Weekly Docket

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they tackle the procedural headache of unsigned service citations and unserved court statuses. They analyze the high-stakes dilemma defendants face when handed blank paperwork, outlining how to determine true answer deadlines and what defensive steps to take while the court records lag behind. They also break down the strict requirements of Texas Estates Code § 1054.201, detail...

Join Phil Silberman and Chris Heald in Episode 126 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they break down the high-profile Frisco track meet stabbing trial and analyze how Texas law defines self-defense, deadly force, and the provocation exception. Dive into the complex real estate traps of putting minor children on property deeds, and explore how Texas Estates Code Chapter 1351 offers a streamlined path around formal guardianships ...

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they analyze a staggering $25.6 million wire fraud scheme targeting the firm Arup. They unpack how a finance employee was deceived during a live video conference call where every single executive on screen was an AI-generated deepfake clone, and outline why a zero-trust analog solution is now an operational necessity for business security. They also provide a critical warning f...

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they navigate the mechanics of recovering secured assets when a borrower defaults on a commercial loan. They break down the essential trifecta of a Note, Security Agreement, and UCC-1 filing , explaining how lenders can utilize Texas Business and Commerce Code § 9.609 for self-help repossession without a breach of the peace, or file for judicial foreclosure. They also dive into...

This week on the Weekly Docket, join Phil and Chris as they break down the real-world chaos caused by the rise of out-of-control pro se AI legal filings. They analyze a nightmare real estate scenario where a former husband and wife used a DIY divorce decree that completely failed to address the division of their marital home.  Finally, Chris and Phil examine strict county procedural mandates, diving into local rules requiring ...

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 ...

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 tha...

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 t...

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 standard...

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 a...

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 distribu...

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 consti...

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 whos...

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, ex...

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 ...

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 p...

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...

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 ...

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 amendm...