Common Probate Issues in Houston and How an Attorney Can Resolve Them

Probate is the legal procedure that is used to administer a person’s estate. This includes confirming the will of the deceased, paying off the debts and disbursing estate assets to the beneficiaries. In Houston and in other regions of Texas Probate can be extremely complicated and challenging. This article examines some of the probate problems that are commonly faced by Houston residents, and explains how a probate attorney in Houston could benefit to resolve these issues. 

Contested Wills

One of the most frequently-asked probate concerns among the probate issues that are most prevalent in Houston is contesting wills. It happens when someone contests the legitimacy of a will, usually saying that the person who died did not have a clear thought when they made it or they were affected by a third party.

An attorney for probate located in Houston will benefit to settle disputes over wills through:

• The gathering of evidence needed to prove or challenge the validity of the will
• Inquiring witnesses, and obtaining sworn declarations
• In court, representing clients
• Negotiating settlements between disputing parties

With their experience in Texas probate laws, an attorney could benefit warrant it is that the true intentions of the deceased are respected and the estate is divided fairly.

Disputes Among Beneficiaries

While a will is not challenged, disputes may arise between beneficiaries over how assets are distributed. The reason for these disputes could be lack of clarity within the will, a perceived injustice in the allocation of assets, or even family conflicts.

An experienced probate attorney may help with:

• The interpretation of complex legal terms in trusts and wills
• Mediating disputes between beneficiaries
• Fair solutions to problems that are in line with the wishes of the deceased.
• representing clients in court should the need for litigation arise.

In the event of involving a probate lawyer earlier in the process numerous disputes between beneficiaries can be settled without delay, which can save time, money and tension for the parties concerned.

Handling Claims from Creditors Claims

In the event of a death, their estate takes over responsibility to settle any outstanding dues. In Houston the creditors are given only a short time frame to bring lawsuits against the estate however, navigating through these claims could be a challenge for executors.

An attorney for probate located in Houston will benefit with:

• Validating and reviewing creditor claims
• In negotiations with creditors, negotiating to lower or eliminate debt
• Ensure that debts legitimately owed are paid in a timely in the proper
• The estate is protected from fraud or claimants with time-barred expiry dates

With skillful legal counsel executors will be able to assure that all obligations are paid while keeping the most of the estate as is possible for the beneficiaries.

Navigating Complex Estate Tax Issues

If estates are larger the tax consequences could be substantial and complicated. Houston residents could have confronted federal estate taxes, as well as inheritance taxes for beneficiaries of other states.

An attorney from the probate court can aid on tax-related matters by:

• Estimating the estate’s tax burden
• Recognizing and implementing relevant tax deductions and exemptions
• Making and filing tax returns
• Strategies to reduce the taxes on estates as well as the beneficiaries

Working with an experienced executor, they can assure the compliance of all taxes while increasing the value of a will for the beneficiaries.

Handling Property Sales and Transfers

There are many estates that contain real estate that must be either sold or transferred to the beneficiaries. With Houston’s booming market for real estate the process is difficult.

Probate attorneys may benefit through:

• The court must approve home sales when required
• Reviewing and drafting the sales contract
• Ensure proper transfer of property titles to the beneficiaries
• In the event of a lien or encumbrance, it is necessary to address them in the property

With the benefit of a lawyer, executors are able to navigate the complex world of property transactions in the probate procedure, making sure the smooth transfer of property and sale that are compliant with Texas laws. 

Treating issues with Executor Performance

In some cases, beneficiaries could be concerned about the way in which the executor handles the estate. This can be a result of apparent mismanagement or fraud to outright theft.

A probate attorney can assist beneficiaries by:

• Analyzing the executor’s activities and the estate’s accounts
• The court may be asked to order the removal of the executor, if required
• Representing beneficiaries when they have disputes with executors
• Transparency and proper accounting when it comes to estate administration

If executors are facing difficulties Probate lawyers will prepare advice on the proper estate administration as well as benefit to defend against false accusations.

Navigating Probate Alternatives

In certain situations, complete probate is not always necessary or even desirable. Houston residents might have the option to simplify probate procedures or alternatives to probate, based on the nature and size of an estate.

Probate attorneys could benefit in the following ways:

• Examining whether the estate is eligible to be eligible for a simplified probate procedure.
• Consider non-probate transfer options like living trusts
• Informing clients about the need for Affidavits of Heirship in smaller estates
• Assisting customers through the process of munimenting title when appropriate

If they are aware of all options available, Houstonians can choose the most cost-effective and efficient way to settle the estate of a loved one. 

Conclusion

Probate can be an arduous and emotional process especially when it comes to those issues that arise in Houston’s diverse and dynamic community. From disputing wills to beneficiaries disputes, to tax issues and real estate transactions, probate can create many challenges for executors and beneficiaries too. Employing an experienced probate lawyer with experience in Houston could make all the impact in the way you navigate these issues. Their in-depth understanding of Texas probate law, and expertise of dealing with an array of estate-related issues A probate lawyer is able to help in providing valuable guidance and assistance during the entire procedure. If you’re an executor trying to efficiently manage your estate or a beneficiary who is concerned regarding protecting your rights an attorney for probate is able to benefit assure you that your process of probate runs efficiently and adequately to legal requirements and also the wishes of the deceased. Through proactively dealing with potential problems as well as providing legal advice in the event of a problem A probate lawyer is able to benefit Houston citizens dealing with the maze of probate in a calm and confident manner.