Estate Plan 101: What is it and why do you need one?

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Services Contact Us News & Insights Media Taps Crain Caton & James Shareholder and COCI for Comments on Impact of Pandemic on At-Risk Students Crain Caton & James Welcomes New Corporate, Business and Tax Shareholder Guilty Plea in Hazardous Waste Case HBJ Prints Op-Ed Co-Authored by Rob Wisner on Emotional Impact of Pandemic on Learning for At-Risk Students Corpus Christi Settles CWA Enforcement EPA Announces Rule for Issuing Guidance Documents Settlement with State Did Not Protect Against Contribution Suit Based on Federal Costs Individual and Company Liable for Filling Tidal Channels and Marsh Third Circuit Rejects EPA’s Approval of Pennsylvania’s Ozone Plan EPA Announces Final Rules to Ease Regulatory Burden on Oil & Gas Industry DOJ Calls for Updating Administrative Procedure Act Proposed Regulatory Definition of “Habitat” 5th Circuit Seeks to Clarify Standing in Citizen Suits Court Vacates Trump Methane Rule, which Restarts Challenge to Obama Methane Rule 5th Circuit Rejects Narrow Read of OSHA’s PSM Rules EPA Announces Settlement with Major Fertilizer Producer DC Circuit Says FERC Must Stop Issuing Tolling Orders Bayer Gets Roundup Victory, then Announces $10 Billion Settlement Employers Can’t Require COVID-19 Antibody Tests Per EEOC EPA Issues Advisory for Hazardous Weather Preparation SCOTUS says Title VII applies to Homosexual or Transgender Employees Texas Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Hurricane Harvey Takings Case Marty Olson Elected President of Houston Area Legal Professionals What the COVID-19 Pandemic means for your contract or lease in Texas 5th Circuit Agrees with EPA’s CAA Title V Interpretation Sports Equipment Manufacturer Agrees to Million Dollar TSCA Settlement SEC Committee Urges Better ESG Disclosures EPA Settles with Ammonia Facilities for Clean Air Act Violations PPP Safe Harbor Deadline Approaches on May 14, 2020 How Courts May Apply Recent Supreme Court CWA Decision SEC Temporarily Relaxes Crowdfunding Rules Blue Bell Pleads, Former CEO Indicted Texas Estate Planning Document Execution in The Time of Covid Will Courts Require Restorations that Exceed the Market Value of Contaminated Property? Mitigation Project Settlements May Thrive with the Death of SEPs COVID-19 Message Lawyer Jill Gets Dog Namesake EPA Issues PFAS Program Update State and Local Environmental Enforcement on the Rise James (Jim) Smith Presents at 4C Health, Safety, and Environmental Conference EPA Statistics Show Continuing Decline in Civil Enforcement, Increased Criminal Enforcement EPA Touts 2019 Achievements EPA Responds to Media Criticism of WOTUS Rule Oil & Gas Producer Agrees to $1 Million Air Pollution Fine CEQ Announces Major Overhaul of NEPA Regulations David A. Polsinelli and Joe R. Savoie Promotion The Start of another Election Year Judge Says New York Failed to Prove ExxonMobil Misled Investors Crain Caton & James Adopts over 75 HYLF Angels Environmental Groups Take Aim at Plastics Industry Massachusetts Judge Predicts Pro-Industry Supreme Court Ruling in Clean Water Act Case EPA Announcement Provides Reminder of Chemical Accident Prevention Requirements EPA Responds to NY Times Article on Evidence Used for Health Rules Illegal Hazardous Waste Storage Results in One Year Prison Term EPA Investigation Leads to Conviction for Stealing and Selling a Bridge Environmental Groups Submit Notice relating to Ozone Emissions from Oil and Gas Production Texas Company Agrees to Pay $50 Million and Eliminate Discharges of Plastics Rob Wisner Provides Professional Insights Real Estate Companies Pay Fines for Violating EPA’s Residential Lead Regulations Darlene Payne Smith Recognized as a 2019 Texas Trailblazer US Supreme Court Will Hear Pipeline Case with Issue of USFS Authority Inability to Condemn State Property Raises Questions about FERC Orders DC Circuit Says EPA’s 2018 Renewable Fuel Rule Did Not Properly Consider Endangered Species Third Circuit Says Pipelines Cannot Condemn State Property 5th Circuit Upholds EPA’s Postponement of Compliance Date for Electric Utility Water Discharges EPA Proposes Reductions in Rules for Oil & Gas Industry DC Circuit Refuses to Strike Down EPA Clean Air Act Policy Change