At Hubbard and Rotthier, we are highly experienced in representing families with unique needs. He also offers skilled legal counsel for those whose estate plans involve the protection of children with disabilities or other special needs. We can answer all of your questions and guide you through the entire process.
Our firm can guide families through the probate process during what is always a difficult time. We can help you determine whether probate is necessary, and if so, in selecting the most appropriate and cost-effective probate procedure. If you are in need of wise and compassionate counsel, we encourage you to give us a call. We probate estates in Harris and surrounding counties.
Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person by resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person’s property under a will, or if no will exists, under state law. A probate court decides the validity of a testator’s will; appoints an executor or administrator of the estate when administration is required; and adjudicates the interests of heirs and other parties who may have claims against the estate. It may sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
There are several methods of probating an estate, including:
- Letters Testamentary when there is a will and independent administration of the estate is requested;
- Letters of Administration when there is no will and independent administration of the estate is requested;
- Dependent Administration when administration is necessary but court approval is required before the personal representative can act;
- Muniment of Title when there is a Will and no need for administration of the estate;
- Small Estate Affidavit when there is no Will and no need for administration of the estate; and
- Heirship Determination Without Administration when there is no will and no need for administration of the estate
In some cases, probate may be avoided by using one or more of the following:
- Affidavit of Heirship
- Family Settlement Agreement
- Living Trust
- Pay on Death or Right of Survivorship Designations
It’s important that you understand the probate process and the options available to you. A free initial consultation will go a long way towards giving you the direction and peace-of-mind you needed.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
Contact Hubbard and Rotthier, Attorneys at Law for a confidential consultation to assist you with your legal needs. Licensed to practice in all courts in the State of Texas.
