Probate Litigation Lawyer Near Bridgeport, TX

Have you been selected as the executor or personal representative of an estate in Bridgeport, TX? You may not have known how much work this is, which can be an added burden while you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Most people find it useful to work with a probate law attorney to carry out these daunting tasks.

The compassionate team at Carrillo | Sipes | Tibbels, PLLC provides probate administration services throughout the Bridgeport, TX, area. We will help you throughout the entire process, helping you with any challenges and closing the estate as efficiently as possible.

Probate law in Bridgeport, TX, sets parameters for both dependent and independent estate administration. Carrillo | Sipes | Tibbels, PLLC has a probate law attorney who can help with the management and transfer of an estate. The dependent process typically happens when the decedent has passed without having a will in place or necessitates the court to appoint an administrator and issue Letters of Administration. This means the probate process will last at least 180 days, providing creditors a chance to file claims against the estate. If you hire a probate law attorney, we will assist with filing proper accounting with the court and request permission whenever you make any distribution related to the estate. Consult with our office about probate alternatives and we will handle it on your behalf.

What is Probate?

Probate is the formal legal process for settling the estate of someone who has passed away. Most of the estate is dealt with through probate court, with the exception of assets in trusts or life insurance proceeds. If the deceased had a last will and testament, the assets are divided according to the deceased’s written wishes. If the person passed away without a will, Texas statute dictates how the estate will be divided.

The probate court will appoint a representative. They are known as the executor, and they will carry out the duties. Those tasks commonly include:

• Gathering and valuing the assets
• Notifying heirs and beneficiaries
• Notifying creditors and paying the bills
• Selling property to satisfy debts
• Distributing the remaining assets
• Filing taxes
• Accountings
• Closing the estate

Why Do I Need a Probate Law Attorney?

Probate law attorneys are knowledgeable about the statutes that affect the administration of an estate and what is expected of an executor. An independent estate is one that has an established will and appoints an executor to administer the estate using the independent administration process as opposed to a dependent estate. Letters Testamentary are issued to the executor who has the authority to inventory, value, and distribute assets in accordance with the terms of the will. The purpose of a probate law attorney is to notify the heirs and creditors of the property to place claims for unpaid debts. Muniment of Title is a tool unique to properties in Bridgeport, TX, and a probate law attorney can guide you through the process and simplify it for you.

This is what our probate litigation services include:

• Contested Probate: The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in one’s life, as emotions run high and grief sets in. Too often heirs find themselves feuding over the estate division or the validity of a will, which is when hiring a professional can be highly advantageous.
• Alternatives to Probate: Establishing a Revocable Living Trust can bypass the probate process completely. Having a trust in place allows you to designate a successor trustee to handle all matters of your estate after your death. Completely avoid probate by including all assets in the trust which do not have named beneficiaries, or have a transfer on death (TOD), or payable on death (POD) designation. Revocable trusts may be changed at any time, including changing the successor trustee or changing beneficiary designations.
• Other Probate Alternatives: When a person dies without a will, they may choose an Affidavit of Heirship or Small Estate Affidavits. Our probate law attorney will ensure that you meet requirements for each process, handle it through the appropriate legal avenue and provide the right documents.
• Judicial Determination of Heirship: This process is beneficial when a person dies without a will, and they have a complicated estate and/or many heirs. It’s used in conjunction with the dependent administration process, which may include Collection of Final Paycheck, Informal Family Settlement and Sale of Property of a Minor without Guardianship.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Probate Attorney

If you live in Bridgeport, TX, and you recently lost a loved one, contact Carrillo | Sipes | Tibbels, PLLC for legal assistance with estate transfers, management, and probate alternative. Our probate law attorney will go over these options with you and help you figure out the best way to settle your loved one’s estate. Reach out to us today at (940) 627-0006 to schedule a consultation.