Trump Administration Issues Revised Endangered Species Act Regulations The Best Lawyers in America in their 2020 Edition EPA Takes a Stand for Roundup Highlights of the 2019 Texas Environmental Superconference Rhode Island Federal Judge Says State’s Climate Change Suit Should Be in State Court 9th Circuit Says Agreement Settled CERCLA Claims of Both Parties Judge Orders PG&E to Respond to Media Reports Crain Caton & James Welcomes Two New Attorneys Appellate Court Reverses Certification of Subclass in Plains Pipeline Case DOJ Issues Environmental Accomplishments Report 10th Circuit Dismisses Homeowners Claims of Increased Insurance Premiums Rob Wisner Speaks on Representing Financial Institutions FERC Must Ask Pipeline Applicants to Provide More Upstream and Downstream Information Texas Federal Court Remands WOTUS Rule Austin Court of Appeals Upholds TCEQ’s Issuance of Controversial Injection Well Permit City of Houston Case Shows Why Settlements with the Government Take so Long All Privileges Are Not Created Equal US DOJ Issues Guidance Regarding Corporate Compliance Programs Fifth Circuit Rejects EPA Effluent Limitation Guidelines for Power Plants Canadian Governments Urge Supreme Court Review of Cross-Border CERCLA Case EPA Defends Enforcement Approach Despite Continued Decline in Case Filings and Inspections Joshua R. Flores Earns Unanimous Jury Verdict Court Will Not Dismiss CWA Climate Change Related Counts against ExxonMobil Groundwater Remediation Done under State Sufficient to Preclude Private Party’s Injunction Demand Hop On the EEO-1 — The Hottest New Roller Coaster — Wild Ride Awaits United States and City of Houston Say Settlement Is Imminent in CWA Enforcement Case US Supreme Court to Decide CWA Issue Tanker Company Hit with $2 Million Fine and Captain Faces 6-Count Indictment Biodiesel Company Pleads to Felony for Releasing Wastewater into Storm Water Pit Increased EPA Flexibility Predicted for Oil & Gas Audits by New Owners Official 2018 EPA Enforcement Statistics Not Yet Announced; Unofficial Analyses Say Enforcement Has Sixth Circuit Refuses to Rehear Key CWA Case Ninth Circuit May End “Youth” Climate Suit Ninth Circuit May End “Youth” Climate Suit Government Supports Supreme Court Review in CWA Case Sarah Patel Pacheco Named to Texas Top 50 Women’s List by Super Lawyers Court of Appeals Rejects Forest Service’s Approval of Atlantic Coast Pipeline US Supreme Court Seeks Government’s View on Key CWA Issue Crain Caton & James Elves Wrapped over 250 Gifts for Adopt an Angel Program Environmental Group Allowed to Intervene in CWA Enforcement Case Against City of Houston 2018 Election Will Dramatically Change the Texas Mid-Level Appellate Courts Appellate Court Says Developer Cannot Increase Impervious Cover While Matter Is Pending Roadmap for Fiduciaries and Other Professionals to Avoid Being Sued The 2018 Election: Results and Consequences Largest U.S. Natural Gas Processing Plant Accepts Multi-Million Dollar Clean Air Act Settlement Crain Caton & James Named to U.S. News 2019 “Best Law Firms” List EPA and Justice Department Reach Historic RMP Settlement with Chevron Insurance Must Cover Carbon Monoxide Leak at Hotel Court Upholds Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program Supreme Court Should Clarify Clean Water Act Scope Appellate Court Affirms $8.3 Million against Teck for Tribes’ Past UCR Site Costs Crain Caton & James Names Sarah Patel Pacheco Firm President California Jury Convicts Plains for Pipeline Leak US Supreme Court Asked to Consider if CWA Citizen Suits Can Address Migration through Groundwater New Guidance New Day for FLSA Judge Refuses to Dismiss Suit Alleging ExxonMobil Defrauded Investors regarding Estimated Future Cos Rob Wisner Shares Cherish Our Children International Success Environmental Group Serves City of Houston with Intent to Sue Over Sewage Discharges California Roundup Verdict: Will It Survive Appeals? Could It Happen in Texas? Crain Caton & James Attorneys Assist Candor Midstream Crain Caton & James Attorneys Assist Moda Midstream in Terminal Acquisition Eight CCJ Lawyers Named to Best Lawyers in America 2019 List Edition Mid-Level Texas Appeals Court Clarifies Procedures for Challenging TCEQ Tax Exemption Decisions Sovereign Immunity Bars Private Party’s CERCLA Claims