Probate

If a parent, spouse or other loved one recently passed away, you may have questions about the terms of their will. Perhaps the document contains unexpected changes. Maybe someone received a much larger share of the estate than you anticipated. In some cases, you may...

Losing someone you love is never easy. Administering their estate during your period of grief can feel even more daunting. As an executor, you are responsible for honoring your loved one's final wishes. Thus, having a clear understanding of your obligations can help...

When someone contests a will, it can turn what should be a straightforward probate process into a confusing and emotional situation. You may be dealing with family disagreements, questions about the deceased’s intentions or claims that the will is not valid. Knowing...

Overseeing estate administration requires commitment and diligence. The personal representative managing an estate must attend probate court proceedings, manage estate resources and appropriately distribute the decedent's property. The position comes with a degree of...

Wills are testamentary instruments. They take effect after a person dies and provide insight into what should happen with their property. Wills can also designate a personal representative to administer an estate and a guardian to care for minor children. While they...

Probate doesn’t apply to every asset. In Texas, some property can legally pass to others without court involvement. Understanding which assets avoid probate can help you plan more efficiently and prevent unnecessary delays. Non-probate assets you can designate Certain...

In Texas, homestead protections provide strong legal safeguards for a person's primary residence during probate. Probate refers to the legal process where a deceased person’s assets are distributed according to their will or the state's laws. Understanding how...

When handling probate in Texas, you may encounter a probate referee. Their role is to assess the fair market value of estate assets, ensuring accurate distribution and tax calculations. Unlike some states where referees are mandatory, Texas probate courts often rely...

Handling probate for out-of-state property in Texas can add complexity to estate administration. Understanding the process helps ensure the property transfers smoothly and legally to the intended heirs or beneficiaries. Ancillary probate for out-of-state property When...

When a loved one passes away, one of the last things you want to worry about is unexpected debts. However, during the probate process, it’s common to discover liabilities you didn’t know about.  These can add anxiety and confusion during circumstances that are already...