Your Tyler TX
Probate Attorney
When a loved one dies, the profound sense of loss can be overwhelming. And if you’re the executor of your loved one’s estate, or if they didn’t have a will, things are even more complicated. Help is available through guidance and assistance from your Tyler, TX probate attorney.
experience matters
Your Probate Specialist
Work with a dedicated probate specialist who knows probate court rules, forms, procedures, court officials, and probate complications.
Take control
Peace of Mind
Losing someone creates enough stress. A trustworthy probate attorney shoulders legal responsibilities while keeping you in the loop.
time sensitive
Faster Resolution
People who try to handle things themselves experience a steep, frustrating learning curve. With a probate lawyer, you don’t have to learn by trial and error.
minimal disputes
Freedom from Liability
With a process that’s so complex, it’s easy to make errors. An experienced probate attorney gets things right the first time, and if they make a mistake, it’s on them.
Have a Question?
FAQ
We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about probate here. Plus, we’re available by phone Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. till noon if you’d like to schedule an appointment.
What is probate?
Probate is a legal process that happens after someone dies that involves:
- Proving a document really is their last testament and that it’s valid.
- Specifying what the deceased’s property includes.
- Appraising that property to obtain an accurate, current value.
- Paying any outstanding debts and taxes.
- Distributing what’s left according to the will or, if there’s no will, according to state law.
Typically probate includes a significant amount of legal paperwork and court appearances.
What happens during the probate process?
After someone dies, the person they designated as executor files documents with probate court. If there wasn’t a will or is no executor, a judge will appoint a person to that role.
The executor is responsible for proving a will’s validity and providing the court with a record of assets and liabities, along with the names of those who should inherit. The heirs and beneficiaries can hold the executor liable for their actions and decisions, and in some cases an executor may be formally supervised by the court.
Often the entire process of gathering assets, paying debts, taxes and other expenses and making distribution of what remains is referred to as “probating” an estate.
How long does probate take?
Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to that one. Probate happens in stages, and because there’s so much documentation required and details to be verified, there can be a lot of starts and stops along the way.
How long probate takes also depends on the size and complexity of the estate. Sometimes the process can take as little as six months, but just as often, it takes more than a year.
No one wants to spend years dealing with complex legal issues, but it happens, and the longer things drag out, the more it costs. Working with an experienced Tyler TX probate attorney helps you take the most efficient path.
How is Probate Court Involved?
Probate court is a specialized court that exists to address the fact most estates are more complicated than they initially appear. The court’s basic role is to make sure the deceased person’s debts are paid and that their assets are distributed in the manner they intended.
If there are disputes, the probate court judge has the final say. If there is no will, the court appoints a representative to do the work of determining how assets should be distributed and who should receive them. The court can also demand an executor or representative give an account of their actions on behalf of an estate.
simplify the process
Contact a Texas Probate Attorney
Take the guesswork and fear out of the process. Schedule an appointment to find out what to expect and learn about our straightforward pricing.
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*Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.