Probate

Experienced Guidance With Care

CORSICANA PROBATE ATTORNEYS

Guiding Clients Through The Probate Process in Texas

When a loved one passes away, few things are more important than ensuring their legacy is carried out exactly how they intended. Many people plan for their deaths and the protection of their beloved people and assets by solidifying their wishes in writing. As such, wills and trusts are the legal documents that help protect people’s assets and instruct who gets what and when.

For context, let’s review the general steps in the probate process:

  1. File for probate.
  2. The county clerk will make a notice that a probate application was filed in case anyone wants to contest the will.
  3. If no one contests the will, a judge will legally recognize your loved one’s death and either validate or invalidate it.
  4. Within 90 days after appointment, the executor or administrator of the estate must prepare an Inventory, Appraisement and List of Claims which catalogs all assets to the best of their knowledge. Exceptions apply, as this step in the process may vary on a case-by-case basis.
  5. A judge will notify the beneficiaries of your loved one’s estate if their will is valid
  6. Your loved one likely left behind unpaid debts such as medical bills and loans, therefore such debts must be paid by their estate. As such, the will’s executor will notify creditors in case they want to file claims against your loved one’s estate.
  7. Any contests to your loved one’s will must be resolved before the probate process ends. People have two years after probate is initiated to contest a will, therefore the executor may have to undergo the dispute process with the help of an attorney. If you are named the executor to your loved one’s will, it is in your best interests to retain the guidance of our Corsicana probate attorneys to best complete the process.
  8. After debts and contests are resolved, the assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries. As such, beneficiaries may have to wait 6 months or more to receive their inheritance.

Allow our Corsicana probate attorneys to do the heavy lifting and handle the probate process on your behalf. To learn more about how we can help, contact us at (903) 417-0889 to arrange a consultation!

What is Probate?

Probate is the process in which a court validates a will and oversees the distribution of the deceased person’s assets. The role of the court is to regulate the probate process to ensure all beneficiaries and creditors are accounted for and no stone is left unturned.

Typically, the Texas probate process can last 6 months to a year depending on whether the will is contested or difficult to find, among other reasons. Our Corsicana probate lawyers can help make the process as smooth as possible so you can best avoid dealing with the probate court longer than you need to.

It’s important to file for probate within four years of your loved one’s death or else the court may treat your case as if a will were never written. This process is called intestacy, which means a deceased person did not leave behind a will. As a result, their assets will be distributed to the closest descending relatives (children, spouse, parents, siblings, etc.). In other words, Texas intestacy laws will determine the administration of your loved one’s property if you fail to file for probate within four years.

Read More Read Less

Contact Us Today

At Keathley & Keathley Law Firm, we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Keathley & Keathley Law Firm at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Award-Winning Law Firm

  • Super Lawyers Steve
  • Super Lawyers Sarah
  • Super Lawyers 2024 - Steve
  • Super Lawyers 2024 - Sarah
  • Super Lawyers 5 years
  • Super Lawyers 2019
  • Credential Mediator
  • Texas Bar College