Blog | Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law | San Antonio, TX

Encumbrances That Can Stop You From Selling Your Home

2026-06-13 00:00:00

Selling a home is often an exciting prospect. That said, the process can also be rife with difficulties – especially when it comes to the title. Before you can sell your home, you should make sure that it is free of encumbrances. A San Antonio, TX real estate attorney can review your property for any issues and help you take action to correct them.

Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, has over 15 years of experience helping clients with different legal matters. As a solo attorney, he can provide you with individualized legal advice and guidance, so you can rest assured that your case won’t be passed from lawyer to lawyer.

What Is an Encumbrance?

An encumbrance is anything that limits your ability to transfer clean ownership of your property to someone else. It is a claim, restriction, or liability attached to the land or the title itself. Some encumbrances affect how the property can be used. Others affect whether it can be sold at all.

6 Steps To Probating a Will in Texas

2026-05-27 00:00:00

Probate can be very complicated. Whether your loved one left a will or not, a problem that arises during any one step can lead to long delays and more expenses. There are generally six steps, or phases, of the probate process in Texas. Some steps are trickier than others. Some may go quickly, and others may seem to drag on seemingly forever. You could benefit from the assistance of a Comal County, TX probate attorney in wading through the process. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, has the experience needed to anticipate and be prepared for any potential difficulties during probate.

What To Expect During Texas Probate in 2026

Each step in the probate process must be completed correctly and in order before any distributions can be made.

Application

A personal representative opens the probate case by filing a will with the probate court. This must take place within four years of the testator’s passing, but it is generally done quite promptly. In most cases, the will should be filed in the same county where the deceased person lived.

Common Mistakes During the Closing Process That Derail a New Home Purchase

2026-05-14 00:00:00

Few life events are as exciting as purchasing a new home. Whether this will be your first time as a homeowner or you are upgrading to a new residence, staying grounded is crucial. Mistakes and oversights during the home-buying process can lead to nasty surprises during closing. For legal help, consider working with a San Antonio, TX real estate attorney.

Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, has years of experience guiding homeowners through major transactions. We can provide you with legal advice tailored to your unique situation, whether you are a first-time home buyer or you are moving into a new property better suited to your household.

What Happens During a Real Estate Closing in Texas?

Real estate closing is the final step before a buyer becomes the legal owner of a home. In Texas, this often happens through a title company. The buyer, seller, agents, lender, and title company all have roles, but they may not all meet in one room.

5 Types of Trusts That You Might Need in Your Texas Estate Plan

2026-04-25 00:00:00

Trusts are increasingly common vehicles for distributing estate assets. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be wealthy for a trust to work well in your estate plan. In fact, trusts can be great for smaller estates as they allow your surviving loved ones to skip probate, which can become costly.

It is important to work with an experienced San Antonio, TX estate planning lawyer who can assess your situation and guide you through the process to meet your goals. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, has over two decades of legal experience, so you can trust him to provide you with careful guidance.

What Can a Trust Do That a Will Cannot in Texas?

A will explains who should receive your property after you pass. A trust can do more. A trust can hold property during your lifetime, after your death, or both. This can make it useful for families who want more control over how money, real estate, or other assets are managed.

Is My Business Big Enough To Need an Employee Handbook?

2026-04-15 00:00:00

There is no strict requirement for Texas employers to provide a handbook to employees. However, it is often advisable to have one to protect from lawsuits and legal risk later down the line. Even if you run a small business, having an employee handbook prepared is in your best interests.

Our experienced Comal County, TX business lawyer has over 15 years of experience helping small business owners with legal matters. If you have any questions about your obligations as an employer, Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, can provide you with answers and take preventative measures to shield you from legal risk.

What Should a Texas Employee Handbook Include in 2026?

A small business does not need hundreds of employees before an employee handbook becomes useful. Even a company with a small staff can run into disputes over pay, attendance, discipline, harassment, or time off. A handbook gives employees clear rules, and it gives employers a written record of what those rules are.