against State Agencies Supreme Court Says Forest Service Can Allow Pipeline under the Appalachian Trail EPA Publishes On-Site Civil Inspection Procedures Crain Caton & James Welcomes Four Attorneys Mindy Riseden Selected to Serve Second Term on SMU Dedman School of Law Emerging Leader Board Crain Caton & James Lawyers Selected to 2020 Texas Super Lawyers List H. Miles Cohn and Michelle V. Friery Presenting a Webinar on Real Estate Bankruptcies, Including Lease Issues Crain Caton & James names new Executive Committee Member and President Sarah Patel Pacheco Named a 2021 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of Litigation Trusts and Estates for 2021 in the Houston area 13 Crain Caton & James Lawyers Named to 2021 Best Lawyers® List Six Crain Caton & James Attorneys Included in the Inaugural Edition of the Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch List Two New Attorneys Join Crain Caton & James Supreme Court Holds BOOKING.com Protected Illinois Court Holds that Force Majeure Clause Excuses Restaurant from Full Rental Payments During COVID-19 Restrictions Crain Caton & James Names New Executive Committee Member Four Attorneys Named to 2020 Texas Rising Stars List Ninth Circuit Dismisses “Youth” Climate Suit Crain Caton & James has named the Executive Committee for 2020 Crain Caton & James Elects Two New Shareholders CCJ Congratulates Three Women Attorneys Selected to the Super Lawyers Top Women Attorneys in Texas Crain Caton & James Lawyers Named to the 2019 Texas Super Lawyers List EPA Initiates Audit Program for New Owners of Oil and Gas Facilities Negotiating Teams Agree to Proposed Settlement in City of Houston CWA Enforcement Case Four Attorneys Named to 2019 Texas Rising Stars List Crain Caton & James Congratulates Eight Attorneys Selected for the 2018 Texas Super Lawyers List SPCC Inadequacies Lead to Penalty Democracy Forward Sues to Allow Supplemental Environmental Projects in Settlements Despite the Pandemic Gremlin, Crain Caton & James Carves Out Some Fun! EPA Finalizes Rule to Allow Consideration of Emission Decreases in New Source Air Permitting Crain Caton & James Named to the 2021 U.S. News-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings Updated Recommendations for Conducting Internal Investigations The Essence of Life is Giving A Biden EPA Supreme Court of Texas Clarifies what Owners Can Require of Contractors Ninth Circuit Supports Highway Project in California State Park Crain Caton & James Elects New Shareholder Crain Caton & James Welcomes Estate Planning Shareholder TV Show Leads to Clean Air Act Penalty Ninth Circuit Clarifies What Government Must Prove in Wetlands Criminal Case SEC Seeks Public Input on Climate Change Disclosure Lessons from an Oilfield Tragedy Texas Appellate Court Addresses Pipeline Owner’s Safety Responsibilities Another Texas TV Show Fined for Lead-Based Paint Violations Stormwater Permit Violations Lead to Six-Figure Penalty Last Fiscal Year of Trump EPA Saw Increase in Criminal Investigations Will Appointment of Judge Garland as Attorney General Give Rise to a Constitutional Issue? DuPont and Former Employee Indicted for 2014 Fatal Incident New Indictments in Flint Water Crisis Impact of Georgia Election on Environmental Issues TCEQ Seeks Stakeholder Input Regarding Industrial Stormwater Permits California Facility Agrees to $390K Penalty for Discharges into City Sewer State and Local Environmental Enforcement and a Biden EPA Five Attorneys Named to 2021 Texas Rising Stars List Anna V. Kavanaugh recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List Joshua R. Flores recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List David A. Polsinelli recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List Chesapeake Pays $1.9 Million to Settle Wetlands Enforcement EPA Highlights Spill Prevention Requirements in Announcing CWA Settlement EPA Issues Environmental Justice Announcement Texas Supreme Court Allows Harvey Claims to Proceed DOJ and EPA Announce Environmental Crime Victim Assistance Program An Invitation: The Impact of the Election on the Law and Clients Texas Law May Be Inconsistent in Determining Employee Status Need MCLE credits? Register for Solvency Issues, M&A, and Distributions CLE Companies and Individuals Hit with $2 Million Penalty in