Weekly Docket

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"? ⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro2:48 Is Your Inheritance At Risk? How To Prove Adoption7:20 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#UnsealingAdoptionRecords #TexasProbateDisputes #SecurityDepositDeadlines #LandlordTenantLawTexas #TitleCompanyRefundErrors #ContestedHeirship #TexasPropertyCode #EstateLitigation #PostmarkDeadlines #WeeklyDocketEpisode122

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they explore the rising trend of using AI for pro se representation in Texas courts. They clarify the legal boundaries of DIY lawyering, explaining why individuals can use AI to represent themselves but are strictly prohibited from using it to represent business entities like LLCs or corporations without risking struck pleadings and defaults. They also reveal a probate fact that can save executors from a bureaucratic nightmare: why you should never deposit an original Will with the court clerk before filing a formal Application to Probate. Finally, stay tuned for a practical look at Motions to Retain in the face of a Dismissal for Want of Prosecution (DWOP) and a reality check on whether a constable can legally serve you by simply leaving a lawsuit under your doormat.⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro2:01 The AI Lawyer? What You MUST Know Before Using AI in Court2:36 Individual vs. LLC: The AI Legal Trap That Could Get Yout Case Thrown Out 9:12 Probate Warning: NEVER Drop Off a Will at The Court Early13:28 Save Your Lawsuit: How a Motion to Retain Stops a DWOP16:17 Under the Mat? Is "Drop Service" Legal in Texas?#AIProSeRepresentation #WillDepositTrap #ProbateMistakes #MotionToRetain #ServiceOfProcess #LegalTechTrends #TexasProbateLaw #LLCLitigationRules #DWOPexplained #WeeklyDocketEpisode121 

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they address a common frustration for real estate investors: what to do when a title company refuses to close your deal. They explain the crucial distinction between title agents and the approximately 30 major underwriters, such as First American and Fidelity, and why simply moving your file to a new office might not solve a fundamental title policy issue. They also dive into the technical world of post-trial motions, specifically the "Judgment Non Obstante Veredicto" (JNOV). Finally, the team takes a moment to celebrate a major win for a client who transitioned from a stalled three-week ordeal to a total resolution in just seven days, saving their business from the brink.⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro1:46 Think Moving Title Companies Will Save Your Deal? Watch This First7:45 Can a Judge Overrule a Jury? Understanding the Power of a JNOV12:25 Why Your Choice of Law Firm Matters: A Client's Journey to Saving Their Business#TitleUnderwritersVsAgents #RealEstateClosingHacks #JNOVMotion #TexasTitleInsurance #JudgmentNotwithstandingVerdict #LegalWins #TexasRealEstateLaw #WeeklyDocketEpisode120

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they demystify the transition from pre-litigation to the courtroom. They explain the fundamental differences between a strategic demand letter and the formal filing of a petition or complaint, highlighting how each tool serves a distinct purpose in achieving a client's goals. They also tackle the practical side of law firm management, discussing the ethics and industry standards of billing for drive time and travel. They share their "best practices" for professional referrals, offering tips on protecting yourself when making referrals. Finally, Phil and Chris discuss the evolving value of in-person meetings in a digital age and why face-to-face strategy sessions ensure your lawyer is not AI. ⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro1:43 Demand Letter Vs Lawsuit: How To Tell The Difference6:36 Should Lawyers Bill for Travel Time?11:06 Avoid Liability When Recommending Other Pros13:58 Is Your Lawyer Real Or Just A Bot#DemandLettersVsLawsuits #LegalBillingTravelTime #ProfessionalReferrals #TexasLitigationStrategy #LegalInPersonMeetings #AttorneyBillingPractices #PreLitigationTips #StrategySessionValue #LawFirmManagement #WeeklyDocketEpisode119 

