Recent Blog Posts
Things Not to Do as an Executor of a Will
Serving as the executor of a will is an important responsibility that requires organization, impartiality, and a clear understanding of the legal duties involved. Executors play a vital role in ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are carried out and the estate is settled properly. However, mistakes can happen, especially when someone is unfamiliar with… Read More »
Why You Should Make a Will
Creating a will is one of the most important steps in securing your family’s future. Unfortunately, many individuals put off this essential task, believing they have more time or that the process is too complex. However, without a will or other estate planning, your estate may largely be distributed according to Texas intestacy laws,… Read More »
How to Remove an Estate Executor
The executor of an estate plays a vital role in ensuring that the deceased’s assets are properly distributed according to the terms of the will. However, not all executors handle their responsibilities appropriately. If you believe an executor is mishandling the estate or failing to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, Texas… Read More »
Can the Probate Court Disqualify an Executor?
When someone passes away, the probate process is a crucial step in administering their estate, ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their wishes and that all debts, taxes and claims against the estate are properly dealt with. An executor, often named in the deceased’s will, is responsible for overseeing this process. However,… Read More »
How Long Does the Probate Process Take in Texas?
Probate is a necessary process for settling an estate in Texas, but it’s not known for being swift or pleasant. While an estate works its way through probate, heirs and beneficiaries anxiously await the end of the process so they can receive their inheritance, while estate administrators and executors struggle to complete the complex… Read More »
How Community Property Law Impacts the Probate Process in Texas
Probate can be a complicated and often overwhelming process for executors and administrators charged with completing the myriad of tasks associated with closing an estate. The laws involved are many and complex, covering a wide spectrum of Texas statutes and case law. One issue that adds to the complexity of probate involves the application… Read More »
Probate and the Texas Death Certificate
It’s a difficult time when a loved one passes away, but the probate process moves forward regardless. As a family member tasked with the many jobs related to the administration of a loved one’s estate, one crucial document you’ll need to get your hands on is the death certificate. Below we talk about the… Read More »
Handling a Small Estate in Texas With Limited Assets for Probate
When a loved one passes away, the process of settling their affairs can be complicated, confusing, and time-consuming, even when you’re dealing with a small estate that has relatively few assets. In Texas, handling a small estate can be simpler and less costly than dealing with a larger estate, thanks to specific probate processes… Read More »
When is an Estate Legally Closed in Texas?
Navigating the probate process in Texas can be complex and time-consuming. Understanding when an estate is considered legally closed is crucial for executors and beneficiaries alike. See below for a discussion of this issue in the context of a Texas probate proceeding. For help with estate planning and probate in Harris County, contact the… Read More »
What to Do When the Executor Steals From the Estate?
When a loved one passes away, the executor of the estate is entrusted with the important task of managing and distributing the assets according to the decedent’s wishes. Typically, the executor is named in the will by the testator (the person who made the will); if not, the court appoints someone to fulfill the… Read More »
