You most likely need probate, even if your deceased loved one left a will. A will does not have the legal authority to transfer assets until it is admitted to probate by the Probate Court and an executor or an administrator is appointed and has received “Letters Testamentary” or “Letters of Administration”. Admitting the will to the probate court requires going through the county court for approval to admit the will in compliance with the Texas Estates Code and other state laws.

CiCi can file the will with the county clerk, file the appropriate documents to request admission of the will by the court, attend the necessary probate court hearings, and aid the Executor in the procedures for distribution of estate.

If there is no will, then the Decedent died Intestate. Intestate means dying without a will. This most often requires a judicial determination of heirship proceeding wherein the court must issue an order regarding the heirs. The guidance to the court regarding heirs comes from the Texas Estates Code. There are many different methods of resolving estate issues both involving the court probate system, and some not involving the court system.  If you have a loved one who has died without a will, consult with CiCi to see what options regarding distributing the estate are available.

Attorney CiCi Cunningham represents you to enable you to plan for your family and to guide you through your desired estate planning goals. She maintains your interests and diligently represents her clients. She can give you legal advice, whether you are dealing with simple assets, like bank accounts, or complex ones, like business assets or retirement accounts.