Helping Houston and Harris County families with probate, estate administration, heirship, and estate disputes.
When a loved one passes away, families are often left with questions about who has authority to act, whether probate is required, and what needs to happen next. Bohls Law helps Houston families navigate probate with clear guidance, practical next steps, and compassionate support.
Whether your loved one left a will, passed away without a will, or there are questions about heirs, estate property, or court authority, Bohls Law can help you understand the probate process and move forward with confidence.
Schedule a probate consultation with Bohls Law today to discuss your next step.
You may need probate if your loved one passed away owning property or accounts that cannot be transferred without court authority. Probate may also be needed when a will must be recognized by the court or when there is no will and the legal heirs must be determined.
Some assets pass outside probate through beneficiary designations, trusts, or other arrangements. The appropriate approach depends on how the assets are owned and the documents in place. Having a will does not, by itself, answer whether estate administration is necessary.
Learn more about probate and non-probate assets in Texas.
Common reasons families contact a Houston probate attorney include:
In Houston Texas, the length of the probate process depends on several factors, such as the size and complexity of the estate, whether there is a valid will, and if disputes arise among heirs or creditors.
At Bohls Law, we help executors, administrators, and beneficiaries move through the probate process with clear guidance and practical support. In some cases, our firm serves as an advisor to the person handling the estate. In other cases, we take a more active role in helping direct and manage the estate, depending on the needs of the client and the circumstances involved.
When There Is a Will
A will identifies how a person wants property distributed, but court proceedings may still be needed to give it legal effect. If estate administration is required, an executor may need to be appointed and qualify before receiving Letters Testamentary as evidence of authority to act.
Bohls Law helps clients understand the appropriate probate procedure and the responsibilities that follow appointment. Read more about Letters Testamentary.
When There Is No Will
When someone dies without a valid will, they are described as having died intestate. Texas law determines who inherits, and the family may need a court proceeding to establish the legal heirs. An administrator may also need to be appointed to handle the estate.
The appropriate procedure depends on the property, debts, family circumstances, and need for administration. Not every estate without a will follows the same process. Bohls Law helps clients evaluate the available options and understand the steps involved.
If a home is involved, read what happens to a house when someone dies without a will in Texas.
The proper county for a probate proceeding depends on Texas venue rules. For a person who had a Texas domicile or fixed residence, proceedings to probate a will or obtain estate-administration authority generally belong in the county where that person resided. Living in the Houston area does not automatically make Harris County the correct filing location.
For matters filed in Harris County, the probate courts and the County Clerk’s Probate Department handle different parts of the process. The court considers the application and any required evidence; the clerk maintains case records and issues documents such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration when authorized.
The procedure varies with the estate. A matter involving a will may require evidence supporting its admission to probate. An estate without a will may require a determination of heirship and an application for administration. Scheduling, notice requirements, and questions about the documents can affect the next steps.
Bohls Law helps clients prepare the appropriate filings, understand hearing requirements, and address the responsibilities that follow appointment. The Harris County Clerk’s probate resources provide official information about records, court settings, and requesting copies or letters.
Uncontested Probate
Bohls Law continues to help families with uncontested probate. When there is no active dispute over the will or estate administration, the focus is on identifying the appropriate procedure, obtaining any necessary court authority, and fulfilling estate responsibilities. Agreement among family members does not eliminate required legal steps. An uncontested matter may involve an estate with a will or without one.
When There Is a Dispute
Disagreements may arise over a will, an executor’s actions, access to estate information, or the handling of property. These concerns can require a different approach from routine estate administration.
Bohls Law also represents clients in probate litigation. Emily can discuss the concerns involved, explain potential next steps, and determine whether the firm is a fit for your matter.
Learn more about probate litigation and estate disputes.
Emily A. Bohls has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2007. Before establishing her private practice, she served as managing attorney at the South Texas College of Law Houston Legal Aid Clinic, where her work included teaching a clinical course in probate law.
At Bohls Law, Emily helps clients understand the legal process, the decisions ahead, and their responsibilities. Her approach emphasizes clear explanations and practical guidance for the particular estate or dispute involved.
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 $400 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.
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.
Located in Houston, 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.
Whether navigating complex family matters, planning for the future, or seeking legal advice for business ventures, you can trust The Law Office of Emily Bohls for reliable counsel and effective representation in Houston and beyond.
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.
