The average Texas resident has never had to administer an estate that was in probate. Therefore, if you have been presented with the dilemma of administering an estate, it is probably the first time that you have ever had to navigate the court system in this regard. The Law Office of Sharon C. Stodghill is available to assist you with this process and help your probate proceedings flow as smoothly as possible for you and any other beneficiaries who are set to benefit from your loved one’s estate.
In order to successfully navigate the probate process, you must balance beneficiary concerns with the reality of the estate you are dealing with, and you must strive to honor the decedent’s last wishes as they are spelled out in the estate paperwork. You must also strive to keep probate costs at a minimum, as you do not want legal fees, court fees and other costs to eat up the legacy your loved one has left behind. Fortunately, regardless of the probate challenges that present themselves, legal strategies can be found to help deal with them.
There are a number of different legal and financial tasks that may need to be completed in a well-organized fashion during probate proceedings. Some of these could include estimating the total value of the decedent’s estate, identifying the beneficiaries of the estate, paying off debts and taxes, and validating the will. Other common steps include the appointment of a personal representative of the estate, distribution of property, clearing real estate titles and probate litigation in the event of a will contest.
With the vast number of experienced Texas probate attorneys available to assist you, navigating probate has never been easier. A probate attorney can help you avoid common mistakes — mistakes that could spur more litigation between beneficiaries later on down the road. Most importantly, though, an attorney can help you save money and reduce your emotional stress and turmoil during the difficult time following the loss of a loved one.