Colleyville Probate Lawyer | Trusted Probate & Estate Administration in Colleyville, TX

What Is Probate — A Plain-Language Explanation

Probate is the legal process that settles a deceased person’s affairs: it confirms whether a will is valid, identifies and values assets, pays debts and taxes, and distributes remaining property to beneficiaries. Probate ensures that the estate lawfully transfers ownership and that creditors are paid in the correct order under Texas law.

Not every asset must go through probate. Many assets — such as accounts with beneficiary designations or property held jointly with rights of survivorship — can pass outside probate. A skilled Colleyville probate lawyer conducts a thorough review to determine what must be probated and what can transfer directly to heirs.

Why Hire a Local Colleyville Probate Lawyer?

Hiring a probate lawyer with local experience matters for three reasons:

• Local court knowledge: Our attorneys routinely appear before Tarrant County probate judges and clerks — we know local practices, filing nuances, and clerical preferences that streamline the case.
• Practical guidance: Executors often need help immediately (e.g., securing property, freezing accounts, or arranging funeral expense payments). A local lawyer acts quickly and effectively.
• Dispute resolution: When heirs disagree or creditors assert claims, a Colleyville probate lawyer provides negotiation, mediation, and litigation options tailored to the family and the estate’s needs.

Probate & Estate Services We Provide

Our firm offers full-service probate and estate administration, including:

1. Will validation and probate filings — Petitioning the probate court to admit wills and appoint executors or administrators.
2. Executor guidance — Step-by-step support for executors: inventories, appraisals, payment of debts, and final distributions.
3. Estate inventory & valuation — Identifying all assets (real property, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property) and obtaining valuations when needed.
4. Creditor claims & debt resolution — Notifying creditors, evaluating claims, and negotiating or defending claims against the estate.
5. Trust administration — Administering living trusts or testamentary trusts and advising trustees on duties and distributions.
6. Contested probate & will contests — Representing executors or beneficiaries in disputes over will validity, undue influence, fraud, or incapacity claims.
7. Small estate procedures & simplified probates — For qualifying cases, we pursue expedited or simplified methods to reduce time and cost.

Each estate is unique — we tailor our services to the needs and complexity of your case. For documents and sample checklists that help executors prepare, view more.

Step-by-Step: How Probate Works in Colleyville & Texas

The general probate timeline follows predictable stages. While timing varies by estate complexity and whether disputes arise, below is a clear roadmap:

1. Initial Consultation & Immediate Steps

We begin by reviewing the will, identifying potential immediate needs (protecting property, handling funeral expense payments, preserving perishable assets), and advising on actions to prevent misuse of estate assets. If someone else has custody of property or there’s a threat of dissipation, we file emergency motions to preserve assets.

2. Filing the Probate Case

An application (often called an “Application for Probate”) is filed in the appropriate Tarrant County probate court. The court will set a date for proving the will (admission to probate) and appoint an executor or administrator to act on behalf of the estate.

3. Notice to Creditors & Heirs

The law requires notice to interested parties and public notice to creditors. Proper notice gives creditors a limited period to file claims. We handle these notices accurately to protect the estate from unknown liability.

4. Inventory & Appraisal

The executor compiles a complete inventory of assets and arranges appraisals when necessary (e.g., real property, business valuations, or antiques). This step helps determine net estate value and informs distribution planning.

5. Payment of Debts, Taxes, and Administrative Expenses

Before distributions, valid claims and taxes must be paid. We help prioritize creditor payments, negotiate questionable claims, and ensure tax filings are completed.

6. Distribution & Closing the Estate

Once debts and taxes are resolved, assets are distributed in accordance with the will or Texas intestacy rules. We prepare final accounting for the court and obtain orders to close the estate.

Throughout, your Colleyville probate lawyer will prepare required filings, manage deadlines, and communicate with beneficiaries to reduce conflict and confusion.

