Bob needed to talk to a Texas probate attorney as needed guidance on managing a standard estate left by his recently deceased mother. Bob was the executor of the estate as per the mother’s will. The estate included a residence, a vehicle, household contents, and a checking account, all of which needed to be distributed or disposed of according to the will’s specifications. Bob is a do-it-yourself kind of guy and really just wanted minimal assistance where required, with instructions for him to be able to handle the estate himself.
The Challenge
Being a first-time executor, Bob was not familiar with the probate process in Texas. He wanted to understand the steps involved, the legal requirements they would need to meet, and the potential challenges he might encounter. Specific matters included:
- Probating the will and having Bob appointed officially as the executor.
- Handling the transfer and sale of assets, such as the residence and vehicle.
- Managing a checking account that Bob was a signer on.
- Dealing with potential creditors of the estate.
- Ensuring all legal procedures were followed despite Bob’s lack of experience in estate management.
The Proposed Solution
We outlined the probate process for the client, explaining each step clearly to ensure their understanding. The solution included the standard Texas probate administration:
- Filing an application with the probate court in Harris County, the county where Bob’s mother had been residing.
- After a waiting period, scheduling a hearing where Bob verified the information in the application and received approval for his appointment as the executor.
- Upon approval, receiving letters testamentary from the court, authorizing Bob to transfer assets and handle the estate’s affairs according to the will.
- Setting up an estate bank account and reimbursing estate fees.
- Notifying potential creditors through a newspaper announcement, and other notice letters.
- Finally, filing an inventory with the court and making distributions, including a deed to transfer the real estate, to officially close the estate.
We were able to provide input to Bob throughout each step, with Bob doing most of the work per his request.
The Outcome
This case study is an excellent example of how our firm can guide clients through the probate process, even if they have never served as an executor before and even when they want to handle most of the probate tasks themselves. Our team’s commitment to clear communication and transparency ensures that our clients understand their responsibilities and the steps required to complete the probate process successfully.
Our Houston Probate Attorneys provide a full range of probate services to our clients, including helping with routine probate cases. Affordable rates, fixed fees, and payment plans are available. We provide step-by-step instructions, guidance, checklists, and more for completing the probate process. We have years of combined experience we can use to support and guide you with probate and estate matters. Call us today for a FREE attorney consultation.
Disclaimer
The content of this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information presented may not apply to your situation and should not be acted upon without consulting a qualified probate attorney. We encourage you to seek the advice of a competent attorney with any legal questions you may have.
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