Probate Attorneys in Bedford, TX

Serving Clients in Tarrant County, Dallas County, & Denton County

The death of a loved one is a difficult time for any family, but the legal process of transferring property and assets after a loved one has passed away can add an additional element of stress to an already emotional time. In Texas, the law requires that you be represented by an attorney throughout the entire probate process. Whether your deceased loved one has a will or has passed away without a will, the attorneys at Holland McGill Law will help you probate your loved one's estate.

Holland McGill Law can help you determine which type of probate proceeding is best for you and your family. Contact us online or call (817) 934-5922 today.

Probate Assets & Non-Probate Assets

A decedent's estate is often comprised of probate assets and non-probate assets. Non-probate assets are those assets that have a designated beneficiary. For example, a retirement account is a non-probate asset that does not require a court order to transfer the account to the beneficiary. Usually, the retirement plan manager only requires a death certificate. Other types of non-probate assets are life insurance policies, payable on death accounts, and right of survivorship accounts.

Probate assets are those assets that require a court order to be legally transferred to the heir or beneficiary. The most common probate asset is real property. Also, some bank accounts that are not set up as payable on death require a court order to transfer. Often times, a person will know that a loved one's estate needs to be probated when a financial institution states that "Letters Testamentary" are required to access and transfer the account.

Letters Testamentary

Probating a will with a request for Letters Testamentary is the most common form of probate when a deceased person has a will. A will must be probated within four years of the person's death. Typically, the Independent Executor named in the will hires the lawyer and makes the application to the Court to probate the will. The Independent Executor oversees the enforcement of the will provisions and ultimately distributes the property to the beneficiaries. The Independent Executor can resolve all issues, provided that he or she keeps within the bounds of both Texas law and the will. The Independent Executor is also responsible for settling debts prior to distributing property to the beneficiaries and is responsible for safeguarding assets until they can be transferred.

Our attorneys can guide the independent executor through each step of the process.

Muniment of Title

An application to probate a will as a muniment of title is for estates where there are no unpaid debts except for debts secured by liens on real estate. This type of probate is less expensive and has fewer requirements than a request for Letters Testamentary. A muniment of title proceeding is very similar to a request for letters testamentary, but at the hearing the Court finds that no administration of the estate is necessary. The order admitting the will to probate as a muniment of title and a certified copy of the will may be filed in the deed records to transfer title in real property. The order may also be presented to financial institutions to transfer accounts to the beneficiary of the will. No other notices or documents are required to be filed with the court.

Determination of Heirship

Often a person dies without a will. In these cases, the appropriate proceeding to transfer property is an application to determine heirship. A spouse, a child, or any potential heir of a decedent may file an application to determine heirship. This type of application is much more detailed than applications to probate wills. Additionally, in an heirship proceeding, an attorney ad litem is required. The attorney ad litem must be a neutral party who is tasked with finding the unknown heirs. Property in a determination of heirship passes according to the law of descent and distribution in the Texas Estates Code.

Protect Your Assets with Estate Planning

While probate is necessary for certain assets, proper estate planning can help you avoid the probate process altogether. Our experienced attorneys at Holland McGill Law, PLLC can help you create a comprehensive estate plan to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are carried out after your passing.

Our estate planning services include:

• Creating wills and trusts
• Establishing powers of attorney
• Designating beneficiaries
• Minimizing estate taxes
• Planning for incapacity

By proactively planning your estate, you can provide for your loved ones, minimize disputes, and streamline the distribution of your assets. today to schedule a consultation and start planning for the future.

Holland McGill Law can help you determine which type of probate proceeding is best for you and your family. Contact us online or call (817) 934-5922 today.