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they examine the critical role of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) in Texas litigation. They break down the requirements for filing military status affidavits in evictions and default judgments, explaining how a "no-hit" SCRA report protects the integrity of a court’s ruling against challenges. They also dive into Article XVI, § 52 of the Texas Constitution to answer a high-stakes probate question: Can heirs partition and sell a homestead property while a surviving spouse is still living there? They explain the "life estate" protections that prevent heirs from forcing a sale as long as the survivor elects to occupy the home. Finally, they provide a strategic roadmap for using Land Trusts to maintain anonymity during a real estate purchase, detailing how to structure an offer so the true buyer's name never appears in the public transaction record.⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro1:42 Don’t Get Your Eviction Thrown Out: The Military Status Affidavit7:30 Heirs Want To Force A Sale? Not With A Texas Surviving Spouse!10:17 Can You Buy Real Estate Anonymously Using A Land Trust?#MilitaryStatusAffidavits #SCRACompliance #TexasHomesteadRights #SurvivingSpouseProtections #LandTrustAnonymity #AnonymousRealEstateOffers #TexasPropertyCode #LifeEstateProtections #WeeklyDocketEpisode118 #SilbermanLawFirmLegalUpdates

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they take a deep dive into the complexities of the intestate probate process. When a loved one passes away without a formal will, the state’s default laws take over, often leading to confusion and family disputes. We break down the step-by-step legal roadmap required to settle an estate under Texas intestacy rules, from filing the initial application to the final distribution of assets. They explain the critical role of the Heirship Determination, how the court identifies legal heirs, and the importance of appointing an Independent Administrator to manage the estate’s affairs. We also discuss the common pitfalls that can stall the process and the strategic advantages of moving through the probate system efficiently. Whether you are dealing with a small estate or a complex property portfolio, this episode provides the essential legal insights you need to navigate the probate courts without a will.⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro8:19 Secret Children And The Texas Attorney Ad Litem Process23:21 Will The Bank Repossess A Car During Probate?25:42  How To Bar Credit Card Debt In A Texas Probate27:20 Why Personal Injury Attorneys Avoid Probate Court#TexasIntestacyRules #ProbateWithoutAWill #HeirshipDetermination #TexasEstateLaw #IndependentAdministration #NoWillNoProblem #ProbateCourtProcess #SettlingAnEstate #TexasInheritanceLaws #WeeklyDocketEpisode117

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they analyze the high-stakes arguments currently taking place at the U.S. Supreme Court regarding birthright citizenship. They dive into Justice Alito’s use of Justice Scalia’s "microwave oven" example to illustrate how textualism applies 14th Amendment jurisdictional clauses to modern immigration realities that didn't exist in 1868. They also transition from constitutional theory to the front lines of litigation with an in-depth interview on depositions. Chris Heald shares his professional insights on the strategic importance of oral testimony, how to prepare for the hot seat, and the critical role depositions play in shaping the outcome of complex civil cases.⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro3:00 The Bizarre "Microwave" Argument Used to Defeat Birthright Citizenship10:10 The Terrifying Warning You Get Seconds Before A Deposition13:46 Why Giving A Deposition Is Exactly Like Talking To Cops15:00 The Secret Code Word Texas Lawyers Use To Disrupt Depositions26:38 A Genius Loophole To Save Thousands On Legal Transcripts#BirthrightCitizenshipDebate #ScaliaMicrowaveTheory #14thAmendmentJurisdiction #SupremeCourtArguments #DepositionStrategy #TrialPrepSecrets #TextualismInAction #ModernImmigrationLaw #LegalWitnessPrep #WeeklyDocketEpisode116

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they navigate the technicalities of moving a business to the Lone Star State. They answer a critical question for business owners on whether dissolving an out-of-state LLC to form a new Texas entity requires a brand-new EIN or if an existing tax ID can be preserved. They also explore a complex family law and real estate dilemma involving community property sold by a spouse whose name was the only one on the title. Finally, stay tuned for a heated rant on the nightmare of security lines at IAH and Hobby airports and the creative yet questionable strategies for skipping the wait.⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro13:02 New Texas LLC, Same EIN? Here’s What the IRS Says16:01 She Sold the House Behind His Back! Can He Get the Money?#LLCConversionRules #TexasEINRequirements #CommunityPropertyDisputes #HoustonAirportRant #IAHvsHobby #MovingBusinessToTexas #SpousalPropertyRights #TexasBusinessLaw #WeeklyDocketEpisode115 #SilbermanLawFirmLegalUpdates

