RESULTS: From Texas Land Grants to Modern LLCs: Preserving a Family’s Ranch for Generations

Probating a loved one’s estate can be complicated, especially when it involves historic family land and tax concerns for future generations. A recent client came to attorney Sydney Key needing to not only prove the legal chain of title for land dating back to original grants but also set up a family ranch LLC to protect against future inheritance taxes.

Part of the estate included family land that had been passed down for generations. This land was originally received through Texas land grants. Because the property had been in the family for so long, there were no official records of the original grant readily available, making it difficult to establish a proper chain of titles.

Without a clear legal description of the property, probate could have stalled, leaving the heirs without a clean title to the land.

Attorney Key discovered that the family had preserved original land grant documents framed and displayed in their homes. These documents provided the necessary legal descriptions to prove title and move forward with probate. By relying on both historical evidence and modern legal processes, she was able to secure the family’s ownership of this important property.

This estate was also quite large, and our clients were understandably concerned about potential gift and inheritance taxes when the property eventually passes to the next generation. To address this, Sydney collaborated with a CPA and established a family ranch LLC. This ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from the land without unnecessary financial burden.

Probate is about protecting family legacies. Whether your family owns historic land, has a large estate, or simply wants to prepare for the future, proper legal and tax planning can make all the difference. If you or your family need help with probate, estate planning, or inheritance concerns, our team is here to guide you through the process.