Texas Estate and Guardianship

Caldwell County Probate Attorney

Emily A Bohls

Understanding The ins and outs of our

Probate Services

Our firm is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the probate process with compassion and expertise. Emily Bohls Law understands that probate can be an emotional and complex process for families. All legal requirements are met, assets are transferred properly, and disputes are resolved effectively by our team. Emily’s goal during probate is to provide peace of mind and support by focusing on the end result – transferring assets from the decedent’s name to beneficiaries or heirs.

Extensive Experience

Probate Assistance in Caldwell County

It doesn’t matter if the deceased left a will or not, Emily is an experienced estate manager who handles estates of all sizes. Emily uses her expertise in probate law to approach each case compassionately and efficiently. Through the complex Texas probate process, Emily is dedicated to helping her clients.

Additionally, Bohls Law offers comprehensive guardianship services, including securing guardianships for individuals and estates, preparing annual accounts and reports for existing guardianships, and exploring alternatives to guardianship.

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Looking for insight and expert advice?

We offer Consultation Services

At The Law Office of Emily A. Bohls, we understand that legal matters related to probate, guardianship and estate planning can be overwhelming. That’s why our tailored consultation services are designed to guide you through the complexities with ease and confidence.

Consultations Tailored to Your Needs. We offer two types of consultations to meet your specific requirements:

15-Minute Virtual Discovery Meeting or Phone Call: This free session is designed to determine if our services align with your needs. While we do not provide legal advice during this meeting, we’ll discuss the type of case you have and how much it might cost for us to handle it. No preparation is required—just bring yourself!

1-Hour In-Person or Virtual Consultation: This session is priced at $300 and includes legal advice tailored to your specific situation. We’ll dive deep into your case, address all of your questions and concerns, and provide detailed information on fees and timelines. Before your consultation, you will receive a questionnaire to complete and return. The fee for this session must be paid in advance and is non-refundable; however, credits can be applied if rescheduling is necessary.

Probate FAQs

Get the answers to the most common questions concerning probate

An estate planning attorney is best for drafting wills. These professionals specialize in preparing legal documents related to wills, trusts, and estate planning. They ensure your wishes are legally binding and compliant with state laws.

The probate process typically takes 6 to 12 months, but the duration depends on the complexity of the estate, the efficiency of the court, and whether there are disputes among beneficiaries. Some cases may take longer if complications arise.

An estate planning attorney is ideal for preparing a will. While DIY options exist, an attorney ensures the will meets all legal requirements and helps avoid potential disputes or errors.

The best executor is someone who is organized, trustworthy, and impartial. This could be a family member, close friend, or professional fiduciary. It’s crucial to choose someone who understands the responsibilities and has the time to manage the estate effectively.

The best place to have a will written is at an estate planning law firm. Attorneys at these firms ensure your will complies with local laws, minimizing the risk of challenges after your death.

Yes, a beneficiary can also serve as an executor. However, they must act in the best interest of the estate and other beneficiaries, avoiding conflicts of interest.

An executor has significant power, including the authority to manage and distribute assets, settle debts, and handle legal matters on behalf of the estate. However, they are legally bound to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

Ethical considerations include ensuring fair distribution of assets, avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining transparency, and adhering to the decedent’s wishes as outlined in their will. Executors and attorneys must act in good faith and comply with state laws.

 

  • Drafting and Execution: Creating and signing the will with proper witnesses.
  • Storage and Safekeeping: Ensuring the will is kept in a secure and accessible location.
  • Probate Process: Filing the will in court after the testator’s death.
  • Asset Distribution: Carrying out the wishes stated in the will under court supervision.

Yes, probate can be time-consuming, costly, and public. The process may delay asset distribution and incur legal fees. Additionally, probate proceedings are part of public record, which can compromise privacy.

 

In Texas, assets that must go through probate include:

  • Property titled solely in the deceased person’s name.
  • Personal belongings and collectibles.
  • Bank accounts without payable-on-death (POD) beneficiaries.
  • Real estate not held in joint tenancy or in a trust.

Bank accounts without designated payable-on-death (POD) beneficiaries typically go through probate. Accounts with a POD designation transfer directly to the named beneficiary.

Exempt property in Texas includes:

  • Homestead property (if passing to a surviving spouse or minor child).
  • Life insurance proceeds payable to a named beneficiary.
  • Retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries.
  • Community property with rights of survivorship.

Comprehensive Services

The ultimate goal of probate is to facilitate the transfer of the deceased person’s assets from their name to the rightful beneficiaries or heirs designated by law or the deceased’s will. This legal process ensures that property titles are appropriately updated, confirming ownership by those entitled to inherit under applicable laws or testamentary provisions.

Probate

Probate

At The Law Office Of Emily A. Bohls in Texas, we assist clients through every step of the probate process, which includes validating the deceased's will, cataloging assets, appraising property, settling debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets according to the will or state law, ensuring thorough compliance and efficiency throughout.
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Guardianship

Guardianship

At The Law Office of Emily A. Bohls in Texas, our firm offers comprehensive assistance in uncontested guardianship cases, including establishing guardianships for both personal and estate matters, and managing ongoing responsibilities such as filing annual accountings, applications for property sales, and annual reports.
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Estate Planning

Estate Planning

Estate planning is pivotal at The Law Office of Emily A. Bohls in Texas, ensuring your family's future security regardless of your age, health, or financial standing, with personalized legal guidance and comprehensive strategies meticulously crafted to meet your specific needs.
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What Our Clients Are Saying

5/5
"I was at a total loss of who to go to for probating my dad’s will, so I feel very fortunate to have found Emily, an outstanding probate attorney in my area."
Testimonials 1
Alexa Y.
Caldwell County
5/5
"So happy to have found Emily after searching for a probate attorney! I was very worried and intimidated by the costs and amount of work involved after calling other attorneys, but Emily made it all so simple and her fees were always clear and I found to be reasonable"
Testimonials 2
Morgan J.
Harris County
5/5
"I wholeheartedly recommend Emily if you need an excellent probate attorney!"
Testimonials 3
Lisa D.
Comal County

Serving Caldwell County

Located in Lockhart, TX, we proudly serve the local community and surrounding regions with compassionate and expert legal services in Wills, Estates, Probate, and Guardianship matters. At Emily A. Bohls PLLC, we are committed to providing knowledgeable, efficient, and cost-effective representation for all our clients. Start your journey towards resolution and peace of mind by scheduling your consultation today. 

Request a Consultation

Welcome to The Law Office of Emily Bohls, where we specialize in providing expert legal services in Wills, Estates, Probate, and Guardianship matters. With years of dedicated practice and a passion for helping families in Texas, Emily ensures that every client receives knowledgeable, compassionate, efficient, and cost-effective representation.