Let an experienced Houston probate attorney help guide
you through the process of what to do after losing a loved one.
What is Probate?
Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies. Probate is the legal process where a deceased person’s property is transferred to his or her beneficiaries. This is done whether the person dies with a Will, or dies without a Will (Intestate). The probate process helps beneficiaries get their inheritances.
If there was a Will, a probate attorney can get that will admitted to probate, get the executor appointed, and get letters testamentary that the executor will use to access property such a bank accounts.
If there is no Will, a probate attorney can help the heirs follow the statutory guidelines for the beneficiaries to inherit and get a beneficiary appointed the administrator.
How does the probate process work?
Whether or not an estate has to go through probate depends on the laws of the state. Some states, for instance, have simplified procedures to transfer property if the estate doesn’t have enough money or if the estate’s worth is under a certain amount.
For a general outline of the process, please see this article on the Find Law website – Probate Process and Timeline. Also here is an article from Heather’s Family Law Blog “Three reasons to draft a Last Will & Testament”
What can a Probate Attorney do for me?
A probate lawyer mainly gives legal advice regarding the estate administration. Some of the things Penning Law can help you with include:
- Transferring real estate and other assets to beneficiaries.
- Paying outstanding debts
- Collecting proceeds from life insurance policies.
- Resolving tax issues, including income tax, federal estate tax, and estate tax return issues.
- Preparing and filing legal documents as required by the probate court
Let an experienced Houston probate attorney help guide you through the process of what to do after losing a loved one.
Penning Law PLLC offers Divorce and Child Custody Legal Services in Harris, Montgomery, and Liberty Counties including the communities of; Humble, Atascocita, Kingwood, Porter, Conroe, Spring and Greater Houston area.
