closing, do you have a legal obligation to return the funds, or is it a "bank error in your favor"? 


⏰  Timestamps

00:00 Intro

2:48 Is Your Inheritance At Risk? How To Prove Adoption

7:20 Late Security Deposit Refunds: Does The Postmark Date Actually Matter In Texas? 

14:26  Bank Error In Your Favor? The Truth About Keeping Title Company Overpayments


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