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Providing Individualized Legal Service Throughout the State of Texas with Offices in Houston and Fort Worth
Houston 713-636-5339
Fort Worth 817-442-2048
Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law
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    "Ryan & Keith genuinely care about their clients."

    Ryan McCreay genuinely cares about his clients. He patiently outlined the timeline in obtaining this overage, along with ...

    - Gerard P.
    "Ryan and team were very professional and empathetic regarding probating my sister's estate."

    They were caring and kind all the way through the process. I highly recommend them to anyone entitled to claim leftover funds from foreclosure or who need to probate an estate for a loved one. Here is a picture of myself and my lovely sister, Karen!

    - Shirley H.
    "After my Mom passed away and her house was foreclosed on, Ryan of Conscious Dealz helped me get the excess funds from the foreclosure."

    He told me the amount I would receive at the beginning of the process. He also told me that I would never have to step inside of a court room, which I didn't want to due to the complex challenges of probate court. Ryan and his team worked very hard for me.

    - AJ J.
    "Keith and his team were fantastic."

    Keith and his team were fantastic. We had heard horror stories of the probate process but our experience was fast and ...

    - Thomas M.
    "Thank you, Keith, I truly appreciate you."

    He researched my problem, consulted another expert just for a second opinion, and responded to me with the answers I needed. He is a SUPER PERSON.

    - Kathie
    "He was responsive and found the right resources for us."

    He helped my family navigate a unique probate and trust process right at the end of the year.

    - Previous Client
    "He is aggressive in court room while remaining respectful and compassionate to other lawyers and his clients."

    Keith is one of the finest and technically proficient lawyers I have ever met.

    - Jennifer
    "Whenever I had a question or concern, all I had to do was call or email Keith."

    Keith is very professional and was able to settle my family dispute.

    - Susan

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 & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys 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 & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law for more information!

Success that Speaks for Itself

Case Results
  • Hearing Won Evidentiary Hearing

    Won lengthy evidentiary hearing to prove client was not in contempt of court to avoid sanction or jail time.

  • Dispute Resolved Estate Administration Case

    Successfully resolved case between two siblings fighting over cash and personal property of their father.

  • Settlement Reached Multi-Million Dollar International Estate

    Successfully negotiated settlement between surviving spouse and foreign advisers in multi-million dollar international estate.

  • Dispute Resolved Estate Administration & Division of Assets

    Resolved highly contentious ongoing dispute over father’s estate and division of assets between son and daughter.

  • Won Summary Judgment Multi-Million Dollar Trust Dispute

    Won summary judgment for prominent South Texas family in multi-million-dollar trust dispute over real property.

Why Choose Attorneys Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly?

  • Extensive Experience

    With over 40+ years of combined legal experience, Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly devoted their efforts to sharpening their skills in probate, trust, and estate planning and litigation.

  • Aggressive Litigators

    Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly are proud to be the litigators that takes on the most complicated and difficult cases to court and getting their clients optimal results.

  • Free Consultations
    Your first free case evaluation with us can be done through video conference, phone call, or an in-person meeting.
  • Personalized Attention

    If you call our firm, we will personally pick up the phone and handle your case with the attention it deserves.

Partner Up with Attorneys that Fight for You!

Contact the firm today to discuss your case during a free consultation and explore your options.