If you pass way without a will, it is referred to as dying intestate and your assets will be distributed to your heirs according to the intestacy process. Your heirs generally include close relatives, like your spouse, children, parents or siblings. Intestacy overview...
Decatur Family Law and Probate Attorney
Can a will be contested after it is admitted to probate?
In Texas, people who create a will or other estate planning document do so with the intention of creating certainty as to how their property will be distributed after they have died. This is a responsible step that is designed to avoid dispute. However, these issues...
5 executor responsibilities during probate in Texas
Probate is the legal process of managing a deceased person's assets and debts. The executor, also known as the personal representative, plays an important role in the probate process. The executor of an estate has several responsibilities outlined by the Texas Estates...
How does a foreign will impact probate in Texas?
Probate can be a confusing issue for people who have just lost a loved one in Texas. While many cases are straightforward, others are more complex. The process is meant to ensure the decedent’s property is transferred smoothly. Still, not every case is easy. One...
Four things to include in your will
Preparing a will is an essential step to take so you can ensure your loved ones carry out your wishes after you die. A proper will eliminates confusion and conflicts with your loved ones, so it is important to carefully consider what to include in this document....
When should you change the executor of your estate?
A critical part of estate planning is choosing an executor. This individual has a vital role, ensuring others carry out your final wishes. But what happens if circumstances change, and you start questioning your initial choice? In Texas, as in many states, the...
What proof is necessary to probate a will in Texas?
For people in Texas who have recently lost a loved one, it is important to remember the importance of settling their affairs under the law. When the decedent has written a will, probate is a key part of that process. For many, this can be a confusing issue, but it...
Three common estate administration mistakes to avoid
Losing a loved one is never easy. But it can be especially hard when you’re named the executor of their estate. Although the sentimentality of it all can cause you to hesitate as you navigate the probate process, you should try to avoid making some of the common...
How probate works when someone dies without a will in Texas
The probate court follows Texas Intestate Succession statutes when an individual dies without a will. The deceased’s assets get distributed based on whether the individual left behind a surviving spouse or children. According to Texas.gov, when a married couple does...
An executor’s death can complicate probate and the estate
An estate administrator has important duties associated with settling the estate and handling probate. At times, however, an executor may die. While this contingency is rare, it can complicate estate administration and probate. Naming a successor executor may avoid...