How to Handle Outstanding Debts During Probate
When a loved one passes away, the last thing most families want to think about is debt. Unfortunately, managing outstanding debts is an essential part of the probate process. Before any inheritance can be distributed, the estate’s debts must be settled during the probate process. If you're serving as an executor...
What to Do If an Heir Cannot Be Located During Probate
Probate is a process designed to make sure a person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes or, if there’s no will, under Texas law. But what happens when an heir cannot be found? Missing heirs can complicate probate and delay closing an estate. If you’re an executor or personal representative...
How Transfer-on-Death Deeds Affect Probate
When it comes to planning for the future, many people want to make things as easy as possible for their loved ones. One tool that can help simplify the process is a Transfer-on-Death (TOD) deed. In Texas, TOD deeds allow you to pass real estate directly to a beneficiary without going...
Can an Executor Be Removed? Understanding Your Rights and Options
Choosing an executor is an essential part of any estate plan. An executor has the duty to carry out the deceased person's wishes, manage the estate’s assets, and ensure that debts and taxes are appropriately handled. But what happens if the executor isn't doing their job — or worse, is causing...
How to Resolve Family Disputes During Probate
When a loved one passes away, emotions run high, and unfortunately, so can family tensions. Even the most close-knit families can find themselves divided during probate. Arguments about the will, confusion over who gets what, or suspicion about how things are being handled can quickly turn into long-term disputes.
Understanding Muniment of Title in Texas
When someone passes away in Texas, probate isn’t always as complicated—or as drawn-out—as people expect. In fact, there’s a unique legal shortcut that can make things much simpler: it’s called muniment of title.
If the estate is straightforward and there are no significant debts to settle, this process...
5 Common Mistakes Executors Make During Probate in Texas
When someone passes away and leaves behind a will, the person named as executor takes on a serious responsibility. Probate—the legal process of settling the deceased person’s estate—can be confusing, emotional, and time-consuming. Even with the best intentions, executors can make mistakes that cause unnecessary delays, increase costs, or lead to...
Unique Probate Laws in Texas: What You Need to Know
Probate works differently in every state, and Texas is no exception. In fact, Texas has several unique laws that can make the probate process faster, simpler, or—depending on the situation—a bit more complicated. Whether you’re planning or dealing with the loss of a loved one, understanding how probate works in Texas...
How Can a Proper Estate Plan Minimize Probate?
Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person’s estate, but it can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful for loved ones. Many families seek to minimize or avoid probate altogether to ensure a smoother and faster transfer of assets.
Without proper estate planning, your assets may be...
An Executor’s Guide to Navigating Probate in Texas
Serving as an executor of an estate in Texas is an important responsibility that requires careful attention to legal procedures. Executors are responsible for ensuring that the deceased’s final wishes are carried out while complying with Texas probate laws. The process can be complex, and without proper guidance, executors may face delays,...