With simplified techniques allowed by Texas law, taking care of probate issues of a loved one’s estate can be relatively quick, easy, and inexpensive. This is true whether or not the deceased died with a will.
Generally, probate is the process of gathering assets of someone who has died, paying their debts, and distributing the assets to the heirs. If the deceased left a residence or other land including any oil and gas interests, it will almost certainly be necessary to do some kind of probate procedure to clear title to these properties. It may also be necessary to obtain a court's authority to act for the deceased and distribute assets of the estate. Almost universally, it is simpler and less expensive to take care of probate issues sooner rather than later.
A significant benefit in Texas is that often abbreviated procedures may be used, limiting probate within the court to as little as 3-6 weeks, and avoiding excessive cost and paperwork. The method which is most prudent depends on whether or not a Will was used and the size and complexity of the estate, as well as other factors. The attorneys at Tipton Jones handle these simplified methods very often, and have worked hard to devise systems to minimize the cost and time required. Because of this, we generally handle these matter on a flat fee basis (in the $2,000 range in an ordinary case), and the procedure is most often complete in around six weeks, depending on the courts’ schedules.
The Tipton Jones attorneys who practice in this area can quickly advise you on whether any probate procedure at all might be necessary and, if so, the applicable shortcuts that may be helpful.
Paul Tipton
(214)890-0991
ptipton@tiptonjoneslaw.com
