Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the chaos you can experience during the probate process. In Texas, the executor (also known as the personal representative) is responsible for handling your loved one’s estate. They have a fiduciary duty, the highest...
You do not always have to wait until probate officially ends to distribute estate assets. In Texas, an independent executor can make certain distributions during administration. However, the will, court orders and the type of property can affect what you can...
Serving as an executor includes more than gathering assets and paying debtsYou are also responsible for identifying and notifying all legal heirs. When an heir is missing or unknown, Texas law requires additional steps before probate can move forward. The difference...
Serving as an executor can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already coping with the loss of a loved one. Along with carrying out the instructions in a will, you may need to manage property, handle payments and communicate with several parties throughout...
Some people are very open about their finances. Their spouse, children and close friends may all know about their major financial obligations. Many people treat financial matters as personal and private. They may not even necessarily disclose all of their routine...
Executors, also known as estate administrators or personal representatives, spend months managing estates. Depending on the circumstances, the process can take a year or longer to complete. In some cases, beneficiaries or heirs who expect to receive property from the...
Probate is a court-controlled process, which means it doesn’t operate on a flexible or customized timeline. Hearings are scheduled based on availability, filings are processed in sequence and court backlogs can affect even straightforward cases. Some level of delay is...
As an estate executor, you’re the person responsible for making sure a loved one’s final wishes are honored. Your duties include tracking down assets, notifying creditors, filing court documents and keeping beneficiaries informed throughout the process. It’s real...
Losing a family member can bring urgent questions at a hard time. One of the first concerns often involves understanding what happens to that person’s property after death. If you are sorting through a loved one’s estate, it helps to know which items must go through...
When you serve as executor of an estate in Houston, Texas that includes a home or land, you may face pressure to sell quickly. Creditors want payment. Beneficiaries need their inheritance. Property taxes keep adding up. However, selling real estate during probate...