A Tradition Of Excellence In Estate Planning, Wills And Trusts, Estate Administration And Guardianship Law Since 1975.

A Firm Providing Skilled Guidance In Texas Estate Administration Proceedings

Being named executor of someone’s estate is an honor, but it is also a big responsibility. It will be your job to oversee the administration of the estate. This often includes probate, but that’s just one aspect of a larger set of duties.

It is natural to feel overwhelmed in this new role. The reassuring news, however, is that you don’t need to handle things on your own. Instead, contact our highly experienced team at Doehring & Doehring Attorneys at Law. Our knowledgeable lawyers have decades of combined experience in all aspects of estate law and litigation, and our firm has become a trusted resource for clients in west Houston and surrounding areas of Texas.

Understanding Your Duties As Executor

As executor, your role is to ensure that the deceased’s estate is managed and distributed according to their wishes (as expressed in their estate planning documents) and in compliance with Texas law. Specific duties will vary based on whether the decedent had a will/estate plan in place and what it contained. However, the typical duties of an executor include:

Presenting the will and starting probate: You must file the will with the local probate court to begin the legal process. This step validates the will and allows you to act on behalf of the estate.

Asset management and inventory: You are responsible for identifying and listing all assets, such as property, bank accounts, and personal belongings. This inventory helps determine the estate’s value.

Notifying interested parties and meeting financial obligations: It’s your duty to inform all beneficiaries named in the will and any known creditors of the estate. You may also need to post a public notice so that any other creditors have the opportunity to make a claim.

You will oversee the settling of estate debts, filing a final tax return and paying any owed taxes. Settling debts and paying taxes might require selling some estate assets.

Distributing remaining assets: Finally, you will distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries as directed by the will, ensuring each party receives their rightful share.

Not all assets will need to pass through probate, and not all estates will be subject to probate. You can learn more by visiting our probate process page.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

In many cases, the executor of a Texas estate going through probate is legally required to consult an attorney. However, even when it isn’t required, hiring a lawyer is nearly always a wise idea when taking on such a complex and important set of obligations.

Our firm offers comprehensive representation in all aspects of estate law, and our attorneys are ideally positioned to help you resolve any and all matters related to the estate. This includes guidance in probate, answering your questions and helping you fulfill your duties as executor. They are also prepared to represent you, as plaintiff or defendant, in any litigated disputes with heirs, creditors or others with an interest in the estate.

Discuss Your Legal Needs In A Free Consultation

To learn more about how our attorneys can guide you through the Texas estate administration process, contact our Houston office to request a complimentary consultation. Just call 866-456-2361 or submit an online contact form.