Probate Matters in Plano, TX
The Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr. can Assist You with Filing Your Probate
My Estate Planning Law Offices have probated many Last Will and Testaments and the reality is that no two probate cases are ever the same. There are a lot of quirks to probating an estate from start to finish and our job is to make sure it happens in a timely manner. By definition probate is the court supervised process of locating and determining the value of the assets owned by a deceased individual referred to as the “Decedent”. The administrator of the estate will provide the Court with a list of assets, pay the decedent’s final bills and Estate Taxes. Then the remainder of the decedent’s assets are distributed to his or her heirs. The average length of time it takes to settle most probates in Texas ranges from 3 to 8 months.
The Probate Process (Simplified)
1. My law firm will file the Original Will with the Court in the county where the deceased resided. At this time the Will is proved to be either valid or invalid.
2. Assuming the Will is valid, the Court will appoint the person listed as the executor in the Will. This person is responsible for administering the Estate.
3. A listing of the property belonging to the Decedents estate is reported to the Court.
4. If the Decedent died without a Will, the Court will make a determination as to possible heirs of the Decedent.
5. Identifying known creditors that are owed money at the time of death, and giving them the opportunity to file claims and seek repayment.
6. Publishing a notice in a local newspaper to notify any unknown creditors of the Decedent’s death.
7. Paying all of the Decedent’s final bills and expenses.
8. The assets remaining after payment of debts and expenses are distributed to either the beneficiaries listed in the Will or the heirs determined by the Court, if a Will does not exist.
9. If the family members of the Decedent engage in a fight over the assets of the estate, the Court will hear the dispute and resolve whatever issues may exist.
The probate process can be an intimidating experience for anyone that has never been through the process before. As an experienced probate attorney, I can guide you through this legal maze and lessen your frustration. You don’t have to handle the probate process by yourself.
Regardless of how minimal or complex you may feel the estate is, the Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr. can assist you with your probate issues in a timely manner. Contact Us today for a Free Consultation and I look forward to working with you on your estate planning.
