top of page

Probate Attorney in Wise County, Texas

Clear Guidance Through the Texas Probate Process

Probate is the court-supervised legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death under Texas law. As a probate attorney in Wise County, Texas, Marilyn J. Belew provides trusted guidance for families navigating probate and estate administration in Decatur and surrounding communities.

​

Working with a probate lawyer in Texas helps ensure estates are administered correctly, efficiently, and in compliance with state law.

Understanding Probate in Texas

Probate may involve validating a will, appointing a personal representative, identifying heirs, addressing creditor claims, and distributing estate assets in accordance with the Texas Estates Code.

​

Families often ask how does probate work in Texas, particularly when they are facing court deadlines, required filings, and unfamiliar legal procedures while coping with loss. An experienced probate attorney can help guide the process, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and reduce unnecessary delays or disputes.

Probate in Texas Without a Will

When an individual passes away without a valid will, probate in Texas without a will follows intestate succession laws set out in the Texas Estates Code. In these cases, the court—not the family—determines how property is distributed based on statutory inheritance rules involving spouses, children, parents, and other relatives.

​

In these situations, families often work with an intestacy lawyer—a probate attorney experienced in handling estates without a valid will. An intestacy lawyer assists with the court-mandated process of identifying legal heirs, administering the estate, and resolving disputes in accordance with Texas intestate succession laws.

​

Intestate estates often require additional court involvement, including:

  • Determination of legal heirs

  • Appointment of an administrator

  • Formal notice to interested parties

Because intestate proceedings involve stricter procedural requirements, experienced legal guidance is especially important to ensure compliance with Texas law and court expectations.

Probate Documents in Texas

Probate proceedings require the careful preparation and filing of specific legal paperwork. Common probate documents in Texas may include:

  • Applications for probate or estate administration

  • Death certificates

  • Notices to heirs and creditors

  • Inventories, appraisements, and lists of claims (when required)

  • Court orders and estate closing documents​

 

Accurate documentation and timely filing are critical under Texas probate rules and help prevent unnecessary delays, rejected filings, or procedural complications. An experienced Texas probate law attorney can help ensure all required documents are prepared accurately and submitted in compliance with state law.

Why Choose Our Firm

Clients in Decatur and surrounding communities choose Marilyn J. Belew Law for probate representation because of the guidance provided by a probate lawyer Decatur Texas families trust:

  • Nearly 30 years of legal experience

  • Direct access to an experienced probate attorney

  • Clear communication and straightforward guidance

  • Strong familiarity with Wise County probate courts

  • A respectful, client-focused approach

 

Every probate matter is handled with professionalism, care, and attention to detail.

Speak With a Probate Attorney in Wise County, Texas

If you are facing a probate or estate administration matter or have questions about your legal options, contact the Law Office of Marilyn J. Belew, P.C. to schedule a consultation. Learn how experienced probate representation can help ensure the process is handled correctly, protect estate interests, and guide you forward with clarity and confidence.​

​

📞 Call today to schedule a consultation


Serving Wise County families.

Have a Probate question? Call (940) 627-6400 or request a consultation.

bottom of page