Navigating the Stages of a Real Estate Transaction in Texas

2026-03-30 00:00:00

In Texas, real estate deals go through several stages, requiring close cooperation between the buyer and seller. Trying to rush through the process without proper legal representation can cause major issues, amounting to lost time and money. With the help of a Bexar County, TX real estate attorney, you can navigate the transaction with clarity and confidence.

If you are looking for an experienced lawyer to handle your real estate transaction, consider working with Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law. As a solo practitioner with over 20 years of legal experience, Geoff Mayfield can look out for your interests and help keep the process moving along smoothly.

What Are the Stages of a Texas Real Estate Transaction in 2026?

Most real estate transactions generally follow four core stages. Though the process varies between residential and commercial deals. Commercial transactions often involve more complex due diligence, inspections, and negotiations.

How Often Can You Change Your Power of Attorney?

2026-03-11 00:00:00

Granting someone power of attorney is a major decision that gives them legal authority to act on your behalf. As life circumstances change, you may want to revise who you have appointed or modify the powers granted. In Texas, you can revoke or modify a power of attorney at any time as long as you are mentally competent.

A Comal County, TX estate planning lawyer can help you make any changes to your estate plan or alter any legal documents you wish to change in 2026. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, you will receive personalized attention and legal advice to help you navigate any concerns about your power of attorney.

What Does Texas Law Say About Revoking a Power of Attorney?

Texas law allows you to cancel an existing power of attorney whenever you wish (Texas Estates Code Sec. 752). The revocation must be accomplished through a written document signed by you or through the execution of a new power of attorney that expressly revokes the previous one.

When Do Beneficiaries of a Will Need a Lawyer?

2026-02-15 00:00:00

When you’re coping with the recent loss of a loved one, going through probate to receive his or her assets can be exhausting. Legal problems can make the process even more difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with probate law. To protect your rights as a beneficiary, consider reaching out to a Comal County, TX estate litigation attorney.

Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, provides beneficiaries with strong counsel and representation for a variety of issues, whether it concerns a fiduciary, the will itself, or another subject entirely. As a solo practitioner, Geoff Mayfield can develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs and concerns.

Reasons to Consider an Attorney for Probate Issues in 2026

Many beneficiaries expect a will to work like a set of simple instructions. In real life, probate can feel more like a long checklist with deadlines, filings, and tense family conversations. Even when everyone means well, mistakes happen. For instance, documents can get lost, or someone may miss an important deadline.

What to Do When the Seller Did Not Disclose Asbestos

2025-12-01 00:00:00

Buying a home can be both an exciting and stressful affair. As a buyer, you want assurance that the property you purchase does not contain hidden defects or hazards that could cost you time and money down the road. Disclosure laws exist is 2026 to protect buyers by requiring sellers to reveal known property conditions upfront. However, sometimes sellers fail to make legally required disclosures or even actively conceal problems.

Asbestos is one common area where lack of disclosure frequently occurs. If you learn the home you purchased contains asbestos, working with a Wilson County, TX real estate lawyer can help to protect your best interests. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law provides aggressive counsel and representation to home buyers in real estate transactions, drawing on over 15 years of legal experience to guide clients.

What Should I Do if I Find Asbestos After Buying a Home?

If you discover undisclosed asbestos post-purchase, the first thing to do is consult an asbestos abatement company. Have a certified asbestos inspector assess areas where asbestos is present, the type of asbestos, and the amount. If you decide to take legal action, providing documentation on the scope and location of asbestos early on builds your case.

5 Things to Include in a Living Will

2025-11-23 00:00:00

Estate planning often focuses on making arrangements for after you pass away. Many wills and trusts, for example, allow estate owners to distribute assets to their beneficiaries after death. Other documents, however, are designed to ensure your wishes are carried out during your lifetime. One of those documents is called a living will, also known as an advance directive. A living will contains instructions for your healthcare in the event you become incapacitated and are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.

With the help of a Bexar County, TX estate planning lawyer, you can make sure that your preferences are documented in detail. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law has over 15 years of legal experience, which has given him deep insights into how to protect his client’s best interests. Our firm will take the time to make sure that nothing is overlooked in your advance directive, so you can rest easy with peace of mind.