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Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly, Attorneys at Law
Houston 713-636-5339
Forth 817-442-2048
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Clear Counsel. Complete Closure. YOUR HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEXAS PROBATE ATTORNEYS.

Keith Morris and Stacy Kelly, both partners at the Blum Firm, believe everyone deserves peace of mind at the conclusion of a probate proceeding following a loved one's death - in a way that honors their loved ones values and beliefs.

Transferring the ownership of property and assets after a loved one passes away can be complex.

n top of grief, the probate process is often the last step in finding complete closure after the loss of a loved one. In Texas, in order to transfer the ownership of a person’s property and other assets to the heirs and beneficiaries one must go through the Texas probate process. This is a complicated process that can lead to litigation should disputes arise.

  • Probate Administration & Litigation
    The legal process of settling a deceased person's estate, including distributing their assets and paying off debts and taxes. It involves several steps, including proving the validity of the deceased person's will (if there is one), identifying and inventorying the deceased person's assets, paying creditors, and distributing assets to beneficiaries according to the terms of the will or state law if there is no will.
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  • Trust Administration & Litigation
    Assisting executors and administrators with the administration of trusts.
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  • Guardianship
    Helping clients establish guardianships or conservatorships for minors or incapacitated adults who are unable to make decisions for themselves.
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  • Mediation & Dispute Resolution
    Helping clients resolve disputes outside of court through mediation, negotiation, or other alternative dispute resolution methods.
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Starting the Texas Probate Process is easy…. to complete the process is often complex. 

How to Probate a Will in Texas

Step 1: Filing - An application for probate must be filed with the proper Texas probate court in the county where the decedent resided.

Step 2: Posting - After the probate application is filed, there will be approximately a two week waiting period before a hearing is held for the application. During this time, the county clerk will post a notice at the courthouse to notify anyone who may contest the will or administration of the estate.

Step 3: Will Validation - After the waiting period, a Texas probate judge will verify that the decedent had a valid will or that there was no will, and finally appoint an administrator or verify the person named as executor.

Step 4: Cataloging Assets - After an executor or administrator is named to the estate, that person must catalog and report to the county clerk all the assets held by the estate within 90 days after appointment.

Step 5: Beneficiaries Identified- If the decedent had a valid will, the executor will notify beneficiaries of the estate. If no was filed, the probate court in Texas must determine heirship.

Step 6 Notifying Creditors - Decedents usually leave behind debts. These must be resolved out of their estate. Creditors are notified of the decedent’s death by the estate’s executor and given the opportunity to file claims against the estate.

Step 7: Resolving Disputes - The estate cannot be finalized if family members or other potential beneficiaries are contesting a will in Texas or if they file related grievances. These disputes must be heard by a probate court judge. In the state of Texas, contesting a will must be done within two years after the original probate.

Step 8: Distributing Assets - After the debts are resolved and disputes cleared up, remaining assets are then distributed to the beneficiaries.

Probate Litigation

Probate litigation generally revolves around the issues of contesting a will or having an individual die without a will, which is known as “intestacy.” With a valid will in effect, the state is given the control to determine the distribution of the estate property. In these latter cases, Texas rules are strict. In some cases, beneficiaries may not get their fair share of the assets and thus will need a probate litigation lawyer to help them. In the matter of contesting a will, family members can do this by asserting various problems with the will, such as that it was signed improperly, was subject to outside pressure seeking favoritism, was fraudulent, or that the deceased person lack mental capacity. Our firm is prepared to represent you in any will contest to ensure that your legal rights are pursued and upheld.

Ready to discuss your probate matter? Call Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly at (713) 636-5339 in Houston and (817) 442-2048 in Fort Worth today.

HOW WE DO IT

Our job is to take on a complicated process and guide you through it, fight for you in it, and get you to a timely resolution that gives you complete peace of mind.
  • SCHEDULE A CALL
    Begin with an in-person new client meeting or virtual call to review your case.
  • LET US GET TO WORK
    During our first complimentary consultation we will evaluate your situation in order to determine if probate administration or probate litigation is needed.
  • FIND COMFORT IN COMPLETE CLOSURE
    Often, probating a will or the litigation of an estate is the last step toward complete closure from the loss of a loved one. Have confidence in our team to walk you through the final steps of this process efficiently and effectively.
“We understand the emotions that accompany the probate process - grief, uncertainty and unanswered questions.” - Keith Morris
For over two decades, Keith Morris and Stacy Kelly have taken on the complex probate system and ensured your loved one is honored throughout the process. Bringing complete closure for individuals.
SCHEDULE A CALL

Before You Contest a Will,
Consult With An Experienced Attorney.

Unfortunately, heirs or beneficiaries will uncover various problems that lead to disputes when probating a will such as, it was signed improperly, it was subject to outside pressure seeking favoritism, it was fraudulent, or the deceased person lacked mental capacity. 

Schedule A Call

  • Do you believe the deceased did not have the mental capacity to understand the implications of creating or amending their will?
  • Do you suspect that the deceased was coerced, manipulated, or unduly influenced by someone else to change the terms of their will in a way that does not reflect their true wishes?
  • Do you believe the will was forged, altered fraudulently, or that the deceased's signature was obtained under false pretenses?
  • Were you disinherited or received a disproportionately small share of the estate compared to other beneficiaries, and believe this is unfair or unjust?
     
  • Is the language in the will is unclear or ambiguous, leading to confusion about the deceased's intentions?
  • Does the current will conflict with previous versions or other estate planning documents, raising doubts about its validity?
  • Do you believe the will does not meet the legal requirements for execution, such as proper witnessing or signing?
  • Did the deceased died without a valid will, and now contest the distribution of assets according to the laws of intestate succession?

Success That Speaks For Itself

  • Dispute Resolved Estate Administration & Division of Assets

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

  • Successful Verdict Probate Case

    Obtained verdict for daughter that reunited with her father after being estranged and offered will for probate but was contested by her sister.

  • Six-Figure Settlement Reached Multi-Million Dollar Estate Case

    Obtained six-figure settlement after jury was seated for adopted child in multi-million dollar estate case after adoption was disputed.