Protecting And Preserving Your Estate Through Probate Administration And Litigation
Make sure the wishes of your loved ones are respected with probate services from The Brinkley Law Firm. We will advise, guide and represent you through all stages of the probate and estate administration process. Based in Beaumont, we have worked with clients throughout Texas who needed help understanding this complex matter.
Understanding Probate And Estate Administration In Texas
The probate and estate administration process helps make sure that a deceased person’s assets are distributed legally and responsibly. The process begins when a will is submitted to the probate court.
If there is no will, the estate will be handled under Texas intestacy laws. Probate helps resolve debts, taxes and the rightful transfer of property.
A central figure in this process is the executor or estate administrator. This individual is either named in the will or appointed by the court. Their role includes:
- Collecting and valuing assets
- Paying debts and taxes
- Notifying beneficiaries
- Distributing the remaining estate
Executors must act in the best interest of the estate and handle matters with honesty, efficiency and care. Because the job can be overwhelming, many people turn to probate attorneys. If you are the executor for an estate, our founder, attorney Dean Brinkley, can guide you through the legal and procedural responsibilities.
Estate Litigation And Family Conflict
Unfortunately, the death of a loved one can sometimes lead to family disputes over property, money or inheritance rights. In Texas, estate litigation often arises when siblings, step-relatives or blended families disagree over how the estate is handled.
These emotionally charged situations can quickly escalate and create lasting damage to family relationships. One of the most common forms of estate litigation is a will contest. This occurs when a party believes the will is invalid or does not reflect the true intent of the deceased.
Contesting a will in Texas requires legal grounds, and not everyone can file such a challenge; only individuals with a direct financial interest in the outcome can do so. Typical reasons for a will contest include:
- Undue influence: When someone pressures the testator into changing their will unfairly
- Lack of capacity: The person making the will was not mentally capable at the time
- Fraud or forgery: The will was signed under false pretenses or not written by the deceased
- Improper execution: The will did not meet legal requirements, such as lacking witness signatures
Families facing these challenges often need the guidance of a skilled probate attorney to protect their rights and help ensure the estate is handled according to Texas law.
What You Can Expect From Us
Whatever your needs, our team has the experience and resources necessary to help with both contested and uncontested probate matters. We represent estate administrators as well as estate beneficiaries to ensure proper estate administration throughout the process. Every estate is different. We can help you navigate your specific situation. We have helped clients through many different areas of the law, including:
- Probating a will in court
- Assisting with estate administration
- Small estate affidavits
- Heirship proceedings
- Trust funding and administration
- Administration of estates where there is no will
- Family settlement agreements
- Handling disputes during probate
- Handling breach of fiduciary duty claims
Trusts are also particularly complicated. Since no two trusts are the same, how they are administered requires experienced representation. We can help you understand what steps to take in order to get the process done as soon as possible. We also work with those facing litigation. When an administrator or trustee does not fulfill their duties, they can be held responsible. When disputes arise over the interpretation of a will, it’s important to have the right attorney by your side.
Get Started By Calling Today
If you have questions about estate planning, probate or litigation, we can help. Call our Jefferson County office in Beaumont today at 409-359-8895 to discuss your case further. You can also email us.