When a loved one passes away, their estate must be examined and distributed through a process called probate. As the executor or administrator of an estate, you will need guidance from a knowledgeable legal guide to help avoid pitfalls along the way. Call for an initial consultation with our Top Probate Attorneys in Houston, TX to get started with the probate administration process.
Probate With or Without a Will
If a last will and testament has been drafted, the probate administration process will include admitting the decedent’s final will to probate and distributing assets according to the will. If there is no will, the deceased person’s heirs will inherit according to Texas intestacy laws.
An executor or administrator will be appointed, either according to the will or Texas law if no will exists, who must carry out the probate process in order to help ensure the estate is distributed appropriately.
At our firm, we pride ourselves on giving clients personal attention so that we may take them through the probate process as efficiently as possible. If you’ve been named as an executor in a will or there is no will, contact our Houston probate attorneys today. We have years of combined experience we can use to support and guide you.
Steps in the probate process when there is no will.
We also take cases when clients call to probate an estate, including the following scenarios:
The will does not name an executor
The named executor has not started the process
The Probate Process
Probate involves two basic steps:
Payment of debts
Transfer of assets to beneficiaries
During the probate process, the executor or administrator and others involved should have an understanding of the elements involved:
Validity – If a will exists upon a loved one’s passing, probate will first take routine steps to determine if it is valid. If an eligible party has reason to contest a will, it will be taken to probate court to determine its validity.
Appraisals – Large parts of the estate – such as homes, businesses, or family heirlooms– are subject to appraisal to determine their true value during probate.
Debts – If any debts or taxes are owed when the testator passes away, probate can help determine how to handle them.
Distribution – When all other aspects of probate are sorted, the property and assets of the estate can be distributed.
Probate Explained by a Houston Probate Lawyer
Entering probate without proper guidance can be troublesome. You can trust that experienced and knowledgeable professionals will be working on your case, and that your loved one’s estate is treated fairly. If you want to relieve yourself of stress and ensure things go as smoothly and as swiftly as possible, call us today to see how we can help.
Our probate attorneys enjoy a reputation for sound advice, efficiency, and practicality. Our first and foremost goal will always be to achieve the best possible result for our clients. Quite frequently, we are able to settle such proceedings without trials after taking into account the merits of the positions advanced by respective parties and the tax rules applicable.
Some key things our probate lawyers can help with:
Guiding you through the steps of the probate process from start to finish
Assisting with paperwork, filings, and deadlines
Communicating with heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors
Providing advice on executor duties and obligations
Helping resolve any disputes over the estate or will
Facilitating asset transfers and distribution
Ensuring all taxes are properly filed and paid
Advising on any possible claims against the estate
With deep knowledge of Texas probate law and procedure, our attorneys aim to make the process as smooth as possible for grieving families. We understand this is a difficult time and work diligently on your behalf to resolve matters efficiently.
Whether you need help probating a simple will or dealing with a complex estate with multiple beneficiaries, we have the experience to handle it.
Why Choose Us?
Local Expertise: With a focus on probate and assisting clients in Houston, we understand local peculiarities and leverage our established network to expedite the probate process.
Vast Experience: Our attorneys bring years of dedicated experience in navigating Harris County’s probate system.
Client-Centered Approach: We recognize the emotional stress often associated with probate administration. Our objective is to alleviate this stress by providing you with top-notch legal support.
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.
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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