Probate Litigation Lawyer Near Decatur, TX
Texas probate statutes provide for both dependent and independent estate administration.
Probate law in Decatur, TX, sets parameters for both dependent and independent estate administration. Carrillo | Sipes | Tibbels has a probate litigation lawyer who can help with the management and transfer of an estate. The dependent process generally occurs when the decedent has died without having a will in place or requires the court to appoint an administrator and issue Letters of Administration. This means the probate process will last at least six months, providing creditors an opportunity 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 the complicated probate process and we will handle it on your behalf.
Understanding the Purpose of a Probate Law Attorney
Losing a loved one can be a challenging and emotional experience, especially when it comes to managing their estate. This is where the expertise of a probate law attorney can be invaluable. A probate litigation lawyer possesses extensive knowledge of the statutes that affect estate administration and executor responsibilities. They can assist in managing an independent estate, which has an established will and appoints an executor to administer the estate using the independent administration process.
One of the primary objectives of a probate law attorney is to notify heirs and creditors of the estate to place claims for unpaid debts. The executor is issued Letters Testamentary, granting them the authority to inventory, value, and distribute assets in accordance with the terms of the will. In addition, a probate attorney can provide guidance on the Muniment of Title process, which is unique to properties in Decatur, TX, and simplify the process for their clients.
Probate Litigation Services
At Carrillo | Sipes | Tibbels, we understand the challenges and complexities of probate litigation. We offer a range of probate litigation services to assist our clients in the following areas:
Contested Probate: It is not uncommon for heirs to disagree over estate division or the validity of a will. In such cases, a probate law attorney can provide valuable assistance by handling contested probate proceedings.
Alternatives to Probate: A revocable living trust is an alternative to probate, which allows you to designate a successor trustee to manage your estate after your death. Our probate law attorney can assist you in establishing a revocable living trust and including all assets in the trust, which do not have named beneficiaries or transfer on death designations.
Probate Alternatives: If a person dies without a will, an Affidavit of Heirship or Small Estate Affidavits can be used as probate alternatives. Our probate law attorney can guide you through the legal requirements of each process and provide the necessary documents.
Judicial Determination of Heirship: When a person dies without a will and has a complicated estate with multiple heirs, a judicial determination of heirship can be beneficial. This process is used in conjunction with the dependent administration process and 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
At Carrillo | Sipes | Tibbels, we have a team of experienced probate litigation lawyers to provide legal assistance with estate transfers and management. If you are in Decatur, TX, and have recently lost a loved one, schedule a consultation with our probate attorney by calling (940) 627-0006. We can help you determine the best way to settle your loved one’s estate and provide guidance throughout the process.
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