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they analyze the landmark court ruling that set aside and vacated FinCEN’s nationwide real estate reporting rule. They break down the judge’s reasoning on what constitutes a "suspicious" transaction and why the government cannot categorically label all-cash LLC property transfers as suspicious. They also provide a practical guide to Texas Property Code § 52.0012, explaining the "self-help" method for removing judgment liens from a homestead. They discuss the critical 90-day window of reliance for title companies and when the clock officially starts ticking. Finally, hear a passionate rant on how AI is already replacing mid-level legal tasks from drafting critical dates letters to assisting pro se litigants in filing motions and why lawyers must adapt to survive.⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro2:06 Most Awkward Diplomatic Moment Ever? Trump Mentions Pearl Harbor To Japan5:40 Federal Judge Kills FinCEN Reporting Rule For Residential Real Estate17:16 Don’t Miss This Deadline: Strict Window To Sell After Homestead Release27:48 Legal Tasks That Took Hours Now Take Minutes. Will Lawyers Survive?#FinCENRuleStruckDown #TexasHomesteadLienRelease #PropertyCode520012 #TrumpPearlHarborGaffe #AILegalRevolution #RemovingJudgmentLiens #RealEstateReportingUpdate #FutureOfLawyering #WeeklyDocketEpisode114 

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they strip away the mystery of Texas civil discovery and break down the "Levels" system that dictates how your case is litigated. They explain the critical differences between Level 1 expedited actions for claims under $250,000 and the standard Level 2 default plan. The duo dives into the requirements for Rule 194 Initial Disclosures, outlining the 30-day automatic trigger for providing witness lists and damage computations without waiting for a request. They also demystify the "Deemed Admission" trap and explain other important discovery tools used in Texas lawsuits. ⏰  Timestamps00:00 Intro2:09 Texas Lawsuit Discovery Explained5:03 Sued in Texas? What Your Discovery Level Means For Your Case10:33 The 30-Day Clock: Texas Initial Disclosures 14:13 Don't Get Caught Without An Expert In a Texas Lawsuit17:49 Under Oath: How Interrogatories Work in Texas Lawsuits20:33 Hand It Over: Requests For Production in Texas Lawsuits22:52 Admit Or Deny? The Discovery Tool Every Texan Needs To Know#TexasDiscoveryGuide #Level1VsLevel2 #Rule194InitialDisclosures #DeemedAdmissionTrap #DiscoveryDeadlines #TexasCivilLitigation #ExpertDesignationSchedule #WeeklyDocketEpisode113

Join Phil Silberman and Chris Heald in Episode 112 of the Weekly Docket for a deep dive into Texas summary judgments. They break down the critical differences between traditional motions and "no evidence" motions and explore what specific evidence is permitted at the hearing. The guys also discuss the substantial rewrite of Rule 166a that took effect on March 1, 2026. Whether you are a legal professional or a business owner, this practical breakdown explains how these procedural shifts impact the speed of your case. Tune in to stay ahead of the latest developments in Texas civil procedure and pretrial strategy. ⏰ Timestamps00:00 Intro02:07 Win Your Case Without a Trial? Texas Summary Judgments Explained03:34 No Live Testimony? What Evidence Counts in a Texas MSJ?05:15 Traditional Summary Judgments: How to Prove Your Case on Paper11:12 The Put Up or Shut Up Motion: No Evidence Summary Judgments15:01 Texas Summary Judgment Rules Just Changed (March 2026)#TexasLaw #SummaryJudgment #TexasLitigation #LegalNews #WeeklyDocket #LawFirm #TexasAttorneys #CourtProcedures #BusinessLaw #RealEstateLaw 

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they break down the massive check-washing scandal hitting SBISD taxpayers and the legal liability of banks under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). They explain the critical 30-day window for reporting altered checks and how to request provisional credit when your funds are stolen. The guys also analyze a fraudulent inducement claim related to a commercial lease, where a tenant was tricked into a "second generation" restaurant lease only to find $100,000 in unpermitted code violations. Finally, learn about the new FinCEN reporting requirements for all-cash residential real estate deals closing after March 1, 2026, and the "reporting cascade" that dictates who is responsible for filing. 

