Compassionate Guidance Through Probate Matters

Last updated on October 7, 2024

After a person passes on, probate is the process that legally recognizes their death and sets orders for the estate’s administration. If you have lost a loved one, it can be especially challenging to manage the needs of their probate process while mourning their loss. Instead of taking on those responsibilities on your own, rely on the guidance of a skilled probate attorney.

At Vela & Del Fierro, P.C., our probate lawyers offer our clients more than 40 combined years of experience to help them navigate complex legal matters. When you need guidance through the probate process, we are here to help. You can get started today by giving our team a call at 210-617-3925 or by sending us a message here with a brief description of your situation.

Helping You Address A Variety Of Probate Concerns

One must take several essential steps after someone passes on. Unfortunately, navigating the legal process can take months or longer. Instead of facing this legal challenge alone, allow our dedicated team to handle it for you.

We can act on your behalf to take care of probate obligations, including:

• Notifying the courts of the decedent’s passing
• Filing the will with the probate court
• Identifying and locating all relevant assets
• Paying any debts or taxes from the estate
• Distributing any inheritance to beneficiaries
• Closing accounts and alerting account holders of the passing

It can be hard to keep track of what needs to be done in probate while taking care of your own needs. We understand how overwhelming this time can be for our clients. You can count on us to do everything in our power to resolve your probate issues as promptly as possible.

What Executors Should Know About Texas’ Probate Laws

Navigating the role of an executor in Texas can be a complex task, as it comes with a series of important duties and legal responsibilities. Here’s a brief overview to give you a clearer picture of what’s involved. Typical executor’s duties in Texas include:

• Filing the will
• Filing an executor bond
• Notifying beneficiaries and heirs
• Inventorying the estate
• Managing the estate
• Paying debts and taxes
• Distributing assets
• Closing the estate

Executors in Texas must also adhere to their fiduciary duty, meaning they are required to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries. They must manage the estate with care, prudence and honesty. Failure to follow the specific legal procedures may lead to mistakes for which executors can be held personally liable. For example, distributing assets prematurely or not adhering to the will’s instructions can result in significant legal issues. Executors must follow the will’s instructions and the law, rather than oral understandings or assumptions.

Given these complexities, it’s advisable for executors to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. This can be particularly important if your loved one is in assisted living, hospice, or a care facility, as planning ahead can greatly smooth the transition and ensure that all legal requirements will be met when the time comes.

Handling an estate that crosses language or national boundaries requires extra care to avoid legal and financial complications. Furthermore, with the right steps and professional guidance, it does not have to be a hectic procedure. Here is how to approach it:

• Confirm document accuracy across languages: Estate documents in different languages must match exactly. Accurate translation is essential to prevent miscommunication or legal challenges.
• Identify assets across jurisdictions: For multinational estates, all assets, whether in different states or countries, need to be identified and managed. Different legal systems may have varying procedures, so it is crucial to track all assets efficiently.
• Evaluate the need for translation services: Using certified translation services for legal documents and communications can help ensure no important detail is missed.
• Understand cross-jurisdictional issues: Different regions may have their own probate laws, taxes and financial regulations. Working with a legal team familiar with these differences can help ensure you know what exactly is happening. This can prevent delays or complications in transferring assets.

No matter which legal matter is giving you sleepless nights, we thrive in managing complex multinational and international estates. Our experience in international probate can help ensure that every detail is handled with precision using the most appropriate legal approach per your specific legal needs.

Understanding Estate Administration Disputes

Probate disputes are common and can cause delays. The frequent issues that arise include:

• Will contests: They occur when the validity of a will is challenged, often due to concerns about its execution or the influence over the deceased.
• Disagreements over will terms: Conflicts can arise when beneficiaries interpret the will’s terms differently, leading to disputes over asset distribution.
• Executor misconduct: Executors are responsible for managing the estate properly. When they fail in their duties, it may lead to accusations of a breach of fiduciary duty, causing disputes among beneficiaries.
• Debt resolution issues: Disagreements can occur over how estate debts should be handled, especially when the estate’s assets may not cover all financial obligations.
• Beneficiary conflicts: Multiple beneficiaries inheriting property together may disagree on how to manage or sell it, resulting in delays or disputes.

Navigating these complex disputes requires legal experience and a compassionate approach that respects the emotional nature of probate matters. Our over 40 years in the legal system means we have what it takes to handle any case at hand with the right approach.

Handling Multilingual And Complex Estates

Leave The Hard Part To Us

To learn how we can help you during your time of need, contact our San Antonio office and arrange your consultation. You can reach us at 210-617-3925 or email us to begin the conversation. The sooner you reach out to our Texas lawyers, the sooner we can be there for you.