Scheduling Open
24x7
Location
6671 Southwest Fwy, Ste 490-A
By Appointment Only

Getting Started

What is Needed to Start Probate

Probate Administration Cases

You may think that you have to wait for a death certificate to start the probate process. This is not always the case. There are quite a few things that need to happen even before you start the probate process.

For example, you may have to attend to the burial and final arrangements, check for burial policies, consider emergency applications for funeral expenses or temporary administrations, search for a will and for probate cases that have already been filed, finding records of the decedent, dealing with the decedent’s mail, and dealing with banks and mortgage companies. All of these things usually need to be dealt with now, even before the formal probate process starts.

You also need to consider hiring a probate attorney. This too needs to happen before you get a death certificate. We have this process down given that we focus on probate cases. We don’t need a copy of the death certificate to get started.

To get started, all we need is:

  1. Completed intake form – here is a link to the forms.
  2. Signed engagement letter – we can email this to you. It can be signed online by computer or on your phone.
  3. Payment – we can email a payment link with full payment options, including credit card, debit card, paypal, etc.
  4. If there is a will, a copy of the will (do not un-staple or alter the will in making the copy to send to us).

You can email or fax these items to us, mail them to us, or drop them off. Once we get these items, we can get started on your case.

The steps in the probate administration from there are fairly standard, which you can read about here. You can also get a copy of our FREE e-Book to read more about these steps, or even buy a copy of our print book for even more information.

Probate Litigation Cases

Cases involving probate ligation are slightly different. We need to know the nature of the dispute, as that dictates what happens and when. We ask that you call us to discuss the items we’ll need. It helps if you can forward the will or trust instrument at issue (if any).

To help make the call productive, please be prepared to:

  1. Describe the family relationships. Who died, did they have a spouse and/or children, etc.
  2. Describe the dispute. Does it involve the interpretation of a will or trust, undue influence, mental capacity, etc. (You can read the Probate Disputes section of our Texas Probate Guide to understand what the common disputes involve).

Our Houston Probate Attorneys provide a full range of probate services to our clients, including helping with probate administrations. 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.

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Disclaimer:  The content of this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice and should not be acted upon without consulting a qualified probate attorney.

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