Anything a deceased person owns and has no way to pass on are probate assets. Probate assets don't have any living beneficiary without the court-supervised probate process. The law transfers life insurance, bank accounts, some retirement accounts and some forms of...
Understanding the steps to open a probate estate can be helpful
If you're opening a probate estate in Texas, it's easier to go through the process when you understand the steps required to get it completed. Arming yourself with this information is the best way to be prepared. Locating the will and creating a list of beneficiaries...
What you need to know about probate in Texas
There is never a good time for a loved one to pass away. But understanding the basics can help give you the confidence and clarity to push through this challenging process so you'll be free to tend to yourself and your loved ones. What is probate? Probate is a formal...
Use an informal probate process as a less expensive alternative
If you are going through the judicial process of proving a will in a court of law in Texas, you may want to utilize an informal method. Going this route may be less expensive and expedite the closing of the estate you're handling. Knowing the steps to take for an...
When ancillary probate is right for you
Your assets need to be disbursed, used for taxes or debt when you die. Making sure that your beneficiaries receive their assets, however, might be difficult if those assets are in multiple jurisdictions. Probate in Texas may call for different states to coordinate in...
How to challenge a codicil to a will
When Texas residents want to change part of their will but do not want to rewrite the entire document, they can add a codicil to their will. A codicil is essentially an amendment that changes parts of the will. During the probate process, a codicil to a will can be...