Navigating the complexities of probate proceedings in Texas can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the aftermath of losing a loved one. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this process alone. 

When you are tasked with administering a loved one’s estate, having the best legal representation can be invaluable to your case moving forward. At Robbins Estate Law, we want to be that legal representation. Keep reading to learn more about finding the right probate lawyer in Houston for your case and see how our team can help you move forward today. 

Why Hire a Houston Probate Lawyer with Robbins Estate Law

When hiring a Houston probate lawyer for your case, you don’t want to select just any law firm. But with so many attorneys in the greater Houston area to choose from, it can feel difficult knowing where to begin. 

As you start to narrow down your options, here are a few reasons that we think Robbins Estate Law stands above the rest: 

  • Compared to other general practice firms in the area, we focus our practice exclusively on estate law, meaning that we have the background and experience necessary to help you excel in your probate proceedings moving forward; 
  • In addition to our estate administration and probate practice, we also provide estate planning services to help you plan for your future; 
  • We pride ourselves on providing flat fee prices upfront with no hidden fees so you know what you can expect to pay moving forward; 
  • Our firm has earned the trust of our many past clients, with 5-star ratings on Google, Yelp, and Avvo to back us up; and 
  • We are proud to offer free consultations to potential clients so you can get answers to your initial probate-related questions before deciding whether you want to move forward with our team. 

If you’re still on the fence, please browse our website and continue reading below to learn more about probate in Houston, TX, and how Robbins Estate Law can help. We’ll be ready to assist when you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail. 

How a Probate Attorney in Houston Can Help with Your Case 

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased individual’s (decedent) estate is administered and distributed to their heirs and beneficiaries. The process typically involves proving the validity of the decedent’s will, identifying and inventorying their property, paying off any debts, and distributing the remaining assets to the appropriate parties under the terms of the decedent’s will or, where applicable, state law. 

Probate in Texas can be a long and complicated legal process, especially if you’ve never gone through it before or are unfamiliar with the rules and procedures. This is where an attorney can come into play. 

An experienced Houston probate attorney can provide valuable assistance in several ways, such as: 

  • Providing general guidance on the process and counsel regarding your rights and responsibilities as an executor or other interested party;
  • Preparing and filing various legal documents necessary to initiate the proceedings or keep them moving along efficiently; 
  • Addressing potential conflicts that may arise among heirs or beneficiaries through negotiation, mediation, or other alternative dispute resolution methods; 
  • Gathering information about the decedent’s estate, including their assets, debts, taxes, and other necessary details; 
  • Working with accounting, investment, and other professionals for assistance in valuing the decedent’s estate; and 
  • Representing your interests in court and presenting arguments on your behalf in hearings and other appearances throughout the process. 

Having an attorney beside you can provide you with legal backing and greater peace of mind as you traverse the probate process. 

Robbins Estate Law: Your Trusted Probate Attorney in Houston, TX

When navigating the Texas probate process, you must be able to put your case in the hands of someone you can trust. At Robbins Estate Law, we are confident that we have the tools, resources, and experience in this area of law to help you get through this process as effectively and efficiently as possible. 

Founded in 2017, our firm has been on a mission to build a team of the best probate and estate experts in the industry. 

Contact Us

Contact us today to discuss your case with a team member and see how we can help you move forward.    

FAQs

Do I Need a Houston Probate Attorney for My Case? 

Technically, no. You do not need to hire a Houston probate attorney to proceed with estate administration proceedings in Texas. Nevertheless, having an attorney with an in-depth understanding of Texas probate laws and procedures can be beneficial, especially in more complex cases. Additionally, a local attorney who regularly practices in Houston, specifically, and has experience appearing before local courts in probate matters can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you understand and comply with the nuances of local rules, filing requirements, and court practices. 

How Long Do I Have to Probate a Will? 

Under Texas Estates Code section 256.003, the period for admitting a will to probate is four years. In other words, an individual typically has only four years from the testator’s death to admit their will to probate. Thus, it is essential to be prompt and initiate the process timely. Notably, limited exceptions may exist in certain situations that could extend those four years. If you have questions about whether any exceptions apply in your case, speak with a Houston probate lawyer to discuss your options. 

Will I Have to Go Through the Probate Process?

Not all estates will have to go through probate in Texas. For example, certain types of assets, such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, property held in joint tenancy, and payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts, may pass outside of probate. Additionally, if the decedent has assets held in a validly executed trust, you may be able to avoid probate proceedings entirely. An experienced probate lawyer in Houston can help you determine whether and to what extent you must administer the decedent’s estate through probate proceedings.