Fort Bliss, TX Probate Lawyer
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, we are incredibly sorry that you are going through this difficult time. A death in the family often leaves everyone carrying their own burden that only heals with the passing of time. If you’re in a period of mourning, you shouldn’t have to deal with complicated legal matters associated with the estate of your relative, but if you’ve learned it must go through the probate process, that may well be your reality. Probate can drag on for months and rack up thousands in court fees, prolonging the distribution of inheritances to their heirs. Villegas Law Firm has helped countless clients resolve probate issues quickly and with minimized cost to the estate. Don’t let probate cause an extra layer of stress to what is already a challenging time in your life. Call our Fort Bliss probate lawyer to request your free consultation and learn more about how our firm can give you peace of mind.
What Is Probate And Why Is It Necessary?
Probate is a legal procedure that must take place following a person’s death in Texas. The purpose of probate is for a judge or court to verify the validity of the decedent’s will so that their last wishes can be granted. If there was no will in place, then the Texas laws of intestate succession will govern who is to inherit the estate. Overall, probate takes between 9-12 months to resolve an average case. There is always a chance, though, that complications could arise during that time which make it last longer.
When the probate process is first initiated, the judge handling the case will refer to the will and appoint the estate executor who was chosen by the decedent to carry out the many steps of the probate process. With no will, the judge must appoint an administrator themselves. These individuals are often referred to as the personal representatives of the estate, and they are responsible for the same tasks.
What Do I Need To Know If I’m The Personal Representative?
If you’ve been named the personal representative of your loved one’s estate, you may be surprised at the demanding tasks that you are now responsible for. You must:
- Formally notify creditors, heirs, and the public of the death and opening of the probate case
- Gather, inventory, and appraise your loved one’s assets
- Settle outstanding debts with creditors
- Respond to creditor claims
- File final tax returns
- Pay any applicable taxes, including those on the estate
- File a formal accounting
- Communicate with the courts
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- Submit a petition to close probate and the estate
- And more!
How Can An Attorney Help Me Through The Process?
Having an experienced attorney on your side through the many phases of probate can greatly reduce the stress and anxiety you may be feeling if you are the personal representative. Resolving probate requires a seemingly endless amount of paperwork and other responsibilities. Our Fort Bliss probate lawyer can assist you in all of the above tasks and advocate on your behalf if complications should arise, such as a missing will or a jilted family member who contests the will. These circumstances can make probate last much longer and drain funds from the estate as it drags on.
Trust Our Knowledgeable Fort Bliss Probate Lawyer To Guide You To A Successful Resolution!
Don’t suffer under the weight of a demanding legal process like probate. Our lead attorney, Jorge Villegas, can have a significant impact on how smoothly your probate case proceeds! In addition to being an attorney, he is a Certified Public Accountant, giving you an advantage when it comes to the financial side of your loved one’s estate. Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your options.