What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of administering someone’s estate after their death. In other words, the court process by which assets of someone who has passed away get distributed to their beneficiaries. The process can range from simple to complex depending on the estate plan that the individual had, if any. The process can be completed with or without a will. If someone dies without a will their estate will still need to go through probate with assets passing through a pre determined process determined by Texas Law, this is called intestacy. If someone dies with a will their will is filed with the court, beginning the probate process.
Does everything I own have to pass to my loved one’s through probate?
There are assets that typically pass outside of probate without the need to go through the court system. Typically these are things like IRAs and life insurance. If beneficiaries are not designated properly to avoid probate, these accounts could end up going through the probate system as well.
Is probate expensive?
Costs associated with probate can range with the complexity of the estate. Proper estate planning before death can prevent probate or facilitate a easier and cheaper route of probate through the court system.
I was named executor of a loved one’s estate. What do I do?
If you are named executor of an estate for a loved one who has passed, professional guidance through this process is invaluable. We are here to help you through that process.