Weekly Docket

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.