The Fort Worth Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, is dedicated to supporting families across Tarrant County and North Texas as they navigate the government agencies involved in the probate process. When a loved one passes away, the estate often requires coordination with multiple state and federal offices, each with its own regulations, forms, and timelines. Our Fort Worth probate team helps executors, administrators, and heirs understand and complete these administrative steps with accuracy and efficiency.
Managing probate while grieving can feel overwhelming. Families must obtain legal documents, notify government agencies, process benefits, and update property records. Our office provides hands-on guidance to ensure these tasks are completed properly, preventing delays that can slow down or complicate probate proceedings.
Below is a detailed overview of the government and legal resources most commonly needed by Fort Worth families navigating probate.
How Government Agencies Affect the Probate Process
Probate often requires communication with several government entities, including:
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Texas Medicaid & MERP (Estate Recovery Program)
- Tarrant County Clerk & Real Property Records
- Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Local appraisal and tax offices
These agencies help verify records, process benefits, update property ownership, and provide required documentation for court filings. Understanding how these systems work is essential for a smooth probate process.
Our Fort Worth Office helps families identify which agencies they must contact, which forms are required, and how to complete each step correctly.
Texas Government & Legal Resources Available Through Our Fort Worth Office
Social Security Administration (SSA) Assistance
The SSA must be notified promptly when someone passes away. Unresolved benefits or errors can delay probate or lead to overpayments.
Our Fort Worth team helps families:
- Report a death to Social Security
- Apply for survivor or dependent benefits
- Stop automatic benefit payments
- Determine eligibility for SSI/SSDI support
- Understand death benefit options
Timely communication ensures financial accuracy and prevents administrative issues.
IRS and Estate Tax Guidance
Even though Texas has no state inheritance or estate tax, estates may still have federal tax responsibilities.
Our Fort Worth Office assists families with:
- Filing the decedent’s final income tax return
- Filing IRS Form 1041 for estate income
- Responding to IRS letters or audits
- Understanding federal estate tax thresholds
- Coordinating filings with accountants
Proper tax handling prevents penalties and ensures the estate can close smoothly.
Texas Vital Statistics – Death Certificates & Legal Records
Certified death certificates are required for financial, legal, and probate purposes.
We assist families with:
- Ordering certified death certificate copies
- Determining how many are needed for probate and asset transfers
- Understanding processing fees and timelines
- Obtaining additional certificates, such as marriage or birth records
These documents are essential for insurance claims, closing accounts, and probate filings.
Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)
If the decedent received Medicaid long-term care, MERP may seek reimbursement from estate assets.
Our Fort Worth Office guides families through:
- Understanding MERP rules and notifications
- Assessing eligibility for exemptions
- Filing hardship waivers
- Protecting heirs from unnecessary recovery claims
- Responding properly to MERP correspondence
Proper handling of MERP ensures fairness and protects family rights.
Tarrant County Clerk & Real Property Records
Many probate steps require updating or transferring property ownership.
We help with:
- Recording probate documents
- Obtaining certified deed copies
- Filing affidavits of heirship
- Correcting or updating property ownership
- Handling homestead and tax office inquiries
Correct documentation prevents title issues and ensures assets transfer to the proper heirs.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Resources
Families of veterans may qualify for valuable benefits.
Our office assists with:
- VA burial and memorial benefits
- Eligibility for national cemetery interment
- Military honors coordination
- Survivor benefits and claims
- Requesting service records or DD-214 forms
These benefits help honor the veteran’s service and reduce financial burdens.
Legal Aid & Senior Support Programs
Some Fort Worth families qualify for additional assistance through:
- Texas Legal Services Center
- Area Agency on Aging – North Central Texas
- Disability Rights Texas
- Tarrant County senior service programs
- Community-based support and financial assistance programs
These resources provide support to individuals facing legal or financial challenges during probate.
