Hood County Probate Lawyer

In Texas, the probate process is relatively similar to other states, but it’s still important to be mindful of a few differences. For example, in Texas, if a will is not provided or deemed official, the beneficiaries can still appoint an administrator to carry out the probate process. Whether you’re trying to navigate the obstacles of probate without a will, or wanting to dispute the content of a will, legal assistance can give you the resources needed for success. With our Hood County probate attorney, you’ll be in the right hands to take on any type of probate conflict you encounter.

For more information on how Keith Morris Attorney at Law can assist you and your family, call (713) 636-5339 or contact us online!

Five Steps to Closing an Estate Without a Will

1. Appoint an Administrator

Trying to navigate an estate without an official will can be difficult. This is why it’s important to appoint an administrator who is very familiar with the deceased’s property and assets. This could be a relative, close friend, or even an offspring. The administrator will play a vital role in distributing assets to beneficiaries.

1. Obtain a Copy of the Death Certificate

It will be hard to make any kind of headway legally without official documents verifying the death of a loved one. In Texas, death certificates can be obtained through Texas.gov. Typically, these documents take about one month to be mailed to the recipient.

1. Hire a Probate Lawyer

It can be a tough process to navigate without professional legal assistance every step of the way. A probate lawyer will be able to give you the confidence you need to avoid any obstacles or hiccups that might arise during the probate process. This is especially true if there was no will left for the presumed beneficiaries.

1. File for Probate

This will take place at the county court where the deceased party resided. Once the probate is filed the court will be in contact about a date on which the administrator is authorized to start acting on behalf of the deceased party’s estate.

1. Finalize the Estate

First, the administrator will need to confirm that all of the deceased person’s debts have been paid. This includes taxes, insurance premiums, credit statements, etc. Once this has been completed, the administrator can apply for the court to order final distribution. This means that all beneficiaries will be distributed their property and assets accordingly. Once this process is finalized, the estate is officially closed.

How Is the Estate Distributed?

Transferring property after someone’s death is complicated when there’s no will present. However, in Texas, Chapter 201 of the Texas Estates Code helps map out how the order of distribution should be executed. Here is a preview of the first three beneficiaries who would receive property in the event that there is no will present:

1. Any surviving spouses
2. Any surviving children
3. Any surviving siblings

While initially this code is easy to navigate, it can become more complicated the deeper you get into it. This is where our Hood County probate lawyer can assist. Our attorney is very up to date with Texas probate codes and can provide a personalized approach to your circumstance. Contact Keith Morris Attorney at Law for more information!