Estate Planning

• Wills and trusts
• Estate management
• Planning for the long-term care of aging relatives
• Establishing long-term care plans for disabled or incapacitated loved ones
• Establishing a power of attorney

In Texas, if someone dies without a will, their estate is said to be “intestate.” A person of interest may petition for an appointment as administrator for the intestate estate. The laws of intestate succession dictate how the deceased’s intestate estate will be distributed.

The order of inheritance is as follows:

• Surviving spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings
• Nieces and nephews
• Aunts and uncles
• Cousins
• The state of Texas

The estate will go to the state if there are no surviving relatives.

If you are the executor of an intestate estate, you must file a petition for probate with the court in Texas. The TX court will then appoint you as the administrator of the estate and will issue letters of administration. As an administrator, you will collect the deceased’s assets, pay their debts, and distribute their property to their heirs.

The probate process can be complex and time-consuming. If you are the executor of an intestate estate, it is crucial to speak with an estate planning lawyer in Corpus Christi, Texas, to get help navigating the process.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when handling an estate in Texas without a will:

• The Texas courthouse may require you to post a bond. This is the money the court holds to ensure that you will faithfully carry out your duties as executor.
• You may need to publish a notice of death and administration in a local newspaper. This will allow creditors and other interested parties to come forward and make claims against the estate.
• You may need to file tax returns for the estate.
• You may need to sell some of the deceased’s assets to pay their debts and distribute their property to their heirs.

The probate process can be a challenge, but it is essential to remember that you are not alone. Many resources are available to help you, including attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors.

With the help of an experienced estate planning attorney, you can plan for the future and achieve the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your children and loved ones will be taken care of.

At the Law Office of Lindsay M. Browne, we believe in a detail-oriented, hands-on approach to estate planning. Attorney Lindsay M. Browne is always available for her clients and is dedicated to bringing you the thoughtful, innovative solutions to your estate planning needs. With an Avvo rating of 9.4, Attorney Lindsay M. Browne has been practicing family law for over 15 years and was named “Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year” in 2014.