Clean Water Act Citizen Suit Preference Will Continue for Stories over Statistics in EPA Enforcement Texas Supreme Court Upholds Privilege for Notice Letters in Citizen Suits EPA Inspector General Issues Report on Declining Enforcement EPA Report Shows Fifty Years of Declining Pollution and Economic Growth TC Energy and Alberta Announce Termination of Keystone XL Pipeline Need CLE? Need CLE? Crain Caton & James Welcomes Financial Institutions Litigator Fourteen Crain Caton & James Lawyers Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® List Eight Crain Caton & James Attorneys Included in 2022 Edition of the Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch List Administration Announces Intent to Revise Definition of WOTUS EPA Assesses Penalties for Inadequate Protective Measures US Supreme Court Says Pipelines Can Condemn State Property Court of Appeals Says CWA Climate Change Case against ExxonMobil Should Not Wait on EPA Key WOTUS Issue: Ephemeral Streams EPA Announces Several Enforcement Settlements for Filing and Pollution Prevention Deficiencies Biden Administration Announces Plan for Interim Return to Pre-2015 Definition of WOTUS Texas Appellate Court Upholds Permanent Closure of Recurring Nuisance Energy Company Pays $1 Million to Settle Clean Water Act Case TCEQ Renews Stormwater MSGP for Industrial Facilities Eighth Circuit Rejects Remedy that Orders Emission Reductions at Company’s other Plant A New WOTUS Definition-the Administration’s Dilemma Fifth Circuit rebuffed an individual guarantor’s claims of “fraudulent inducement, duress, unclean hands, and equitable estoppel” against lenders U.S. Supreme Court held “No Concrete Harm, No Standing” for class-action lawsuit members Seventh Circuit ruled CRAs were responsible for investigating “factually inaccurate information,” but not “legal inaccuracies.” Crain Caton & James Lawyers Selected to 2021 Texas Super Lawyers List Crain Caton & James Welcomes Experienced Real Estate Attorney Environmental, Health and Safety Bankruptcy and Creditor Rights Commercial Litigation Corporate, Business Transactions and Tax Employment & Labor Law Health Law Estate, Trust and Wealth Planning Insurance and Personal Injury Intellectual Property Real Estate Fiduciary Litigation Energy EPA Rescinds Guidance on Permitting Discharges through Groundwater Appeals Court Reverses CERCLA Decision Finding Harm Capable of Apportionment Texas Facility to Pay Millions to Settle Clean Air Act Case Recent case of interest where Texas passes a landmark bill (HB 4474) recognizing, defining, and clarifying virtual currency and its control Switching from Coal to Natural Gas Leads to Declines in Greenhouse Gas Emissions West Texas Gas Companies to Pay $3 Million to Settle Clean Air Act Case Crain Caton & James represented Synergy Offshore LLC in the sale of certain oil and gas assets to U.S. Energy Corp Home Banking and Financial Services Sarah Patel Pacheco Named to Top 100 Houston and Top 50 Women Texas Super Lawyers Lists Sarah Patel Pacheco Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® List Flare Issues Lead to $3.4 Million Penalty EPA Announces PFAS Comprehensive National Strategy Crain Caton & James Named to the 2022 U.S. News-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings H. Miles Cohn Definition of “Habitat” Is Endangered ALERT: Environmental EPA Proposes Rules to Reduce Methane Emissions DOJ Announces New Actions to Respond to Corporate Crime Kristina Cunningham and Keith Taylor Promoted to Senior Associates A recent trial court summary judgment ruling on NSF Fees you may find of interest Texas Supreme Court to Hear Appeal of TCEQ’s Issuance of Controversial Injection Well Permit TC Energy Submits Request for NAFTA Arbitration regarding Keystone XL Pipeline Barge Company to Pay $15 Million for Injuries to Natural Resources Pipeline Company Sentenced to $15 Million Fine and Three Years of Probation EPA Announces New Regional Administrator for Region 6 EPA Issues Report on Seasonal Effects of Climate Change EPA Issues Report on Seasonal Effects of Climate Change Crain Caton & James Announces Executive Committee Changes Judge Rejects States’ Request to Resurrect Keystone Pipeline Project Environmental Groups Challenge EPA’s PFAS Rules EPA Announces Environmental Justice Actions US