When someone passes away, their estate often has to go through probate. We help Houston families get through it without the confusion.
Probate can't always wait. If a loved one passed away, they may have owned property, bank accounts, or other assets. These assets are likely frozen until probate opens. Texas courts require an executor to file within four years of death, but waiting creates real problems. Accounts can go dormant. Creditors can file claims. Family members can disagree fast. In Harris County, the probate courts handle thousands of cases each year, and delays only make the process harder. An executor carries legal responsibility for managing the estate properly from day one.[1] We've seen families in Spring and Cypress lose months of progress simply because no one knew where to start. The sooner you call, the smoother this goes.
When someone dies without a will in Texas, the state decides who gets what. We handle intestate estates and help heirs understand their rights quickly.
Property can't be sold or transferred until probate clears the title. We move the process forward so the home doesn't sit idle for months.
Being named executor is a big responsibility. We stand beside you at every step so you don't make a costly mistake.
Disagreements between heirs happen more than people expect. We step in early to protect your share and keep things from turning into full litigation.
Creditors have a window to file claims against an estate. We help you respond correctly so the estate isn't drained by invalid debts.
If the deceased owned property in Texas but lived elsewhere, ancillary probate may be required. We handle that process here in Houston so nothing slips through.
Probate is not a process you want to figure out on your own. One missed filing or wrong step can delay the estate for months. Troy has handled over 3,000 cases and knows exactly what Harris County courts expect. He works with you directly, not through a paralegal or assistant. That personal attention makes a real difference when stakes are high.
Every day you wait is a day the estate sits unresolved. Our probate attorney services are built for Houston families who need clear answers fast. Call now and talk to Troy directly.
We break the process into three clear steps so nothing feels overwhelming.
You call or text us and tell us what happened. Troy reviews the estate details and explains exactly what Texas probate law requires. No jargon, no pressure.
We prepare and file the probate petition with the Harris County Probate Court. We handle creditor notices, the asset inventory, and all required court appearances. You don't have to show up to every hearing.
Once the court approves the final accounting, we guide the executor through proper asset distribution. We make sure every heir gets what they're owed and the estate closes cleanly.
Probate costs in Houston vary based on the size of the estate. They also depend on whether a will exists. The complexity of the asset picture matters too. A simple, uncontested estate with a clear will costs far less than one with real estate disputes or missing heirs. Texas law does allow attorney fees to be paid from the estate in many cases. This helps families who are short on cash right now. We give you a clear fee estimate before any work begins. There are no surprise add-ons and no billing you can't understand. Harris County probate courts also charge their own filing fees. We factor these into your total cost picture from the start.
Here are the questions we hear most often from families starting the probate process in Houston.
Costs typically range from $1,500 to $8,000 or more depending on the estate. Simple estates with a clear will and no disputes sit at the lower end. Complex estates with real property, missing heirs, or creditor fights cost more. Texas law often allows attorney fees to be paid directly from the estate.
Most uncontested probate cases in Harris County take four to six months. Contested cases or estates with real estate complications can take a year or longer. Harris County's probate courts handle a high volume of cases, so filing correctly the first time matters. We work to avoid delays caused by paperwork errors.
Texas technically allows some people to file probate without a lawyer, but it's rarely a good idea. One missed notice or wrong form can stall the estate for months. In our experience, people who try to go it alone often call us after they've already made a costly mistake. An attorney costs less than fixing errors.
Texas uses independent administration for most estates, which is less court-supervised and faster. Dependent administration requires court approval at every step and is slower. The right approach depends on the will's language and whether heirs agree. We review the estate and recommend the right path from the start.
Texas requires probate to be filed within four years of the date of death. Miss that window and you lose the right to probate the will entirely. That forces the estate into a more complicated heirship process. Last month a client called us after waiting nearly three years. We had to move fast to beat the deadline.
Probate is likely needed if the deceased owned property, bank accounts, or investments in their name alone. If there's no joint ownership or beneficiary designation on an account, it's probably stuck. A car title, a house deed, or a brokerage account without a transfer-on-death designation all point toward probate. We can review the assets in a free consultation.
No, not every estate requires full probate. Small estates under a certain value may qualify for a small estate affidavit. Assets held in a trust, with a named beneficiary, or in joint tenancy pass outside of probate entirely. Our firm also offers a Probate Avoidance Package. It helps families set up their estate so their heirs never have to go through this process.
