BEST PROBATE LAWYER

Texas Probate and Estate Administration

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Probate lawyer in texas

When a loved one passes away, the process of probate is getting authority to step into the shoes of your loved one and resolve their affairs.
You may know a great deal about your loved one’s affairs, or you may not. Either way is okay. If you do not know, we will help you obtain the authority needed to access and assess accounts, real estate, insurance policies, debts, and anything else your loved one left behind.
Bohls Law represents executors, administrators, and beneficiaries in probate matters throughout Texas, including New Braunfels, Houston, and surrounding communities.

Probate With a Will in Texas​

Even when a loved one dies with a valid will, probate is still required in most cases. The court must formally recognize the will and appoint the executor.

A typical probate case involving a will includes:

  • filing the application and will with the court
  • attending a short hearing to admit the will to probate
  • being appointed as executor
  • receiving Letters Testamentary (legal authority to act)

 

After the appointment, the executor must:

  • notify creditors
  • notify beneficiaries
  • identify and inventory estate assets
  • manage and preserve estate property

Letters Testamentary are the legal documents that allow the executor to access accounts, deal with financial institutions, and act on behalf of the estate.

Why Work with Bohls Law

At Bohls Law, we guide clients through every step of the probate process with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and practical solutions.

  • executors who need guidance fulfilling their duties
  • administrators handling estates without a will
  • beneficiaries seeking to understand their rights
  • families navigating the probate process for the first time

Whether your case is straightforward or complex, we help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Service Areas 

Bohls Law assists clients with probate matters in New Braunfels, Houston, and surrounding Texas communities, including Comal County, Guadalupe County, Harris County, and nearby areas.

Request a Probate Consultation

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.

Frequently asked Questions

An executor is a fiduciary and must act in the best interest of the estate, its beneficiaries, and its creditors.

Responsibilities often include:

  • preparing and filing probate documents
  • identifying and securing assets
  • determining and addressing debts
  • communicating with beneficiaries
  • managing estate finances
  • preserving and maintaining property
  • distributing assets when appropriate

Executors are also responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring that all actions are handled properly and in compliance with Texas law.

The timeline for probate depends on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, whether there is a valid will, and whether disputes arise.

In many cases:

  • straightforward probate may take approximately 6–9 months
  • more complex or contested cases may take a year or longer

Delays can occur due to:

  • court scheduling
  • missing or lost original wills
  • difficulty locating beneficiaries
  • disputes among heirs or creditors
  • complexity of assets

Every estate is different, and timelines vary based on the specific circumstances involved.

Generally, assets that are titled solely in the decedent’s name without a designated beneficiary must go through probate.

Examples include:

  • real estate owned solely by the decedent
  • bank accounts without beneficiary designations
  • vehicles titled only in the decedent’s name
  • personal property such as furniture, jewelry, and collectibles
  • business interests not governed by transfer agreements

Assets that may not go through probate include:

  • life insurance with named beneficiaries
  • retirement accounts with beneficiaries
  • payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts
  • trust assets
  • certain jointly owned property

Understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets is an important part of the process.

Probate costs vary depending on the type of case and the complexity of the estate.

Typical expenses may include:

  • court filing fees
  • service and notice costs
  • recording fees (for real property)
  • administrative expenses

Estates with a valid will are often more straightforward and less costly than estates without a will, which may require additional proceedings, notices, and court involvement.

In some cases, a simplified probate process may be available.

For example, probate as a muniment of title may be an option when:

  • there is a valid will
  • there are no significant unpaid debts
  • there is no need for full estate administration

In certain situations where only real property needs to be transferred, there may also be more streamlined options available.

Each case is different, and determining the appropriate approach depends on the specific facts of the estate.

Most probate cases take several months, with many completing within 6–9 months, although more complex cases may take longer.

Yes, in most cases a will must be admitted to probate so the court can recognize it and appoint an executor.

Some assets pass outside probate, and certain simplified procedures may be available depending on the estate.

When there is no will, Texas law determines who inherits the estate, and additional legal steps are required to administer the estate.

Letters Testamentary are the legal documents issued by the court that give an executor authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate. In Texas, probate may be necessary to:

  • validate a will
  • appoint an executor or administrator
  • identify and gather assets
  • address debts and obligations
  • distribute property to beneficiaries or heirs

In many cases, probate is required to gain legal authority to deal with financial institutions, transfer property, or resolve outstanding matters.

Learn About the Probate Services

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Discover Our Practice Areas

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

Rated 5 out of 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
Rated 5 out of 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
Rated 5 out of 5
"I wholeheartedly recommend Emily if you need an excellent probate attorney!"
Testimonials 3
Lisa D.
Comal County

Proudly Serving Texas

Bohls Law represents clients throughout Texas, with a strong focus on the Houston area and Central Texas communities. We regularly assist families navigating probate, uncontested estates, and probate litigation, and we understand how local court procedures can vary from county to county.

Our probate services extend to clients in:

Whether you’re searching for a probate attorney in Houston, a probate lawyer near you, or guidance on Texas probate law, our team is equipped to help. If your matter involves a Texas probate court, we can walk you through the process and explain your options clearly, no matter where you are located.

Request a Probate Consultation

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.

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.