Supreme Court Accepts another WOTUS Case Crain Caton & James Represents In-Depth in Legal Vindication Circuit Court Says Pipeline’s Endangered Species Review Was Inadequate EPA Enforcement Filings Continue Downward Trends Power Plant Emissions Increased in 2021 Class Action Can Proceed Alleging Management Hid Environmental Liabilities Alleged Injury to Aesthetic Interests Can Satisfy Standing Requirement Possible Rule Changes of Interest Where Texas Supreme Court Creates Rules for Justice Courts Two Attorneys Named to Texas Rising Stars List Sarah Sokol Clark Listed on Houstonia Magazine’s Top Lawyer List Crain Caton & James Welcomes Two New Attorneys Two Crain Caton & James Lawyers appear on The Best Lawyers in America List for 25 Years Gabriela M. Barake recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List Kathleen Tanner Beduze recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List Crain Caton & James Welcomes Two New Business and Financial Services Lawyers Mitigation Project Settlements May Thrive with the Death of SEPs EPA Publishes On-Site Civil Inspection Procedures Careers Recent case of interest I personally argued to the Tex. Sup. Ct. wherein the Court ruled a wire transfer request form did not create a new contract Crain Caton & James Environmental Attorney Named to Chambers and Partners Directory Crain Caton & James Welcomes Litigation Attorney Alex Cohn Recent cases of interest regarding overdraft fees class actions and two additional dismissals/judgments in favor of banks Case of interest related to the E-Sign Act and clicking an “acknowledgement” button to possibly agree to a contract Crain Caton & James Named Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best in Three Legal Categories Recent case of interest related to N.Y. Court affirming Happy the elephant, a nonhuman animal, is not a ‘person’ subjected to unlawful detention Recent case of interest related to mass-produced ADA Braille gift card complaints Eleven Crain Caton & James Attorneys Recognized on The Best Lawyers® List (2023 edition) Three Crain Caton & James Attorneys Recognized on The Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch List (2023 edition) Robert R. (Rob) Wisner Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Banking and Finance Law in Houston Flare Issues Lead to Multi-Million Dollar Settlement Criminal Charges from Oilfield Deaths and Alleged Obstruction of OSHA’s Investigation New Memorandum regarding Settlements of Environmental Claims Against EPA EPA Releases Strategic Plan Wind Energy Company Pleads Guilty for Eagle Deaths Court Finds Status of Decision on Dam Removal Was Adequate to Allow Suit Federal Appeals Court Allows CWA Citizen Suit to Proceed Despite State Agency Order DOJ Releases FY 2021 Accomplishments Report DOJ Announces Comprehensive Environmental Justice Strategy Court Rules US Forest Service Exceeded Authority in Mining Permit Potential Ramifications of 5th Circuit SEC Decision Company Pleads Guilty in Power Plant Deaths Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Pipeline Condemnation Issues Supreme Court of Texas Upholds TCEQ’s Issuance of Controversial Injection Well Permit DOJ Announces Settlement of Alleged Flare Violations Texas Supreme Court to Hear Toxic Tort Case Supreme Court Decision Consistent with a Structure that Resists Rapid Change Multi-Million Dollar Permitting Mistake in Furnace Rebuild Project RCRA Settlement Requires $84 Million in Financial Assurance Groups Petition EPA to Review TCEQ’s Air Permitting Program DOJ Announces Environmental Justice Investigation of the City of Houston Highlights from the 2022 Texas Environmental SuperConference Court Refuses to Allow Downgradient Landowners to Challenge CERCLA Settlement Divided Texas Appellate Court Upholds Issuance of Air Permit for Facility Near a School EPA’s Approval of Changes to Texas SIP Does Not Have National Applicability Crain Caton & James Adds Shareholder to Fiduciary Litigation Practice Eleven Crain Caton & James Attorneys Recognized in Super Lawyers List (2022 edition) Bankruptcy/Restructuring Shareholder/Partner Crain Caton & James Welcomes Corporate, Business Transactions and Tax Attorney Crain Caton & James Continues to Expand its Fiduciary Litigation and Probate, Trust and Guardianship Practice