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they discuss the legal and ethical fallout of a business owner who gambled company funds in a desperate attempt to meet payroll. They explore the thin line between a failing business and a breach of fiduciary duty, explaining when investor losses cross the line into criminal fraud and self-enrichment. Get practical legal advice on navigating a commercial lockout, including the process of filing a TRO and a Petition for Writ of Re-entry to regain access to a business premises. We break down the statutory damages available under the Texas Property Code and how judges handle bond requirements during lease disputes. Finally, the duo rants about a recent court ruling on "boneless wings," debating whether marketing terms for chicken nuggets are deceptive or simply "fanciful" consumer branding.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they analyze the "Big Tobacco" moment for tech giants like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube. They explore the landmark bellwether trials targeting addictive product designs and the shifting legal landscape as judges rule that Section 230 might no longer shield platforms from claims of predatory engineering. The duo also provides practical real estate advice on drafting contract amendments, highlighting the dangers of conflicting provisions that cause title company confusion and unnecessary expenses. Finally, they dive into a series of shocking 2025 and 2026 sanctions against attorneys who submitted fabricated AI "hallucinations" to federal courts, including one egregious case where 21 out of 23 cited authorities were entirely invented by ChatGPT.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they tackle a high-stakes probate battle involving allegations of a forged will and the race to save family land. They explore the legal complexities of solar panel financing, explaining how UCC-1 filings can cloud your property title even without a formal real estate lien. The duo answers critical legal questions on "handshake" property purchases, detailing the risks of making "house payments” without a written contract and what happens when a seller tries to back out. We also dive into the technical process of converting apartment complexes into separate owner-occupied condominiums and navigating HOA fee disputes. Finally, hear a heated rant on the "dirty" sales tactics of legacy legal research companies and how new AI plugins are disrupting the industry’s status quo.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they dive into the controversial world of civil asset forfeiture and why law enforcement can keep your cash without a criminal conviction. Explore the major 2026 updates to Texas eviction laws, including the new "Pay or Cure" notice to vacate requirements. They also discuss Texas’ adoption of the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA), which streamlines out-of-state subpoenas, and the evolving role of AI in modern law firms. Finally, hear a heated rant on how contractors weaponize invalid liens against homesteads and the urgent need for a "Quick-Release" legislative fix.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they expose the rising threat of Texas deed fraud and how scammers use "dormant" properties and shell companies to steal home equity. They detail the critical legal process under the Texas Government Code for using an expedited, ex parte judicial review to void fraudulent filings without a lengthy quiet title lawsuit. They also dive into the "Resort Property" trap, explaining how developers target buyers with low-cost land only to bury them in high HOA fees for amenities that never arrive. Finally, they wrap up with a rant on social media "shadowbanning" and how certain keywords can cause content to be suppressed by platform algorithms.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they use the viral comments about NFL legend Michael Irvin as a case study on defamation. They explore the thin line between protected satire and actionable assertions of fact in the age of social media. The guys also tackle a complex real estate dilemma: how to sell land while preserving family occupancy rights through the use of life estates and remainder interests. Finally, they dive into the fascinating world of "dead hand" control, explaining how new Texas statutes now allow trusts to last for an incredible 300 years, effectively bypassing traditional rules against perpetuities.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they navigate the stresses of New Year tax compliance, from 1099s to closing out the books. They dive into a critical lesson on Texas contract law, explaining why written words legally override numerical digits when terms contradict, as outlined in the Texas Business and Commerce Code. Finally, they rant about the legality of kids on motorized bikes terrorizing public streets and what parents need to know about the specific motor sizes and speed limits that determine whether a bike is a legal e-bike or a motor vehicle requiring a license. 

