Lewisville Will and Probate Lawyer

Lewisville Will and Probate Attorney

If you’ve recently lost a friend or family member, you might need to probate their estate. This process can be an overwhelming undertaking. A Lewisville will and probate lawyer can help, from filing the paperwork to distributing the assets. Probate lawyers understand will and probate laws, so they can guide you through each aspect of both.

Hire a Will and Probate Lawyer With Acclaim

The Lewisville will and probate attorneys at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC are highly respected within the legal community of Denton County. Our team cares about the will and probate cases we handle. We prioritize customer service, tailor our services to meet the specific needs of our clients, and help them meet their goals.

Benefits of Having a Lewisville Will and Probate Lawyer

When you hire a will and probate lawyer to assist you with the probate process, you won’t have to worry about whether you’re doing it right. Below are several benefits of hiring a probate lawyer.

• Familiarity with the judicial policies of local courts
• Knowledge of when to file and the deadlines for various steps in the probate process, which, in Denton, is overseen by Texas Probate Court 1, located at 3900 Morse Street, Suite 100, Denton, Texas
• Guidance and legal advice on any questions that arise while carrying out the probate process
• Experience in contested will and probate cases
• Assistance with complex assets, such as navigating what to do if the estate includes real estate that is being sought by a company for a project.
• Understanding of will and probate laws, such as independent and dependent administration

Independent Administration vs. Dependent Administration

In Texas, if someone passes away and they had a will, there are two options for carrying out the probate process: independent administration and dependent administration. Independent administration is the most common. In 2021, 68% of the 60,000 probate cases filed in Texas included an application requesting independent administration.

Independent administration is popular because it minimally involves the court. The court is only there to approve the will and its executor. With independent administration, the court has limited influence on or supervision over the closing out of the estate. Independent administration is preferred. In fact, many wills specifically indicate that probate is to be done through independent administration.

Dependent administration, however, requires court approval for every step of the process. This includes the valuing of property, selling of assets, settling of debt, distributing assets, and everything in between. Dependent administration is very costly because it requires extra work by the courts.

Dependent administration is also time-consuming because every step must be approved before the executor can move on with the next one. In some situations, such as disagreement among heirs, a contest of the will, or a complicated estate, it is necessary for dependent administration of an estate to be carried out.

Why Choose Us?

All the partner attorneys at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC are board-certified. Not every law firm in Lewisville, Texas can say that. In addition, our attorneys have been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers for many years, and we were named one of the top law firms in Denton by Denton Record-Chronicle readers.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lawyer Charge to Probate a Will in Texas?

In Texas, the cost to probate a will depends on the type of pay structure the lawyer charges. Some probate lawyers charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour. The rate can also be affected by the work involved or the complexity of the estate. Other factors can impact the final cost to probate a will, also. To know the rate a lawyer will charge you, you’ll need to inquire with the specific law firm.

How Much Does It Cost to Talk to a Probate Lawyer?

How much it costs to talk to a probate lawyer will vary from firm to firm. Some law firms offer new clients an initial consultation appointment to discuss their legal needs. This lets both the lawyer and a prospective client determine if the lawyer can provide the services necessary to meet those needs.

How Much Does It Take to Probate a Will in Texas?

An estate of any amount must go through probate in Texas. However, if the estate is worth less than $75,000, it qualifies for a streamlined process specifically intended for smaller estates. By using a small estate affidavit, one can save time and money in probate and attorney fees. Talk to a qualified probate attorney to determine if you qualify for this option.

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to Probate a Will?

If you need to probate a will, you will need to talk to a probate lawyer. A probate lawyer specifically focuses on the legal needs of individuals as they process the estate of deceased persons. A lawyer can help validate the will, value assets and debts, and even oversee the distribution of assets, which only occurs after the estate has settled any debts of the estate and paid any bills and taxes owed.

Why Would You Need a Probate Attorney in Texas?

Texas probate court requires a probate attorney in most probate cases. A probate attorney in Texas can help manage the legal process of probate court. This includes:

• Admitting the will
• Valuation of assets within the estate
• Assessing debts and taxes
• Paying these debts and taxes

If there is no will, a probate attorney can be especially useful in carrying out intestate succession. Finally, an attorney can assist in overseeing the distribution of assets.

Connect With a Trustworthy Lewisville Will and Probate Attorney

The legal team at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC has a longstanding reputation within the Denton County community. Our lawyers are highly respected for our successful and professional representation of clients in probate court. Our clients benefit from the experience we have gained over the years we’ve been in practice.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment with our firm. Once you come into our office, you can meet with us and discuss your probate needs. When you hire a probate lawyer from our team, they can provide the standard of legal services your loved one deserves.