Recent Case of Interest on $500MM Mistaken Wire Transfer Decision Reversal Our Client, Bechtel, Honored by the Houston Intellectual Property Law Association (HIPLA) Crain Caton & James Welcomes Real Estate and Business Transactions Attorney Crain Caton & James Named to the 2023 U.S. News-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings Crain Caton & James Represents Port Freeport in Agreement with Volkswagen Group of America to Create New Major Gulf Coast Hub for Vehicle Logistics Case of interest where a Texas Court of Appeals ruled the customer waited too long to sue a bank regarding missing proceeds from a CD account Crain Caton & James Welcomes Real Estate Attorney Crain Caton & James Elves Fill Santa’s Bag 5th Circuit Upholds $14.25 Million Penalty against ExxonMobil Court Affirms EPA Determination of CZMA Compliance Emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants Lead to Million Dollar Penalty Explosion and Fatalities Lead to $2.5 Million CAA Penalty Chemical Company Reaches Natural Resource Damages Settlement Texas Appellate Court Dismisses Homeowners’ Flood Claims against River Authority UPS Agrees to $5 Million Penalty to Resolve Hazardous Waste Allegations 5th Circuit Says LDEQ Joinder Defeats Federal Jurisdiction Emissions from Storage Vessels Lead to Multi-Million Dollar Settlement Crain Caton & James Elects New Shareholder EPA Issues Supplemental Proposal to Control Methane from Oil and Gas Operations Violations of Stormwater Permits at Four Construction Sites Lead to over $1.3 Million in Civil Penalties Texas Appellate Court Says City Not Responsible for Remediation of Waste Carried in Sewer System Supreme Court of Texas Says Defense Doctor Must Be Allowed to Examine Toxic Tort Plaintiffs Supreme Court of Texas Limits Cell Phone Discovery in Toxic Tort Case EPA and Corps Issue New WOTUS Rule-Issue Currently before US Supreme Court Failure to Meet Industry Standards Leads to Significant Enforcement Case of interest where the 11th Circuit ruled that a bank agreement cannot reduce the 1-year reporting requirement for unauthorized wire transfers Case of interest where marketing influencer may be liable for direct trademark infringement and unfair business practices claims Congratulations to our Houston Marathon Runners, Walkers, and Volunteers! Probate, Trust and Guardianship Failure to Re-Install Safety Device Leads to Guilty Plea and $3 Million in Punitive Damages Environmental Groups Challenge Approval of Deepwater Oil Export Terminal Supreme Court of Texas to Consider Investor Liability in Plant Explosion Case Fifth Circuit Reverses Dismissal of Ft. Bend County Flood Suit against USACE Tenth Circuit Dismisses New Mexico’s Challenge to Nuclear Waste Storage License D.C. Circuit Upholds FERC Interpretation Despite Dissent Claiming “Chevron Maximalism” EPA Says Switch to Natural Gas Primarily Responsible for Lowering Power Plant Emissions Case of interest where Second Circuit ruled that the legal inaccuracy alleged by Plaintiff was not cognizable as an “inaccuracy” under the FCRA Case of interest where Federal District Court ruled that financial institution does not have to reimburse a customer after they were tricked into doing Zelle transfers Crain Caton & James Welcomes Two New Banking Litigation Attorneys Three Attorneys Named to 2023 Texas Rising Stars List Crain Caton & James Adds Family Law Practice Section Texas Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Toxic Tort Case Texas Supreme Court Reinstates Flood Case against City Texas Supreme Court to Review Permanent Closure of Temporary but Recurring Nuisance Stormwater Violations Lead to Large Penalty DOJ and EPA Sue Norfolk Southern for East Palestine Derailment Settlement of Air Pollution Case Will Cost Oil and Gas Producer Millions Family Law Celebrity Divorce Representation Child Custody and Visitation Divorce Enforcements and Modifications High Net-Worth Divorce Representation Mediation Paternity Premarital (Prenup) and Post-marital Agreements Property Asset and Division Case of interest where 5th Circuit finds insurance coverage exists for a loss caused by wire transfer fraud Case of Interest where U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a purported unknowing bankruptcy debtor can be held liable for her husband’s fraud