Dickinson, TX Probate Lawyer

Do you live in Dickinson, Texas, and have recently lost a family member or friend? If this is the case, we deeply sympathize with you and your situation. Dealing with grief and healing after the death of a family member is difficult enough, but it can become even more stressful and emotionally draining if your loved one did not have a clear plan for how their estate should be divided and distributed after their death. It is likely that the estate will still have to go through the difficult and costly Texas probate process, even if they had taken certain preparations, like having a will.

You should always seek the advice of an experienced and reputable probate attorney when dealing with these legal matters. They can guide you through the process and help you avoid making mistakes that could cause the probate process to drag on longer than necessary or result in additional costs that could have a big impact on the estate. Michelle E. Murphy, our lead probate attorney in Dickinson, has more than 20 years of experience guiding clients through simple to complex probate matters. Contact our office today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn how we can efficiently resolve your probate matters so you can move forward with peace of mind.

Why Does Probate Happen In Texas?

If a person passes away without a clear or valid estate plan, probate is required to determine how their assets, money, and possessions will be transferred legally from their name to their heirs. The estate is likely to go through probate even if the deceased left a will, unless the estate is worth less than $50,000, in which case a simplified version may be used. When you consider taxes, court fees, and filing expenses, probate can be quite costly as well as a lengthy process, taking up to a year to complete.

However, it’s important to note that probate is not inherently negative and does not imply that the deceased did anything wrong. It is likely that they simply didn’t realize the benefits of having an estate plan for their family or perhaps ran out of time to create one. Generally, probate is used to fulfill the wishes outlined in the deceased’s will or to comply with Texas’ intestacy laws if there is no will.

How Can A Dickinson Probate Lawyer Assist You With The Probate Process?

If you have been appointed as the executor of a loved one’s estate or as the personal representative by a judge in the absence of a will, you have a number of responsibilities that you must carefully fulfill. These duties include:

1. Submitting the probate petition
2. Filing the will with the court in the county where the deceased resided
3. Obtaining sworn statements from witnesses of the will and submitting them to the county court
4. Issuing formal notice to creditors and beneficiaries mentioned in the will
5. Taking inventory of the assets left by the deceased and conducting an appraisal
6. Negotiating and settling debts with creditors
7. Filing a tax return and paying any necessary estate taxes
8. Compiling a final accounting of all financial transactions
9. Transferring assets to all rightful heirs and beneficiaries

Any errors or omissions can expose you to personal liability and result in lawsuits, additional fines, or a drawn-out probate process. To make sure you do not make any mistakes during this process, it is highly recommended that you seek assistance from an experienced Dickinson probate lawyer. Our attorney will guide you through each step of the process, explaining your options in clear language and addressing any questions or concerns you may have.

Trust The Law Office Of Michelle Murphy To Help You Resolve Probate Matters Quickly And Effectively 

While you are already coping with the emotional anguish of losing a loved one, spare yourself the burden of the probate process. Our experienced probate lawyer in Dickinson is available to provide valuable assistance, offering personalized solutions that are designed to meet your specific needs. We are committed to providing outstanding legal representation of the highest quality. Contact us right away to take advantage of our no-cost consultation and find out how we can help you through this trying time.