The Humble Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, provides comprehensive estate and asset management support to families throughout Humble, Atascocita, Kingwood, and the greater Northeast Houston region. After the loss of a loved one, the executor or administrator becomes responsible for identifying, protecting, valuing, and properly distributing the estate’s assets. These duties can feel overwhelming, especially when combined with grief, family tension, and the formal requirements of Texas probate law.
Our Humble probate attorneys guide families through every step of estate administration—ensuring compliance with the Texas Estates Code and Harris County probate procedures. We offer the tools, resources, and legal support necessary to help executors fulfill their obligations confidently and avoid costly mistakes.
What Estate Management Means in Texas Probate
Once appointed by the court, an executor or administrator must complete several legal duties, including:
- Identifying all estate assets
- Securing homes, vehicles, and valuables
- Locating financial accounts, deeds, and insurance policies
- Preparing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
- Notifying creditors and addressing valid claims
- Managing ongoing estate finances
- Tracking all payments and distributions
- Completing required filings with the court
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries according to law or the will
Our Humble Office provides the structure and support needed to complete each step accurately.
Estate & Asset Management Tools Available Through Our Humble Office
Executor Checklists & Timelines
Estate administration involves many steps—each with its own deadline. To help executors stay organized, we provide detailed checklists covering:
- Probate filing deadlines
- Required creditor and beneficiary notices
- Inventory preparation timelines
- Appraisal and property valuation schedules
- Required tax filings
- Final distribution and closing procedures
Our checklists ensure nothing is overlooked and every requirement is met on time.
Asset Location Assistance
Locating all estate assets can be one of the most complex tasks in probate. Our Humble team helps families identify and document:
- Bank accounts and credit union holdings
- Retirement plans, annuities, and pensions
- Life insurance policies and beneficiaries
- Real estate, mineral interests, and property tax records
- Vehicles, boats, and titled personal property
- Business ownership interests
- Safe deposit boxes and collectibles
- Digital assets such as cryptocurrency, online accounts, and memberships
Thorough asset identification ensures an accurate and complete Inventory and Appraisement.
Inventory & Appraisement Requirements
Texas law requires the executor to file an Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims within 90 days unless the court grants an extension.
Our Humble Office assists with:
- Categorizing and listing all estate assets
- Determining fair market value for each item
- Coordinating professional appraisals when needed
- Identifying debts and creditor claims
- Preparing the inventory for court submission
- Responding to court inquiries or requests for revisions
Accurate and timely inventory filing helps prevent delays and objections.
Creditor Notification & Claim Handling
Executors must notify creditors and address claims in accordance with Texas Estates Code.
We assist executors by:
- Drafting and mailing written notices to known creditors
- Publishing required public notices in approved newspapers
- Evaluating the validity of creditor claims
- Denying fraudulent or unsupported claims
- Paying legitimate debts in the correct legal order
- Ensuring compliance to avoid personal liability
Proper creditor management protects both the executor and the estate.
Estate Accounting & Recordkeeping Tools
Executors are legally required to maintain transparent, accurate records of all estate transactions.
Our Humble Office provides:
- Income and expense tracking worksheets
- Distribution logs for beneficiaries
- Estate bank account management tools
- Templates for annual and final accountings
- Guidance on court-required financial reports
Strong accounting protects the executor and reduces the risk of disputes.
Property Protection & Transfer Assistance
Estate property must be protected immediately after death. Our team helps families:
- Secure homes and investment properties
- Change locks and restrict access
- Maintain utilities, insurance, and tax payments
- Arrange property inspections and appraisals
- Prepare and file deed transfers for real property
- Navigate vehicle title transfers
- Manage personal property distribution
Protecting assets helps preserve estate value and prevents inheritance conflicts.