Improper Handling of Lab Waste Leads to $600,000 Penalty Gas Processors Pay Millions to Settle Air Pollution Cases Refinery to Pay $27.5 Million for Violations of Prior Settlement Ninth Circuit Upholds Liability in Groundwater Contamination Case Appraiser Pleads Guilty in “Billion-Dollar Conservation Easement” Tax Fraud Case Best of the Best Voting Record-Setting Penalty in Air Emissions Case US Supreme Court Defines WOTUS Settlement with $2.4 Million Penalty Helps Complete Sale of Facility US DOJ and City of Houston Reach Agreement on City’s Response to Illegal Dumping Seek Federal Registration of Your Trademark Now Should I Patent It… Estate Plan 101: What is it and why do you need one? Lis Pendens Notices: Is It Time For A Change In Texas Law? Enforceability of Online Arbitration Agreements The Biden Estate Tax Agenda: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb, and Estate Planning for 2022 Keys To Minimizing Disputes Over Common Area Maintenance Charges in A Commercial Lease Local Agencies Play a Key Role in Houston Area Environmental Enforcement Kim Stuart to speak at TAHCH.ORG Administrator Program on November 14, 2022 Important Sexual Harassment Updates for Texas Employers Families First Coronavirus Response Act: A bullet point list for employers To Arbitrate or Not To Arbitrate–That’s NOT the Only Question It Doesn’t Feel Like Heaven Right Now for Employers You Spin Me Right Round, Baby San Antonio and Dallas Paid Sick Leave Ordinances 2019 Don’t Exit The Vehicle Yet-EEO-1 Deadlines for New Data for 2017 and 2018 Set Kimberly Stuart Selected to America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators Hop On Board the EEO-1: The Hottest New Rollercoaster – Wild Ride Awaits The Trump Administration Speaks On Independent Contractors J. Russel “Rusty” Umble Joins Crain Caton & James Crain Caton & James Represents Rockstep Capital in Acquisition of The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk Crain Caton & James Welcomes New Fiduciary Litigation Attorney Case of Interest where the Texas Supreme Court held that a foreclosure was time barred and an equitable subrogation claim was not allowed Probate Jury Ruled Decedent Adversely Possessed Real Estate Supreme Court of Texas Says Investors Not Liable in Plant Explosion Case Probate Court Sets Aside Deed of Property worth estimated $800,000 – $1.1 million Clean Water Act Violations Lead to $1.9 Million Penalty EPA Proposes New Reporting Requirements for Oil & Gas Sector Oil & Gas Producer Agrees to $1.3 Million Penalty for Air Emissions Crain Caton & James Swept the Number ONE Law Firm Position in the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best Survey in FIVE Legal Categories EPA Region 6 Issues Advisory on Hazardous Weather Events Crain Caton & James Shareholder Named to the Hart Energy’s Energy Capital Conference Advisory Council Crain Caton & James Adds Family Law Attorney Failure to Obtain Permit for Expansion Leads to $2.6 Million Penalty Banking and Financial Institutions Litigator Joins Crain Caton & James Crain Caton & James Welcomes New Estate, Trust and Wealth Planning Attorney Jeff Civins and Walt Shelton Honored at 2023 Texas Environmental Superconference New Texas Appellate Court for Cases with State Agencies Crain Caton & James Doubles the Number of Attorneys Recognized on The Best Lawyers® List (2024 edition) Four Crain Caton & James Attorneys Recognized on The Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch List (2024 edition) D.C. Circuit Reverses Approval of Utah Rail Line due to Inadequate Environmental Analysis Case of interest where the Texas Supreme Court discusses when a parent corporation could potentially be responsible for a subsidiary’s torts Clean Air Act Violations Will Cost Oil Company over $10 Million Crain Caton & James Welcomes Corporate and Business Transactions Shareholder Delaware Supreme Court Refuses to Allow Suits for Only Increased Risk of Harm Fifth Circuit Affirms Issuance by Corps of Engineers of Permit for LNG Terminal Crain Caton & James Attorneys Recognized in Super Lawyers List (2023 edition) Ninth Circuit Refuses to Stop Fire Management Projects in Yosemite N.P. Family Law Attorney Sherri Evans Recognized in the Top 100 Super Lawyers and Among the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Texas