McLennan County

McLennan County Probate Lawyer

When signing up for legal services, it’s critical that your lawyer has extensive involvement in the type of demand you require. For those dealing with probate in the greater Waco area, you should look no further than our McLennan County probate attorney. With over two decades of experience, Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law will give you the [KS1] guidance you need to navigate the hurdles of probate in Texas.

Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law works closely with each one of our clients to make sure they’re impacted positively. Dealing with a probate process can be strenuous, especially if you’re trying to navigate it alone. That’s why our McLennan Country probate attorney is here to listen, advise, and provide compassion for you and your family.

To learn more about Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law and the type of probate services our lawyer offers, contact us to schedule your no-cost consultation!

Responsibilities of an Executor

When someone passes away, their will usually appoints an executor of the estate. As an executor, you will have several different responsibilities. Here are a few types of functions that estate executors might be tasked with:

• Asset inventory – This is when the executor identifies all of the possible assets that the deceased person held. Asset inventory is critical to making sure that every possible item is distributed to all beneficiaries.
• Pay off any debts – Unfortunately for a lot of people, a death certificate isn’t a good enough excuse to leave an outstanding debt. Once someone passes away, it’s the estate executor’s responsibility to evaluate all of the possible debt’s the deceased party had and make sure they’re paid off in due time.
• Pay any necessary taxes – Taxes can be a tricky hurdle to get past when it comes to the death of a family member. Depending on the deceased party’s employment circumstances, the executor could have a relatively easy time paying the taxes of someone who has recently passed away. However, if there are a lot of assets and financial accounts to go through, taxes could add up fast.
• Distribute assets – The last and final step of the estate executor is to distribute the assets stated and approved in the will. This can happen anywhere from 3 to 8 months after the date of death. It is important to note that the probate process carries a lot of weight as to when the distribution of assets is carried out.

How Long Do You Have to Probate a Will?

In Texas, state law requires an estate executor to initiate probate within four years of the decedent’s death. If the process is not initiated within a four-year window, the state will distribute assets as if there was no will present was passed away. However, it should be noted that a late file can be submitted and could be granted under special circumstances of the beneficiaries.

Why Is a Probate Lawyer Needed?

Without an attorney, the probate process can last much longer and leave any beneficiaries or estate executors with a headache. Probates include a lot of documents that take careful examination. Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law would be happy to take care of you and your family during this challenging time. Our attorney will come ready to assemble, advocate, and support any wills, trusts, or other estate documents.

For more information regarding the Texas probate process or how our McLennan County probate lawyer can assist you, be sure to reach out to Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law today: (713) 636-5339.