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The Fort Worth Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, is dedicated to helping families across Tarrant County manage the responsibilities involved in administering an estate after the loss of a loved one. Probate often requires careful attention to detail, strict adherence to court rules, and the ability to locate, secure, and properly distribute estate assets. Our Fort Worth probate team provides executors, administrators, and beneficiaries with the knowledge, tools, and legal support necessary to complete these tasks efficiently and correctly.
Estate administration is not just a paperwork process—it is a complex legal obligation that carries significant responsibility. Executors must identify assets, protect estate property, pay debts, notify creditors, and communicate with beneficiaries—all while remaining in compliance with Texas law and Tarrant County procedures. Our Fort Worth Office helps families complete these steps with confidence, organization, and legal precision.
What Estate Management Means in Texas Probate
After the court appoints an executor or administrator, Texas law imposes several key responsibilities, including:
- Identifying and securing all estate assets
- Locating financial accounts, insurance policies, and deeds
- Preparing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
- Providing required notices to creditors
- Determining the validity of creditor claims
- Managing and protecting estate finances
- Distributing property to beneficiaries appropriately
- Filing annual or final accountings when required
Our Fort Worth Office ensures families understand these requirements and helps them fulfill each step smoothly.
Estate & Asset Management Tools Available Through Our Fort Worth Office
Executor Checklists & Timelines
Executors often underestimate the number of steps involved in probate. Our Fort Worth Office provides structured, easy-to-follow checklists that outline:
- Court filing deadlines
- Documentation requirements
- Notice deadlines to creditors and beneficiaries
- Inventory preparation timelines
- Tax responsibility reminders
- Distribution procedures
These tools help executors stay organized and prevent costly delays.
Asset Location Assistance
Locating estate assets is often one of the most challenging aspects of probate. Our Fort Worth attorneys assist families in identifying:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Retirement plans, annuities, and pensions
- Life insurance policies and beneficiary documents
- Real estate deeds, property tax records, and mineral interests
- Vehicles, equipment, and titled property
- Business interests and partnership documentation
- Safe deposit box contents
- Digital assets (crypto, online accounts, recurring subscriptions)
Proper asset identification ensures accuracy in the inventory and prevents assets from going unclaimed.
Inventory & Appraisement Requirements
Texas law requires executors to file an Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims unless excused by the court. Our Fort Worth team assists with:
- Categorizing all real and personal property
- Determining fair market value
- Coordinating professional appraisals when needed
- Listing outstanding debts and liabilities
- Ensuring the inventory is filed within the 90-day deadline
- Responding to court questions or required corrections
A properly prepared inventory protects the executor and ensures probate moves forward without complications.
Creditor Notification & Claim Handling
Executors are legally required to notify creditors and resolve valid claims according to Texas Estates Code.
Our Fort Worth Office assists with:
- Drafting and mailing notice letters to known creditors
- Publishing notice in an approved Tarrant County newspaper
- Evaluating the legitimacy of claims
- Denying fraudulent or unsupported claims
- Paying approved debts in the correct statutory order
Proper creditor handling protects both the estate and the executor from liability.
Estate Accounting & Recordkeeping Tools
Proper accounting is essential for avoiding disputes and ensuring transparency among beneficiaries.
We provide:
- Accounting templates
- Expense and payment logs
- Income and disbursement ledgers
- Property distribution tracking tools
- Guidance for preparing final accountings required by the court
Accurate recordkeeping keeps the probate process clean, organized, and dispute-free.
Property Protection & Transfer Guidance
After a death, estate property must be secured immediately to prevent loss or damage.
Our Fort Worth Office guides executors through:
- Securing homes, rental properties, and personal belongings
- Changing locks and restricting access
- Coordinating property inspections and appraisal visits
- Handling necessary repairs and maintenance
- Advising on deed transfers or vehicle title changes
- Keeping insurance policies active during probate
Protecting property preserves estate value and reduces potential disputes among heirs.
