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Texas Probate Process

Probate is the process of transferring ownership of a decedent’s property to the intended beneficiaries after his or her Will is verified by the court system. It also encompasses the administration of the decedent’s estate, collection of debts due to it, and payment of its creditors.

While initiating the process can be simple, the probate process can be complex. When a loved one dies, seeking the advice and assistance of a Texas probate lawyer can help make the process faster and easier.

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

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    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.

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

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

    - Susan
    "Keith handled our case with both dignity and professionalism that is always needed in a disputed guardianship case."

    Keith would be the one attorney I hope I never set on the opposite side of the table against.

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    "Compassionate, no-nonsense, and fair."

    Mr. Morris represented me in a complicated and nasty probate matter. I am a paralegal and must say that Mr. Morris is in the top .5 of the 1% of excellent lawyers.

    - Jennifer L.
    "Made everything very easy."

    Keith was easy to reach and had a lot of knowledge about estate planning. He helped me and my family with our wills and helped set up trusts for my kids.

    - Oda

Texas Probate: The Steps

The majority of people who begin the process of probating a will in Texas quickly discover that they need the assistance of an attorney experienced in these matters. A probate lawyer has obtained the education and experience necessary to navigate the Texas probate process. A legal professional understands what it takes to meet the requirements of the Texas Probate Code. Some of the steps your attorney will take include:

  • Submitting an application to probate the decedent’s Will.
  • Attending a hearing and providing the court with the proof they need to validate the decedent’s death and admit the Will to probate.
  • Furnishing the Will and/or codicil to the court.
  • Putting creditors on notice of the decedent’s death by publishing a notice in the paper and by sending a letter to the creditors.
  • Sending out notices to the beneficiaries of the estate.
  • Taking inventory and appraising the assets of the decedent.
  • Submitting an application to establish an allowance for the decedent’s family, if necessary.

In a nutshell, probate is the manner by which the court recognizes the death of a person who owns properties and authorizes another to handle its administration.

The process of probating a will in Texas begins by filing an application for probate before the appropriate Texas court. After this filing, the law allows a two week waiting period before a hearing on the probate application starts. During this period, the county clerk will order the posting of notices to inform the public of the probate application. Absent any protest, the court will move forward with the probate proceedings for the administration and recognition of the validity of the Will.

In the course of the proceedings, the court will appoint an executor or administrator to oversee the estate. The law attaches important duties to this designation; accordingly, the court will determine the qualifications of those to be appointed as executors or administrators of the estate.

With the complexities attendant to these proceedings, it is highly advisable to hire the services of an experienced probate attorney in Texas to facilitate the process.

Get Help Probating a Will in Texas

The Texas probate process can be quite lengthy and involved, but working with an attorney who understands the probate system makes certain that the estate’s assets and liabilities are handled in the proper fashion and that the wishes of the decedent are carried out in an appropriate manner. Even with a valid Will, there are time limitations for the probate process, so it’s imperative to talk to an experienced legal professional.

To begin the Texas Probate Process or to find out more probate information, call Attorney Keith Morris today at (713) 636-5339 in Houston and (817) 442-2048 in Fort Worth.

Success that Speaks for Itself

Case Results
  • Dispute Resolved Estate Administration & Division of Assets

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

  • Dispute Resolved Estate Administration Case

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

  • Hearing Won Evidentiary Hearing

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

  • Case Won Guardianship Case

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

  • 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.

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
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  • 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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