Tenth Circuit Rejects Colorado’s Proposed SIP Revision Crain Caton & James Attorney Selected for HYLA Leadership Academy EPA Enforcement Initiative: Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Facilities and Landfills Transition to Natural Gas Is Responsible for Huge Decrease in GHG Emissions Crain Caton & James Attorney Completes 2023 Valero Bike Ride for Multiple Sclerosis Real Estate Shareholder/Partner (15 Years’ Experience) Head of DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Highlights Priorities Fifth Circuit Says Environmental Assessment Was Inadequate in 404 Permit Case Crain Caton & James Named to the 2024 U.S. News-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings Corporate Officials Convicted in Explosion Case Eighth Circuit Rejects EPA Insecticide Ban Crain Caton & James Continues to Expand Family Law Practice Company Pays Over $500,000 for Failure to Demonstrate Clean Air Act Compliance Fifth Circuit Reverses TCEQ’s Issuance of Air Permit to LNG Facility Case of interest where the court answered: If a computer makes art, can the AI produced art piece be registered for a copyright? Sixth Circuit Rejects PFAS Class Action Crain Caton & James Elves Spread Cheer: Wrapping Holiday Gifts for Children in Need! The Importance of Conducting an Annual Business Confidentiality Refresher by James E. Hudson III, Shareholder Recognize and Protect Your Brands Now by James E. Hudson III Annual Review of Trademark Use is Key by James E. Hudson III Heartfelt Holidays: Adopt-An-Angel Gifts Packed and Ready to Bring Joy to Children Settlement of RCRA Claims Will Cost Recycler Millions Texas Appellate Court Says Case Can Proceed against Environmental Engineering Firms Crain Caton & James Announces Promotions of Two Attorneys Company Agrees to PFAS Sampling Plan Michigan Alumni’s 43-Year Wait Ends in Triumph: Championship Game Win in Hometown thrills a Proud Graduate Crain Caton & James Celebrates Achievement as Jennifer L. Varadi Attains Board Certification in Family Law Alison Thompson Achieves Paralegal Board Certification from Texas Board of Legal of Legal Specialization Case of Interest in a FCRA matter where Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the legal question may meet threshold showing of inaccuracy RCRA and CERCLA Rulemakings to Address PFAS Attorneys Companies Agree to $7.2 Million NRD Settlement Fifth Circuit Upholds EPA’s Nonattainment Designation for Two Texas Counties EPA Issues Text of Proposed Rules to Address PFAS and other Emerging Chemicals EPA Issues Final Rule Lowering Air Quality Standard for Fine Particles Prison Sentences for Corporate Officials in Explosion Case Fifth Circuit Withdraws LNG Permit Decision and Seeks SCOTX Guidance EPA Amends Risk Management Program Texas Challenges EPA’s Methane and Fine Particle Rules George “Trey” Gifford III Writes Article Spotlighting J. Vance Lewis, A Houston Pioneering Black Attorney Four Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Texas Rising Stars List Larry and Karen George Honored at the 42nd Annual Friends of Fondren Library Gala EPA Finalizes Standards for Emissions from Gasoline Distribution Facilities EPA Issues Rule Requiring Facility Response Plans DC Circuit Upholds FERC’s Extensions of Construction Deadlines ITC to Pay $6.6 Million to Settle NRD Claims Resulting from 2019 Fire Chemical Company to Pay $1.4 Million in Chemical Accident Prevention Settlement Case of interest where the Texas Supreme Court Delivers Ruling on When and How Courts or Arbitrators Decide “Arbitrability” Questions Consider the Consequences Before the Brand Refresh Beware the Scams Targeting Your IP. Crain Caton & James and Sponsors Tee Up Support for First Community Cares Foundation’s Golf Tournament! Crain Caton & James Adds Trust & Estate Associate Corporate/Commercial Transactions Partner DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Issues 2023 Accomplishments Report EPA Announces New Civil-Criminal Enforcement Coordination Policy

What is an Estate Plan and why do you need one?

Senior Associate Chasity Cooper lays out the various elements that are generally included in an estate plan and highlights important things to consider when deciding if you need one.

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