The Dallas Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC supports families throughout Dallas County and North Texas as they navigate the legal and financial responsibilities of estate and asset management during probate. When a loved one passes away, executors and administrators take on significant duties—often while managing grief and family dynamics. Our Dallas probate attorneys provide the tools, structure, and legal guidance needed to manage estates correctly and in compliance with Texas law.
Estate administration involves more than identifying property. Executors must secure assets, locate financial accounts, evaluate debts, communicate with beneficiaries, file required court documents, and maintain accurate records. The Dallas Office helps personal representatives stay organized, meet deadlines, and avoid costly probate delays or court complications.
What Estate Management Means in Texas Probate
After a personal representative (executor or administrator) is appointed by the court, they must complete several legal and financial tasks, including:
- Identifying all estate assets, including overlooked or unknown property
- Securing real and personal property
- Locating deeds, insurance policies, and financial records
- Preparing and filing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
- Providing required creditor notices
- Reviewing and resolving creditor claims
- Managing ongoing estate expenses
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
- Filing final accounting documents when required
Our Dallas probate lawyers guide clients through each step under the Texas Estates Code and Dallas County probate court requirements.
Estate & Asset Management Tools Available at Our Dallas Office
Our Dallas Office offers practical tools and legal support designed to make estate administration efficient, organized, and legally compliant.
Executor Checklists & Timelines
Many executors underestimate the number of steps required during probate. We provide clear checklists and timelines outlining:
- Probate filing deadlines
- Required notices to beneficiaries and creditors
- Inventory completion requirements
- Tax and reporting obligations
- Asset distribution procedures
These tools help executors stay on track and reduce the risk of missed deadlines.
Asset Location Assistance
Identifying all estate assets can be one of the most challenging aspects of probate. Our Dallas team assists with locating and verifying:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Brokerage accounts and retirement plans
- Real estate deeds, tax records, and mineral interests
- Business ownership interests
- Vehicles, boats, and recreational property
- Life insurance policies
- Safe deposit box contents
- Digital assets, including online accounts and cryptocurrency
We help ensure all assets are properly inventoried and accounted for.
Inventory & Appraisement Requirements
Unless excused by the court, Texas law requires the filing of an Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims within 90 days. Our Dallas Office assists with:
- Categorizing estate property
- Determining fair market values
- Coordinating professional appraisals
- Listing debts and liabilities
- Filing inventories on time
- Responding to court requests or revisions
A properly prepared inventory protects the executor and supports court approval.
Creditor Notification & Claim Handling
Executors must properly notify creditors and address valid claims before distributing assets. Our Dallas probate team helps clients:
- Send required notices to known creditors
- Publish notices for unknown creditors
- Review and evaluate creditor claims
- Reject improper or invalid claims
- Pay approved claims in statutory order
Correct handling of claims helps avoid legal disputes and personal liability.
Estate Accounting & Recordkeeping Tools
Accurate financial records are essential throughout probate. We provide:
- Estate accounting templates
- Expense and income tracking worksheets
- Distribution logs for beneficiaries
- Final accounting checklists
Clear recordkeeping promotes transparency and supports final estate approval.
Property Protection & Transfer Guidance
Estate property must be protected immediately following a death. Our Dallas Office assists executors with:
- Securing real estate and personal property
- Documenting property conditions
- Coordinating repairs and maintenance
- Managing insurance and property taxes
- Guiding title transfers for homes and vehicles
Proper property management preserves estate value and reduces conflicts.
