Wills & Probate
Legal Will Services in Texas
A will is a means of controlling how your assets are handled after your death. It is a legal document describing in detail how your property is to be distributed and your children cared for.
A person who neglects drafting a will leaves property unclaimed, making the probate process much more complicated for the remaining heirs.
According to Texas law, assets involving land and related improvements are considered real property. Those which involve cash or material possessions are termed personal property.
Together, real and personal property make up the whole of your financial assets. When it comes to end-of-life decisions involving these assets, your health, and your family, a qualified attorney from The Duke Firm can assist you in directing:
- How you would like to see your real and personal property inherited
- Who you would like to see granted guardianship of your children
- Who will have the power of attorney to make financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them
- How advanced medical care should be administered to you and who will be given medical power of attorney should you become incapacitated
With the legal support of a knowledgeable attorney, you can give your family peace of mind in knowing that all of your affairs are in order.
Probate Administration
In the state of Texas, all legal wills and estate plans must be verified in probate court before assets are administered. The act of validating a will, called probate, involves the distribution of assets by a court-appointed representative. Its primary function is to protect the interests of creditors and beneficiaries while facilitating the distribution process.
Probate administration can involve two different types of proceedings:
- Independent administrations, where a valid legal will exists
- Dependent administrations, where there is no legal will in existence or all named beneficiaries are disqualified from inheritance
Whichever situation applies, the attorneys at The Duke Firm can guide you through the process of asset distribution, debt liquidation, and dispute resolution. We offer experienced advice to help the probate process run as smoothly as possible while minimizing conflict, delay, and expense.
Contact Us
The Duke Firm provides quality legal support in the following metro areas:
