Probate

Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone dies. It involves verifying the validity of the deceased person’s Will (if there is one), identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s assets, paying any debts or taxes owed, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs or beneficiaries.

The length of the probate process can vary depending on the county where the Estate is filed, the complexity of the Estate, the number of assets involved, and whether there are any disputes among the heirs or beneficiaries. In general, probate can take several months to a year or more to complete. When you consult with us, we will give you an estimate based on the specific factors involved with your Estate matter

Probate is easy in Texas, however, Estates can avoid probate if the deceased had a living trust, owned assets jointly with right of survivorship, or had certain types of non-probate assets like retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts with a named beneficiary. If the deceased did not own any real property and their assets are below the small estate threshold, the beneficiaries may be able to claim the assets without probate. Texas also has a simplified probate procedure for small estates valued at $75,000 or less. By consulting with an experienced probate attorney, you can understand the options that apply to your situation, whether you are planning for the future or making decisions after your loved one’s passing.