Common Probate Problems & How We Solve Them

Probate can present unexpected obstacles. Below are frequent issues and how experienced counsel addresses them:

Will Contests & Undue Influence

Family members sometimes contest a will alleging lack of capacity, forgery, or undue influence. Our strategy is to gather evidence quickly — medical records, witness statements, and communications — and present a coherent defense or challenge depending on which side we represent.

Creditor Claims & Estate Insolvency

Large creditor claims can threaten an estate’s ability to satisfy beneficiaries. We evaluate claim validity, negotiate settlements, and pursue strategies to protect the estate, including prioritizing necessary payments.

Missing Heirs & Complex Beneficiary Situations

When beneficiaries live out of state or cannot be located, locating heirs and ensuring proper notice is crucial. Our firm employs proven methods to find missing heirs and ensure legal requirements are met.

Business Interests & Valuations

Estate administrations involving businesses or professional practices require certified valuations and careful division. We coordinate with financial experts and business appraisers to protect the estate’s value.

Why Choose Our Colleyville Probate Lawyers?

We blend legal skill with sensitivity. Clients choose us because we:

• Have proven experience in Tarrant County probate courts
• Explain complex legal issues in plain language
• Work to resolve conflicts early to avoid costly litigation
• Provide transparent fees and keep clients informed at every step
• Coordinate with tax professionals, appraisers, and mediators when needed

Read real client experiences and anonymized case studies on our practice page — view more.

Service Area — Colleyville & Surrounding Cities

We are proud to serve families across Tarrant County and nearby communities. Our service area includes, but is not limited to:

• Colleyville
• Grapevine
• Southlake
• Keller
• Bedford
• Euless
• Hurst

If your matter falls outside this list, contact us — we often handle cases across North Texas and will recommend local counsel if appropriate.

Probate FAQ — Voice Search & People Also Ask Optimized

How long does probate take in Texas?

Probate timelines vary. Simple uncontested probates often close in 6–9 months. More complex estates or contested matters can take 12–24 months or longer. Prompt action, complete documentation, and experienced legal support speed resolution.

Can probate be avoided?

Some assets avoid probate: accounts with named beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement plans), property held in joint tenancy, and assets placed in a properly funded revocable trust. Estate planning can reduce or eliminate the need for probate.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a probate lawyer?

Bring the original will (if available), copyright, recent bank and investment statements, property deeds, titles, insurance policies, and a list of known creditors. If you don’t have everything, bring what you do — we’ll guide the rest.

How much does probate cost in Colleyville?

Costs depend on estate size and complexity. There are court fees, attorney fees, and possible costs for appraisals and tax filings. We discuss fees transparently during the consultation and provide options to manage costs, such as simplified procedures when eligible.

Can I be removed as executor?

Yes — under certain conditions such as conflict of interest, incapacity, or failure to perform duties. If you face removal or suspect an executor is not performing properly, a probate attorney can advise on petitioning the court for remedies.

What if a creditor files a claim after distributions?

Creditors have specific windows to file claims. If a valid claim emerges after distribution, the estate (or distributed beneficiaries in some cases) may still face liability. We take precautionary steps to minimize post-distribution exposure.

Can I speed up probate?

Efficient documentation, use of small estate procedures when applicable, and an experienced attorney who files correctly and manages creditor notices can materially shorten probate timelines.

For an extended FAQ and scenario-specific answers, learn more on our detailed probate resources page.

How to Get Started with the Law Office of Kate Smith PLLC

Starting is simple:

1. Call +1 817-479-0534 or submit a confidential message via our practice page. (learn more)
2. Bring any estate documents you have to the initial consultation.
3. We’ll provide a clear plan, estimated timeline, and fee structure.

We handle immediate filings, creditor notices, and court appearances so families can focus on healing and closure.

Speak with a Colleyville Probate Lawyer Who Will Protect Your Family’s Interests

A thoughtful, experienced Colleyville probate lawyer reduces risk, prevents procedural mistakes, and ensures that distributions follow the decedent’s wishes or Texas law. Whether you are an executor unsure where to start, a beneficiary with questions, or facing a contested estate, our team provides practical counsel, attentive communication, and strong advocacy when needed.