Dallas-Fort Worth Probate Lawyers
Comprehensive Probate Support for Executors & Beneficiaries
Have you been named the Executor of a will? If so, the assistance of a qualified estate planning attorney will allow you to carry out your duties in a simplified and streamlined manner. Turn to Crain & Wooley to work with our Dallas-Forth Worth probate lawyers to ensure probate is seen through properly and efficiently.
For a free consultation, please call (972) 945-1610 or use our convenient online scheduler to select an appointment time with a probate attorney in Dallas-Fort Worth.
What to Expect
At Crain & Wooley, we understand that probate can be a complex and emotional journey, especially after the passing of a loved one. When you hire us to assist with probate matters, you'll pay a retainer fee upfront, which allows us to begin working on your behalf. This retainer secures the time and resources needed for your case, with charges billed hourly as we navigate the legal processes involved in administering an estate. For more details on our pricing and the breakdown of hourly costs, please visit our Hourly Service Pricing page.
How Does Probate Work?
Probate is the legal process that is necessary to recognize a person’s death and administer their estate. Many people believe that court is reserved solely for disputes – and that is where misunderstanding regarding probate can begin. It is imperative to understand that not every probate involves a dispute or contest. Sometimes the probate process concludes without any disagreement. Disagreement or not, probate guides how assets will pass from a deceased person to their beneficiaries.
There are 8 general steps included in the probate process:
- Filing an application for probate in the county where the decedent lived
- Posting notice of probate at the courthouse
- Validating the will before a judge
- Completing an inventory of all assets
- Identifying beneficiaries of the estate
- Notifying the decedent’s creditors
- Resolving legal disputes
- Distributing the assets
The probate process is either expedited or hindered by the type of will administration outlined in the decedent’s last will and testament.
Types Of Probate In Texas
There are two basic types of will administration in the state of Texas::
- Dependent Administration
- Independent Administration
If a will does not contain specific language outlining the type of estate administration the author desired along with the number of required witnesses and more, then Texas law requires the probate court to provide strict oversight and approve each step of the estate administration process.
Probate Alternatives: Muniment of Title in Texas
A Muniment of Title is a simpler type of probate in which an executor need not be appointed to administer the estate. This means that no person has the legal authority to act on behalf of the state.
A will may be probated as a Muniment of Title if the deceased has::
- A valid will
- No debts at the time of their death (exception: a mortgage on their home)
Muniment of Title can be an efficient and affordable method of settling an estate, but it isn’t always the better option. This method of probate is not recommended if there are significant assets in the estate, beneficiaries of the estate are hostile toward one another, there are out-of-state assets, or the estate has significant debts.
Choosing the Right Type Of Probate Administration for Your Needs
Our compassionate legal team understands that probate can be confusing if you lack a background in this area of law. If you have questions about which type of probate administration is appropriate for your situation, please click here to take our Probate Quiz. After answering a few simple questions, our probate lawyers in Dallas-Fort Worth can determine which process is right for you. Get in touch with Crain & Wooley today to discuss your probate concerns.
Why Choose Crain & Wooley for Probate Representation?
Most probate courts in Texas usually require an executor to be represented by an attorney in a probate matter. This is usually required because an executor not only represents himself but also the interests of beneficiaries and creditors. Under Texas law, only a licensed attorney can represent the interests of others, which means preparing and filing pleadings in a probate matter without the assistance of counsel would constitute the unauthorized practice of law. While courts allow limited exceptions to this rule, the result is that executors in Texas almost always have to hire an attorney to help them navigate the probate process. For experienced guidance, reach out to a probate attorney in Fort Worth at Crain & Wooley -- we are ready to help you and answer any of your questions.
Speak with an experienced Probate Attorney in Fort Worth by completing an online form or calling (972) 945-1610. Crain & Wooley is ready to guide you.
How Much Does An Estate Have To Be Worth To Go To Probate In Texas?
In Texas, the total value of the deceased's assets sets the threshold for probate proceedings. Typically, an estate valued at $75,000 or more is required to undergo full probate. However, there are instances where smaller estates may also need to go through probate. Consulting a Dallas-Fort Worth probate attorney at Crain & Wooley can help you understand the specific details of your case.
For estates valued under $75,000, Texas law offers a streamlined probate option through a Small Estate Affidavit. This process can greatly diminish the expense and duration of probate proceedings. Nevertheless, eligibility requires that all assets comply with certain conditions, including the absence of outstanding debts aside from secured liens on exempt property.
Additionally, some assets can entirely bypass probate, including those held in a trust, jointly owned properties, or accounts with designated beneficiaries. A skilled Dallas-Fort Worth probate lawyer can provide valuable guidance on the optimal strategy for managing the estate and help identify which assets are subject to probate.
