Canutillo, TX Probate Lawyer
If you are currently in the midst of grieving the loss of a loved one, we are very sorry for the difficult time you’re going through. Everyone processes death differently and heals in their own time. However, if you’ve been thrown into legal issues having to do with your loved one’s estate, you may not have the option of mourning in peace like you deserve. Matters concerning probate are especially complex, and trying to sort through them alone can be draining on your emotions, time, and finances. At Villegas Law Firm, we’ve helped countless clients resolve probate matters concerning their relative’s estate quickly and effectively. Our lead attorney, Jorge Villegas, will work with you on a one-on-one basis to ensure the tax consequences are minimized and that all assets and property are distributed to their rightful heirs. Call our Canutillo probate lawyer today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can simplify the probate process for you and your family.
What Exactly Is Probate?
Probate is a legal process in which a court supervises the distribution of a deceased individual’s assets and property. The reason probate is necessary is to ensure that those assets and property go to the people they specified in their will. If there was no will, then everything will be distributed according to the Texas laws of intestate succession.
In most cases, probate will not occur if the decedent’s assets belonged to a trust, if they owned property in joint tenancy, or if they had transfer-on-death beneficiary designations on their accounts. The estate may also go through a more simplified version of probate if the value is below a certain amount. Therefore, probate does not occur in the event of every person’s death. Our Canutillo probate lawyer is seasoned in probate matters of varying levels of complexity, and can provide clarity if you’re unsure of whether your loved one’s estate should be required to go through probate.
What Makes Probate So Problematic?
Probate isn’t necessarily a “bad” thing; there is just a long list of things to do, and unfortunately, those tasks fall to you if you’re named the executor or representative of the estate. You must:
- Submit the will (if there was one) and death certificate to the court
- Submit a petition to the court to open probate
- Submit formal notices to the public, creditors, and beneficiaries
- Collect, and be responsible for all assets until probate is closed
- Complete an inventory and appraisal of the assets
- Settle creditor claims and unpaid debts
- File final tax returns and pay required taxes
- Communicate with the court on a regular basis
- Meet the deadlines set by the court and pay court fees
- Submit a petition to close probate
- And more!
All of this is extremely time consuming, especially when you’re sorting through the emotions of a recent loss and taking care of your ordinary, day-to-day responsibilities. Working with our Canutillo probate lawyer can significantly lighten the load that these duties place on your shoulders.
How Can A Canutillo Probate Lawyer Make A Difference In My Experience?
There are several circumstances that could act as a road-block to the resolution of probate and force the case to last longer than it should. Things like will contests or creditor claims could bring a lawsuit to your doorstep, which is the last thing anyone wants. Having an attorney on your side from the beginning guarantees that matters will be handled correctly and in compliance with Texas state laws. You will be protected from incurring liability and from other potential risks that could have severe legal repercussions.
Call Villegas Law Firm Today For A Helping Hand
We’ve been helping Texans resolve probate matters for over 15 years, and will go the extra mile to do the same for you. Our lead attorney is also a Certified Public Accountant, so you will have a particular advantage when it comes to the financial aspects of probate. Call today to schedule your free consultation and get peace of mind!