Compassionate Guidance Through Probate Matters
After a person passes on, probate is the process that legally recognizes their death and sets order to 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 Multilingual And Complex Estates
When managing estates for loved ones who immigrated, language barriers and intricate legal systems can complicate probate. Our team is equipped to navigate these complexities, honoring your family’s legacy with sensitivity and expertise. Se habla español and other languages to serve our diverse clientele. Trust us to provide clear guidance through this intricate process, ensuring a smooth probate process for your international or multilingual estate needs. If you have additional questions about how we can help you and your family, you can read more here or you can reach out to our team for assistance.
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.