Ancillary Administration

If you have unique circumstances in your probate case or would like to explore your options for managing your estate, call Keith Morris today at (713) 636-5339 in Houston and (817) 442-2048 in Fort Worth.

“Keith and his team were fantastic.”

- Thomas M.

Texas Ancillary Administration Attorney

What Is Ancillary Administration Is And When Is It Necessary?

Probate is the system by which a person’s estate — their assets and debts — are legally administered. Certain circumstances can make the administration of a decedent’s will a little different and slightly more complex. For those who own property in different states, for example, an ancillary administration might be necessary.

Ancillary administration, sometimes also called supplementary administration, becomes necessary when the decedent owns property or perhaps even business holdings in a different state than the one in which he or she resides. For example, if a person resides in Texas, primary probate would occur in the state of Texas. If that person owns a property that is located in another state, ancillary administration would occur in that state. This supplemental administration is necessary because the laws of probate differ from state to state.

What Kind Of Property Requires Ancillary Administration?

There are several types of property that might necessitate ancillary administration after a person dies. Real estate is one of the most prevalent, however any property registered in a different state also will be subject to supplementary administration. For instance, if the decedent owns a vehicle, boat or airplane registered in a different state (for tax, insurance or other reasons), then ancillary probate would be needed. Livestock, real estate, oil/gas/mineral rights associated with property holdings and businesses located in other states are also examples of property that could require supplemental administration.

The ancillary probate will need to be conducted in accordance with the laws of the state the property is located or registered in. If the person has died intestate, meaning that he or she did not have a Last Will and Testament, this secondary probate will be resolved in accordance with the intestacy laws of the state in which the property is registered or located.

Making Ancillary Probate Easier

If you own or have registered property in a state other than the one in which you reside, estate planning is even more important. A probate lawyer can help create a Will that properly incorporates property held in a different state and discuss ways to make probating such a Will easier on your loved ones.

Schedule a consultation with an experienced probate attorney today to discuss estate planning and any possible issues of ancillary administration. Call (713) 636-5339 in Houston or (817) 442-2048 in Fort Worth for more probate information.

Success that Speaks for Itself

Case Results
  • Estate Administration & Division of Assets Dispute Resolved

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

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

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

  • Evidentiary Hearing Hearing Won

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

  • Multi-Million Dollar International Estate Settlement Reached

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

  • Multi-Million Dollar Trust Dispute Won Summary Judgment

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

  • Estate Administration Case Dispute Resolved

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

  • Probate Case Successful Verdict

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

  • Guardianship Case Case Won

    Won trial to exclude wife to serve as guardian of gentleman she married that was at least twice her age.

Why Choose Keith Morris, Attorney at Law?

  • Personalized Attention
    If you call Keith Morris, he will personally pick up the phone and handle your case with the attention it deserves.
  • Free Consultations
    Your first free case evaluation with us can be done through video conference, phone call, or an in-person meeting.
  • Aggressive Litigator
    Keith Morris is proud to be the litigator that takes on the most complicated and difficult cases to court and getting his clients optimal results.
  • Extensive Experience
    With over 20 years of legal experience, Keith Morris has devoted his efforts to sharpening his skills in probate, trust, and estate planning and litigation.
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Contact the firm today to discuss your case during a free consultation and explore your options.