Houston, Texas, Probate Administration and Will Contest Attorney
"The family is one of nature's masterpieces."
— George Santayana
Losing a family member or other loved one is never easy. If you have been named the executor of an estate, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take. An experienced attorney can guide you through your legal responsibilities while offering you the time you need to grieve.
As an estate and probate administration lawyer, I help clients in the greater Houston, Texas area who have been asked to oversee the distribution of a departed loved one's assets. As a sole practitioner, I am able to devote the time and attention necessary to accurately complete the process in the timeliest manner possible.
Contact me by e-mail or at 713-568-5881 for sound legal advice.
Understanding Probate Administration
Unless very specific estate planning was done in advance, your loved one's estate will be subject to a court process called probate. The purpose of probate is to validate the will and finalize the estate. Creditors must be paid. Title issues surrounding property need to be cleared. Assets have to be distributed to beneficiaries.
If your loved one passed away without having a will in place, his or her estate is still subject to the probate process. After all creditors and taxes have been paid, the probate court will determine the distribution of assets to beneficiaries using a statutory formula.
As the appointed executor or administrator, you will have legal duties involving accounting, court filings and tax returns as you oversee your loved one's final wishes. I am prepared to guide you through this process and ensure that your duties are performed correctly. I can work with your accountants and financial advisors. I can also help you eliminate any red tape that may make your role more challenging.
Disputes Over Wills and Trusts
On occasion, a beneficiary of a will or trust may not agree with the terms of disbursement or with the way the executor or trustee is performing. In such cases it is possible to contest the will or trust or to dispute the trustee or administrator's choices. I represent parties in will contests, trust disputes and other probate litigation.
Contact Me
My office is located near 290 and Loop 610, or we can meet at a location convenient to you. Contact me by e-mail or at 713-568-5881 for more information or to schedule an appointment. I offer flexible appointment scheduling.