Resolve Will Disputes Through A Trusted San Antonio Probate Lawyer
When a person passes away, their family members face both emotional pain and the legal challenges of distributing the assets they leave behind. Probate proceedings are fraught with potential pitfalls that cost many families thousands in unnecessary fees and delays. If you are in this situation, a San Antonio probate lawyer can help you avoid these critical mistakes while you focus on what matters most – honoring your loved one’s memory.
As an experienced legal team, we have worked with families on both sides of will contests. We help those who believe a will does not reflect their loved one’s true wishes, and we defend wills against unfair challenges. This dual experience in estate administration gives us a complete view of these difficult cases.
At Garza & Associates, PLLC, our lead counsel, attorney Mae Garza, has helped Texas families through the legal steps needed after losing a loved one. Conflicts over asset distribution or interpretation of the will can turn an already emotional situation into a legal battle. That is why, since 2016, attorney Mae and the rest of our firm have made it our mission to protect our clients’ interests while keeping family relationships intact during this emotional process.
Straight Answers To Your Estate Planning And Probate Questions
Over the years of serving communities in San Antonio, we have noticed that clients have similar concerns about the transfer of property and probate administration. Below, we have answered the most common questions we receive to help you better understand the process in Texas.
How much does an estate have to be worth to go through probate in Texas?
In Texas, the estate’s value does not determine whether probate is necessary. Instead, it depends on what types of assets the person owned and how they were held. Texas offers a simplified process called the “Small Estate Affidavit” for estates worth less than $75,000. However, this option is only available when there is no will and the deceased person’s home is not part of what passes to heirs.
What assets go through probate?
Generally, probate handles assets the deceased person owned solely in their name with no designated beneficiary. These typically include houses, land, vehicles, bank accounts without payable on death designations, jewelry and other personal collectibles. On the other hand, many assets can skip the probate process entirely. These include life insurance policies with named beneficiaries, retirement accounts and assets held in trusts.
How long do you have to file probate after death in Texas?
Texas law gives families four years after the death of a loved one to file for probate of a will. If you miss this deadline, the court will handle the estate as if no will existed, which might lead to outcomes very different from what your loved one wanted. We recommend starting the probate process within the first few months after losing a loved one to avoid complications.
Trust Your Estate Matters To A Skilled San Antonio Probate Lawyer
From filing initial paperwork to the final distribution of assets, we provide clear direction through every step of probate administration. Call us today at 210-762-5466 or send an email to schedule your initial consultation.
