Probating a Will in Houston
Get Help with the Probate Process
Probate is the process of proving the validity of the decedent's will, paying off the estate's debts, and distributing the decedent's property as provided for in the will. A decedent's will and death certificate must be produced within four years of the decedent's death.
A self-proving will speeds up the probate process. A will is self-proving if you and your witnesses go to a notary and sign an affidavit that proves who you are and that each of you knew that you were signing a will. If the will is self-proving, the probate court can accept the will without contacting the witnesses.
An attorney can guide you through the pitfalls of probate in Houston. Contact estates and trusts attorney Vicki Whitlow Thomas for help with Houston probating.
Probating in Houston
Texas law allows for two types of estate administration: dependent administration and independent administration. Regardless of the type of administration, Vicki Whitlow Thomas is here to help you.
The dependent administration of an estate depends on the probate court's approval. The court appoints an administrator, who submits reports to the court and seeks approval from the court before taking any action.
As its name implies, independent administration is independent of the probate court. The probate court appoints an administrator, who submits a list of all assets and people who owe money to the estate.
Once the list is filed, administration of the estate continues without the probate court's approval. More than 80 percent of estates in Texas go through independent administration. Texas law allows a person to include a provision in his or her will for independent administration.
Dealing with the probate court can be overwhelming. Vicki Whitlow Thomas guides her clients through Houston probating. Contact her today for help.