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they break down the major Texas eviction reforms taking effect January 1, 2026. Explore how Senate Bill 38 streamlines the legal process by barring unrelated tenant counterclaims and authorizes the use of email notices for the first time. They also provide an in-depth look at the brand-new summary disposition procedure that allows landlords to evict tenants without a trial. Finally, the duo analyzes the aggressive new "Squatter Law," which empowers owners to use a sworn complaint and the local Sheriff to immediately remove unauthorized occupants without a court order. 

Join Phil and Chris in Episode 102 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they break down a significant legal development regarding a judge blocking a Texas law designed to restrict minor access to app stores. The guys also discuss the various ways to secure money for buying a business and explain how Large Language Models (LLMs) really work. Finally, they discuss whether using ChatGPT violates confidentiality under the lawyer rules for professional conduct. Don’t miss this episode packed with legal news, practical business advice, and insights into the intersection of law and AI!

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they analyze President Trump’s executive order to reschedule marijuana to Schedule III and what this federal shift specifically means for state law enforcement and doctors in Texas. They also provide a critical update on the significant 2026 increases to taxable estate thresholds and gift tax exclusions following the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ detailing exactly what individuals and married couples need to know for future tax planning. Finally, they break down the latest teenage slang in a lively rant and rave, defining terms like ‘Rizz,’ ‘Aura,’ and ‘Mogging’ to help you stay culturally relevant.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris in the 100th episode as they discuss the legal implications of Texas Senate Bill 8, which mandates the use of public restrooms in state buildings based on the gender on a person's birth certificate. They also answer practical legal questions, including an explanation of a deed without warranty and how it differs from a quitclaim deed. Finally, get insights on how much cities can fine landlords for code compliance violations such as junked vehicles and overgrown weeds, using a client example of a fine against a landlord of $1,000 a day.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they dive into the complex world of trial law and evidence. They discuss the critical steps for getting evidence admitted in court, when attorneys should object to hearsay, and the rules surrounding the hearsay exception. The hosts explain how to lay the business records predicate to get documents into evidence and explore how trial attorneys are fighting deepfakes in the courtroom. 

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they discuss what public schools in Texas can expel a student for, focusing on mandatory expellable offenses like weapons, drugs, and felonies, and discretionary ones like retaliation and computer crimes. They answer a listener's question about maintaining a property inherited from a grandfather and the protection offered by the Texas Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA), including vital buy-out rights. Finally, they rant about the fraud and deceptive practices of sellers in the sale of a laundromat business.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they dive into the most typical reason for amending LLC documents (usually for ownership changes) and why it doesn't always require changing the Certificate of Formation. They explain why a commercial lease lockout works well in Texas under Property Code 93.002, but does not make sense for residential tenancies. Finally, they engage in a lively Rant and Rave about the Restore Trust in Congress Act and the egregious examples of insider trading by lawmakers like Senator Burr, Rep. Greene, and former Speaker Pelosi's family.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they tackle listener questions on landlord-tenant law and estate planning. They discuss the legal options for a landlord owed over $20,000 in back rent who needs to evict a tenant. They also delve into will essentials, explaining what a residuary clause is and offering tips on navigating heirs at law. Plus, they answer the common question: should you answer a lawsuit if you have not been formally served? Finally, they discuss the current market demand for highly qualified contract attorneys and the reasons behind this trend.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they tackle listener questions on the cost to review a commercial sales contract and what value an attorney adds to the review. They also break down title insurance, explaining what it covers, why it's necessary, and how it differs from standard casualty insurance. Finally, in their Rant and Rave segment, they discuss the growing problem of receiving AI-generated emails from clients, which are often dense, difficult to read, and can turn off the human reader, underscoring that AI's output is only as good as the control over its input.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they discuss strategies for collecting small debts, such as $5,500 owed by a General Contractor, exploring the "small dollar demand letter bluff" and the option of DIY JP Court actions. They also address a critical real estate legal question: what a buyer should do when there are liens on Schedule C of the Title Commitment for a home purchase, including the right to object and the seller's obligation to cure. Finally, they rant about the financial logic of the current AI boom and how the high capital expenditures might lead to an "asset collapse" when the market demands profit.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they dive into the lawsuit between Baylor University and Boston University over their interlocking "BU" logos, including a 1988 agreement and color differences. They also address listener questions on whether to hire an attorney to review a standard residential home purchase contract and the legal considerations for forming a Texas LLC with foreign investors.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Patrick as they discuss the requirement to include a driver's license or social security number in an application to probate a will in Texas. They also dive into the process of appointing receivers under the Texas Turnover Statute for collecting on judgments and how a receiver operates. Additionally, they explain how to tell if a property has been foreclosed on by looking for a trustee's deed in property records. Finally, they rant and rave about the accuracy of Google's AI Overview and the importance of checking its source websites.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they tackle listener questions, including what recourse a buyer has if a house is discovered to have less square footage after closing, exploring causes of action like DTPA and negligent misrepresentation. They also delve into the ethical debate surrounding the contingency fee model, discussing whether it allows lawyers to "buy claims" and how it provides access to justice for the poor. Finally, they answer the question of whether a minor can legally sign a NIL deal in Texas and the one specific exception for 17-year-olds. 

