Dallas, TX Probate Lawyer

If you have recently lost someone in your family, let us before we say anything else say how very sorry we are for your loss. Death can be so hard, no matter what the circumstances were. It is hard emotionally; it is hard financially; it can also be hard legally, especially if your loved one didn’t have an estate plan in place. In the state of Texas, when someone passes away, their estate – everything they owned – may have to go through a court process known as probate. Probate can be confusing, and it can also be tedious. Our compassionate Dallas probate lawyer, Jorge Villegas, will guide you every step of the way to the best resolution. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

What Is Probate?

Probate is a process that officially transfers a deceased person’s assets to their beneficiaries (heirs) according to either the terms of their legal will, if they had one, or according to Texas’s “intestate” laws (that go into effect if there is no will). Probate is much more straightforward if there is a will in place, but wills still have to go through the proceedings.

The first step after someone passes away is to submit the will (provided one exists) and death certificate to the probate court. After this, an estate executor will be appointed by the court. If there was no will, someone will still be appointed to oversee probate, but they will likely be referred to as a personal representative – both have the same duties. They are responsible for carrying out the following:

• Formally notifying creditors, heirs, and the public of the death and of the opening of the probate case
• Gathering, inventorying, and appraising the decedent’s assets
• Settling outstanding debts with creditors
• Responding to creditor claims
• Filing final tax returns
• Paying any applicable taxes, including those on the estate
• Filing a formal accounting
• Communicating with the courts
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries
• Submitting a petition to close the estate
• And more.

Why Should You Work With Our Dallas Probate Lawyer?

Probate is notorious for being time-consuming, expensive, and stressful. There is a ton of paperwork involved. It can take anywhere from six months to a year or more to complete. There are numerous problems that can arise along the way that you as an estate executor or personal representative would have to deal with, such as family conflict or creditor lawsuits. Basically, it just isn’t what you want to have to go through when you’re mourning; you deserve to mourn in peace, and you shouldn’t face probate alone.

Our Dallas probate lawyer can take care of probate on your behalf and keep you from making unintentional mistakes that could prolong the process or incur additional fees. He will ensure that your loved one’s legacy is respected, that their wishes are honored, and that their hard-earned assets go to the right people without being depleted!

How Our Law Firm Can Make A Difficult Time Easier

Let us handle everything for you so you can focus on moving forward with your life after loss. We will explain your options, including ways that you may potentially be able to take a “probate shortcut” (undergo a simplified version of probate). We will answer all of your questions and give you advice that can make a difference in how smooth your probate journey is! Because our lead attorney is also a Certified Public Accountant who has over 15 years of experience, we can offer a unique perspective (particularly when it comes to the financial side of probate). Call Villegas Law Firm today for a free consultation where you can discuss your next steps.