Wise County

In Texas, the probate process is initiated when a loved one passes away. This process is defined as the transfer of estate and property ownership from the deceased to the beneficiaries. Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law has over a decade of experience helping families with various types of probate cases. You can learn more about the successful probate cases of Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law here.

Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law offers a free over-the-phone consultation. To schedule an appointment, feel free to message the firm via the online contact form or via phone at (713) 636-5339.

An Overview of the Probate Process

The first step in any Wise County probate process will be to fill out an application and submit it to the county court’s office. From there your application will be verified and the court will officially recognize the death of the relative or loved one for whom you’re filing. From this point forward, any number of categories could be identified. Here is a list of the possible items that could be executed during court probate:

• Recognizing debts owed by the estate
• Appraisals for all assets
• Paying any outstanding taxes on the estate
• Verifying the will
• Distributing property and assets stated in the will

How Long Does Probate Take?

The general rule of thumb is one month. While it can take longer for certain cases, most probates are usually wrapped up in a duration of four to six weeks. This process can also be extensive without a lawyer present to help guide you through each step. Once you submit your application to the county court, it takes roughly two weeks to hear back. From there, the tasks listed above are usually carried out promptly. It should also be noted that the probate process can be prolonged if there is no will present or there is a dispute over the will between two or more beneficiaries. If there is a dispute, probate litigation will take place.

What Is Probate Litigation?

Probate litigation is what takes place when a beneficiary decides to contest a will. This could be for several different reasons, but some of the more prominent ones include: the deceased party was pressured, sought favoritism, or lacked mental awareness at the time of signing the will.

Probate litigation can be a tough journey to navigate, so it’s important to have a lawyer guide you through the process. Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law is dedicated to helping families navigate the hardship of probate during the challenging time of losing a loved one. Their lawyer understands what it means to evaluate documents while still trying to cope with the loss of someone special. It’s not easy, but with professional legal assistance the process can be much faster. To learn more about probate litigation and how a lawyer can assist, reach out today!

What Is Texas Intestacy?

In Texas, if someone doesn’t have a will when they pass away, family members are still allowed to initiate a transfer of property and assets through a process known as intestacy. Within the process of intestacy, heirs can take one of two routes: independent administration or dependent administration.

• Independent administration is a simple process if all beneficiaries agree on the terms of distributing assets.
• Dependent administration usually takes much longer and only takes place when multiple parties disagree over property and assets.

Whether you’re trying to plan your estate, contest a will, or initiate the process of intestacy, Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law is here to assist you. The attorney has proudly served the greater Houston and Fort Worth areas for over 20 years.

Working through the loss of a loved one is difficult. Let Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law help during this trying time. To find out more information about probate attorney services in Wise County, contact the firm today.