In Episode 90, Phil and Chris take a break from the usual format to dig into their legal inbox. Topics include the pros and cons of boat clubs, licensing questions from a large apartment manager, and a deep dive into trademark registration costs and timelines. They also discuss managing offshore staff in the Philippines and touch on a criminal lawyer's brush with an ineffective counsel claim. 

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil Silberman and Chris Heald. In this episode, we discuss the surprising surge in law school applications and what that might mean for the legal job market. We also dive into a legal question about when you need two companies - a holding company and an operating company - and provide some examples for when this makes sense. Finally, in our "Rant and Rave" segment, we discuss the serious doxxing allegations involving students at Stratford High School in Spring Branch ISD and explain how doxxing is a criminal offense under Texas law.

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil Silberman and Chris Heald as they discuss a new Texas law, HB 21, that closes the "traveling loophole," which allowed Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs) to grant tax exemptions for properties outside their jurisdiction. They also answer a legal question about how to get an out-of-state guardianship approved in Texas and discuss big law attorney workload and compensation. Finally, the rant about a top client misconception: recovering attorney's fees after being frivolously sued. Don't miss this episode packed with legal insights and lively discussions!

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil Silberman and Chris Heald as they discuss a new Texas law that expands the definition of telephone solicitors to include text messages, creating a private right of action for consumers. They also provide a rundown on what's required to sell a car to a private person in Texas. Finally, they rant about how AI and services like ChatGPT are destroying the web by discouraging human content creation and potentially causing "model collapse." Don't miss this episode filled with legal insights and lively discussions!

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil Silberman and Chris Heald as they explore a new Texas law that bans "expressive activities" on public university campuses between 10 PM and 8 AM and the lawsuit challenging it. They also answer a legal question about what to do when a contractor files a lien on a property before closing and won't release it. Finally, they rant about clients who don't listen to legal advice. Don't miss this episode packed with legal insights and lively discussions!

This week on the Weekly Docket, Join Phil Silberman and Chris Heald as they discuss what a prenuptial agreement for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might look like. They also cover the importance of specifying that income from separate property remains separate property. Additionally, they answer a legal question about what to do when you can't find heirs for a probate and the use of private investigators to find them. Finally, they rant about the practice of lawyers filing motions on Friday afternoons. Don't miss this episode filled with legal insights and lively discussions!  

This week on the Weekly Docket, Join Phil Silberman and Chris Heald as they discuss the Texas judge's ruling that struck down the law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools. They also answer a legal question about contesting a will based on someone having dementia. This episode features a special interview with US Congressional candidate Jon Bonck, who offers his perspective on housing affordability and the current state of the real estate market. Don’t miss this episode filled with legal insights and engaging discussions!

