Admission of Wills for Probate in Houston

Serving Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, and Montgomery Counties

When a family member passes away, surviving relatives face the daunting task of concluding their financial and legal affairs. At Hendershot Cowart P.C., our estate administration and probate attorneys offer counsel and step-by-step guidance to executors and beneficiaries – to help speed along the successful administration of a loved one’s estate.

On This Page:

• Professional Probate Services for Houston and Surrounding Communities
• How to Probate a Will in Texas
• What Happens If the Will Is Disputed?
• Navigating the Probate Process With Experienced, Compassionate Counsel
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • What Is the Cost to Probate a Will in Texas?
  • Do I Need an Attorney to Probate a Will in Texas?
  • How Long Does the Probate Process Take?
  • With What Other Services Can Our Attorneys Assist?

Discuss a probate matter or will dispute with a lawyer from Hendershot Cowart P.C. Call (713) 783-3110or contact us onlineto request an initial consultation.

We know this is a difficult time, and likely the first time you have dealt with the probate process, but it’s not ours. Our seasoned attorneys will file the appropriate documentation, make requisite court appearances, and assist with completing the Texas probate process from start to finish.

Our probate services cover the entire probate process for Harris and surrounding counties:

• Application to Probate Will and Request for Independent Administration
• Posting and service of citation
• Filing proposed orders, proof of death, and the executor’s oath
• Drafting and publishing notice to creditors in the Daily Court Review
• Serving notice to beneficiaries or obtaining and filing waivers of notice
• Filing Affidavit in Lieu of Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
• 10 copies of Letters Testamentary
• Coordinating the payment of court fees

Probate is a process by which the courts legally recognize a deceased person's (the decedent) death, settle their outstanding debts, and distribute remaining assets to their heirs. The process is designed to facilitate the transfer of a deceased person's estate, and when necessary, to protect the interests of both beneficiaries and creditors in the decedent's estate. In Texas, probate is handled in Texas’ Probate Courts.

We know this is a difficult time, and likely the first time you have dealt with the probate process, but it’s not ours. Our seasoned attorneys will file the appropriate documentation, make court appearances, and assist with all aspects of the will probate process.

Here are the general steps to probate a will in Texas:

1. File the Will and Apply for Probate. When someone dies with an established will in place, the will must be filed with the proper court along with a written application to admit the will to probate and be appointed executor of the estate.
2. The Probate Hearing. In Texas, a hearing takes place before a probate judge. During this hearing, the judge will recognize the decedent's death, confirm that the individual applying to be administrator/executor is fit to serve, and verify that the decedent died with a valid will.
3. Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims. It is the executor's responsibility to inventory and appraise the deceased person's estate within 90 days of the hearing. Executor responsibilities also include notifying beneficiaries of the will, posting a notice to creditors, discharging debts, filing the decedent’s final federal tax return, and otherwise settling the estate. A probate attorney can assist with many of these duties.
4. Resolving Disputes. The estate cannot be settled until all disputes are settled – from disagreements over the valuation of assets, contesting a creditor’s claims to an estate, or contesting the will. These disputes can be addressed before a probate judge but are more often settled through mediation. A probate attorney can represent your interests in any disputes.
5. Distribution of the Estate. Once all the debts and any disputes are resolved, remaining assets are then distributed to beneficiaries.

Read our complete Step-by-Step Guide on the Texas Probate Process.

The probate law attorneys at Hendershot Cowart P.C. specialize in high-stakes will contests, as well as disputes arising out of a trustee’s or executor’s fiduciary duties. We have been advocating on behalf of individual and family clients for decades.

No one actively seeks a legal battle, but when it comes to defending or protecting the legacy of a loved one, it may be necessary to take legal action. If you find yourself embroiled in an unwelcome dispute over a high-net-worth estate – either before or after a will is admitted for probate – our litigation team is ready to step in.

From filing a will for probate to distributing assets and discharging debts, the probate process can be an unfamiliar and daunting experience for many. Let the experienced Houston probate attorneys at Hendershot Cowart P.C. give you the step-by-step guidance you need to navigate the process as quickly and smoothly as possible for your peace of mind.

Call (713) 783-3110or contact us onlineto arrange a consultation with an experienced probate litigation attorney at our firm today.

What Is the Cost to Probate a Will in Texas?

In addition to attorneys’ fees, the court costs to probate a will include the following court fees and out-of-pocket costs (all rates current for Harris County as of January 2022):

• Court filing fees: $360
• Citation and posting: $83
• Newspaper Notice to Creditors: $64
• Letters Testamentary ($2 each x 10): $20

Be aware that many websites advertising flat-rate or discount probate services do not include court fees and other out-of-pocket costs in their fees. As with any agreement, make sure you read the fine print to avoid unexpected surprises.

Do I Need an Attorney to Probate a Will in Texas?

In Texas, if you are the executor or administrator of an estate, you are required to be represented by a licensed lawyer. This is because the executor not only represents her or his interests but also those of the heirs and creditors. While Texas does allow individuals to represent themselves in court (as "pro se" or self-help litigants), the state requires that a licensed attorney represent all third-party interests. If a non-attorney represented an estate before the courts, this would be considered the unauthorized practice of law.

How Long Does the Probate Process Take?

In relatively straightforward cases, the probate process takes around six months to a year to complete. However, if the estate is complex or the will is contested, it can take longer.

With What Other Services Can Our Attorneys Assist?

Our Houston-area probate attorney can help you with: 

• Probate litigation involving an executor or trustee
• Contested wills
• Contested trusts
• Guardianship proceedings
• Disputed guardianships