Ensuring a Smooth Probate Experience in Dallas-Fort Worth
Probate can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially during an already difficult time for families and individuals. At Crain & Wooley, our experienced probate attorneys in Plano, TX are here to provide you with strategic and effective legal guidance to ensure a smooth probate process.
When you work with our team, you can expect:
- Comprehensive knowledge of probate laws and regulations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
- Personalized attention and support throughout the entire probate process
- Expertise in handling various types of probate administration, including muniment of title
- Timely and efficient handling of all necessary paperwork and court filings
- Protection of your assets and interests during probate
By entrusting your probate needs to our skilled attorneys, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one's estate will be handled with care and diligence. Schedule a free consultation with a probate attorney at Crain & Wooley to discuss your specific situation and learn how we can assist you.
Free Consultation: Speak With a Dallas-Fort Worth Probate Attorney
The probate process contains many variables, which is why you need experienced legal professionals like those at Crain & Wooley to guide you through each phase of the legal process. We know that a top priority when looking for an attorney is to spend money wisely. We also know there are firms that don’t offer the choice of a free consultation to potential clients. That’s why we want to make it clear upfront that you can spend absolutely nothing except a few minutes of your time in order to get a professional consultation. You’ll get good insight into how we can help before any financial obligation whatsoever.
If you have been named as an executor of a will or administrator of an estate, get professional probate assistance right away. The legal responsibilities and liability that come with these roles can be overwhelming, but with our advice and extensive resources, you can feel confident your best interests are represented.
Please contact us at (972) 945-1610 or fill out our convenient scheduler to set up a free consultation with a probate attorney in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Satisfied Clients Tell Their Stories
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"Thank you and God Bless you"
Thank you for being my Living Trust and other Estate documents attorney. Due to our move and storage of business and personal documents, we had trouble locating & we took a lot longer to respond to your drafts, etc. You were very patient with me and my needing lots of explaining of legal terms and meanings. At my age, I was concerned about getting things done but wanting it all done right. You were very prompt in responding to my questions and I think by time of signing I felt confident we had things just the way we wanted to protect my heirs. Thank you and God Bless you.
- Donna V. -
"Very much appreciated"
I am very much appreciated your service If anyone like me needed your service I will introduce about you. Everything you did with in a week. Very much satisfied all your service.- Sarah P. -
"Smooth and easy"
Learning about trusts at the meal was easy and educational. The set down at the office was where the finer points of trusts was explained. That is where and when we decided to make it safe and easy for our heirs. Our final meeting where we signed everything and an explanation of each item was given went smooth and easy. All in all I would say the investment in the trust was worth it.
Thank you to Crain & Wooley office and staff- Anonymous -
"Professional and knowledgeable"
My husband and I recently had our living trust completed through the help of Crain and Wooley. Justin and his staffs are professional and knowledgeable. A special thanks to client education specialist Stephen. He is such a nice gentleman and always answers our questions clearly and right to the point, and always ready to help by answering your concerns promptly. We will certainly refer the law firm to our families and friends!
- Susan X. -
"Excellent, Highly recommend"
We went to seminar to just find out what we needed to do for a will, They gave us all the info we needed right then there. Offered a really good price if we signed up to get one that day. A few weeks later after our appointment we have a Living trust. They were helpful with all our questions and were very thorough with these explaining the whole process. They stuck with the price that we paid + let us call anytime if we had any questions. Excellent, Highly recommend this company.
- Linda B. -
"So good to finally have a plan"
After worrying about our lack of estate planning for years, it feels so good to finally have a plan in place. Thank you for making the process relativity painless and offering the educational support we needed.
- Leslie W. -
"5 Stars"
Me and my appreciate Mr. Crosby we think that he was very professional in doing his job and we give him 5 stars when it come to him doing his Job.- James A. -
"Overall experience was seamless"
We recently had the opportunity to attend a workshop hosted by Crain & Wooley regarding wills and estate planning. Based on the information provided we decided to proceed with our estate planning with Justin and his team. The overall experience was seamless and the process was clearly communicated. We had our homework and once that was completed, several iterations later we had our final walk-through and signed estate plan. We would recommend Justin to our family and friends.
- Earl B.
Designed for Your Comfort & Convenience
Estate Planning With Us Means:
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Flat-Rate Pricing*Finally, you won’t need a lawyer to understand your legal fees. We clearly communicate our pricing structure upfront, so you can feel comfortable with our service from start to finish. No surprises, no hidden fees. *Our flat rate fees apply only to proactive planning services.
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Optional Lifetime GuaranteeWith our optional lifetime guarantee, your will and trust will be automatically updated over the years to ensure it stays current with best practices, reflects your current wishes and minimizes future confusion for your family.
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Knowledgeable ServiceLaws change all the time. We stay up to date with all the latest information so that you’re covered. No one else in the region is as dedicated or educated in this area of law. We’re the experts so you don’t have to be.
