Houston Probate Lawyer

The Houston, TX probate process, by which property is passed from the deceased to heirs, is quite complex and arcane, and it can be experienced as stressful and even overwhelming to someone who is already struggling to deal with the painful emotions that often accompany the death of a loved one. Without preparation and understanding of the process, probate proceedings are at best a highly distracting nuisance, and at worst a financial and emotional catastrophe. With skilled legal representation, however, it does not have to be that way.

At Romano & Sumner, we understand what you are going through because our Houston probate attorneys have successfully represented a multitude of clients who have already traveled the road upon which you are getting ready to tread. Our committed and relentless trust and estates attorneys stand ready to guide you through the system. We will be fighting every step of the way to make sure that you receive everything that you are entitled to, with minimum hassle. Our probate lawyers will not hesitate to stand up to bullying creditors, greedy relatives, dishonest executors, and anyone else who would like to take a bite out of your loved one’s estate at your expense.

About the Houston Area

With its laid-back atmosphere and powerhouse economy, Houston, TX are virtually bursting at the seams with the kind of urban vitality and southern charm that rarely fails to impress visitors and residents alike. The six million people residing in the greater Houston metro area represent not only exhilarating diversity but also some of the best people that the great State of Texas has to offer.

With six million people and a 500 billion dollar plus municipal economy, a lot of property transactions take place in Houston. Even the tragic occasion of the death of a loved one is an economic event if the deceased left behind significant property – and that is where we come in. Our dedicated and experienced Houston lawyers have successfully handled many probate cases.

Our Approach to Probate Procedures

No two probate cases are identical, and no two clients ever come to us with exactly the same concerns. That is why we reject the formulaic, mass-production approach to probate administration practiced by so many lawyers. Instead, our probate attorneys listen carefully to your concerns and master every detail of your case so that we can put together a tailor-made, individualized strategy to address your concerns in the most effective manner possible.

What Probate Does

During the probate process, all estate assets are collected. Assets not subject to probate (such as living trust assets) are excluded, estate debts are paid to creditors, and whatever remains is distributed to heirs. Distribution is performed either in accordance with the deceased’s last will and testament or, if there is no valid will, in accordance with Texas intestate succession laws. Unlike many states, Texas probate law offers simplified estate administration procedures for small, debt-free estates.

Steps in the Probate Process

  • The prospective estate executor files an application with the appropriate Texas Probate Court.
  • A mandatory two-week waiting period begins, during which time the Probate Court will first decide whether to open the administration of the estate and second, make a preliminary determination on whether or not the will is valid.
  • During the waiting period, the county clerk will post a notice of the application so that anyone who wishes to contest the will at the probate hearing may do so.
  • The first probate hearing is held. The probate court will approve the executor (normally someone named in the will) and issue its determination on the validity of the will.
  • The executor provides the court with an Inventory of Estate Assets.
  • Estate creditors (people to whom the deceased owed money, for example) are given an opportunity to file claims against the estate.
  • Any disputes, such as will contests or dubious creditor claims, are resolved at further hearings.
  • The estate’s net assets (after creditors have been satisfied) are distributed to heirs under the will or, if there is no valid will, under Texas probate law.
  • The court formally closes probate proceedings.

One of our skilled Houston probate administration lawyers can answer your questions about the process and assist you every step of the way.

Take Your Concerns to a Houston Probate Attorney

If you need probate advice or legal representation, please contact Romano & Sumner at the first available opportunity for optimum results. If litigation becomes a possibility, our lawyers have proven experience.

We offer free initial consultations, during which you can ask questions and we can discuss the details of your case together. Please contact our Houston probate attorneys online or by calling to get the ball rolling today.

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Our initial consultation is free of charge, and it carries no obligation of any kind.

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    Romano & Sumner, PLLC

    Romano & Sumner, PLLC
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