This week on the Weekly Docket,  Phil and Chris unpack Texas’ new law requiring the Ten Commandments in classrooms and the constitutional battles it’s facing. They explore civil legal options when property is stolen, from conversion claims to the Texas Civil Theft Liability Act, and dive into a fiery rant and rave on why lawyers can’t threaten criminal charges in civil disputes under professional conduct rules. 

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they break down the legalities of Texas redistricting and gerrymandering, including the "cracking" and "packing" techniques used to influence political power. They also answer legal questions about simultaneously filing for a DBA and a Certificate of Formation for an LLC in Texas, and how to transfer a DBA in a business sale. Plus, the guys rant about parking tickets and what Texas law says about towing vehicles from private lots. Don't miss this episode packed with legal insights and lively discussions! 

On Episode 81 of the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris dive into the shocking discovery of a secret FBI room filled with documents tied to a possible government conspiracy. Then, they tackle a common legal myth—can forming a nonprofit help you avoid taxes? Finally, they expose a growing attorney-targeted scam fueled by AI. Don't miss this week's blend of legal news, practical advice, and eye-opening warnings from the field. 

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris weigh in on Texas’ new law banning student phones during class time and the arguments for and against the move. They debate whether trusts really provide asset protection or if LLCs are the better tool for shielding assets. In this week’s Rant & Rave, they examine why homes aren’t selling in the Sunbelt despite the affordability crisis, and whether new proposals like the SUPPLY Act could make a difference.

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris discuss the brewing legal battle over Notorious B.I.G.’s $200 million music catalog and the estate’s dispute with Faith Evans. They break down the often misunderstood legal tool of a “special appearance” and its role in jurisdiction fights. In the Rant & Rave segment, it’s all about TikTok trends - what is aura farming, and can a viral dance be copyrighted? Tune in for legal insights and generational skepticism, all wrapped into one show.

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris break down the Supreme Court’s surprising decision to uphold Texas’ age verification law for online adult content and its broader implications for Section 230 and Big Tech. They also explain why “wrap around” transactions are making a comeback in the current real estate market and the serious legal pitfalls investors should know. Finally, a personal twist in this week’s Rant & Rave: Phil’s wife was banned from Instagram. Is this improper censorship or a justified consequence of violating community guidelines? Tune in for insights and hot takes. 

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris unpack Lululemon’s lawsuit against Costco for allegedly selling knockoff pants, break down The Mann Act and its role in Diddy's recent conviction, and react to startling CEO predictions about AI wiping out white-collar jobs. They also share how their own firm is using offshore hiring and ChatGPT assistants to reshape operations, and debate whether AI could one day double attorney caseloads while disrupting the billable hour model.

This week on the Weekly Docket, Governor Abbott blocks a sweeping THC ban, keeping gummies and vapes legal in Texas. Phil and Chris explain what to do when you can't afford a litigation retainer but need to file an answer. Plus, they dive into why the media is ignoring plunging global birth rates and what that means for the green agenda. Also, surprising success from the Astros and how filing pro se works in Texas courts.

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris break down Karen Read’s dramatic acquittal and the $5 million defense that fueled it. They also tackle how to upgrade your business from a sole proprietorship, why so many new lawyers avoid the courtroom, the history of Juneteenth, and the surprising side hustle of a former juror turned insider.

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris break down Trump’s controversial deployment of the National Guard and Marines to LA, exploring its shaky legal basis under the law. They also tackle a listener’s question about selling individual units of a duplex or fourplex--can you just list them as condos. Finally, they confront the heartbreaking realities of guardianships for adults with mental illness, where the legal system offers few clear solutions.

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil welcomes Dallas attorney Dawna Hurd to talk about her shift from prosecution to private practice. This week’s show covers the end of in-state tuition for undocumented students in Texas, the tricky truth behind LLCs vs. S-corps, and whether your email could be a legally binding contract. Plus, Phil rants about Hermes’ elusive Birkin bags and whether their business model could raise discrimination concerns.