The Richmond Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC supports families throughout Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Katy, and Fort Bend County with comprehensive estate and asset management guidance during probate. Once the court appoints an executor or administrator, they become responsible for locating, protecting, valuing, and distributing all assets of the estate. These responsibilities can be complex, time-sensitive, and overwhelming—especially when families are coping with grief.
Our Richmond probate attorneys work closely with executors, beneficiaries, and heirs to ensure every step of estate administration is handled correctly and in compliance with Texas Estates Code. From preparing the Inventory and Appraisement to managing creditor claims and securing property, our team provides the tools and legal support needed to navigate probate with confidence and efficiency.
What Estate Management Means in Texas Probate
Executors and administrators must complete a series of legally required tasks after being appointed by the court, including:
- Identifying all estate assets
- Securing real and personal property
- Locating deeds, titles, policies, and financial accounts
- Preparing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
- Notifying creditors and handling claims
- Managing estate bank accounts, taxes, and debts
- Keeping detailed accounting records
- Distributing property to beneficiaries
- Filing closing documents with the court
Our Richmond Office ensures each step is done accurately to prevent delays or legal complications.
Estate & Asset Management Tools Available Through Our Richmond Office
Executor Checklists & Probate Timelines
Executors often underestimate the number of legal and administrative steps involved. To keep the process organized, we provide custom checklists covering:
- Important probate filing deadlines
- Required notices to beneficiaries and creditors
- Inventory and appraisal timelines
- Tax and insurance responsibilities
- Distribution procedures
- Estate-closing tasks
These checklists ensure executors stay on track and avoid costly mistakes.
Asset Location Assistance
Identifying all estate assets is a crucial part of probate. Our Richmond attorneys assist families in locating:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Brokerage accounts, investments, and retirement plans
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- Real estate and mineral interests
- Vehicles and titled property
- Business ownership interests
- Safe deposit boxes and valuable personal property
- Digital assets such as crypto, online memberships, and stored data
Thorough asset identification helps ensure the estate inventory is complete and accurate.
Inventory & Appraisement Filing
Texas probate courts require executors to file an Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims within 90 days of appointment unless the court grants an extension.
Our Richmond Office assists with:
- Classifying estate assets
- Determining fair market value
- Arranging professional appraisals
- Identifying debts and creditor claims
- Preparing and submitting the inventory to the court
- Responding to any court questions or required revisions
Accurate inventory filing protects both the estate and the executor.
Creditor Notification & Claim Handling
Executors must properly notify creditors and evaluate claims to avoid liability.
Our attorneys help with:
- Drafting written notices to known creditors
- Publishing creditor notices in approved Fort Bend County newspapers
- Reviewing and verifying claims
- Rejecting fraudulent or unsupported claims
- Paying approved debts in the legally required order
- Documenting everything for future court review
Proper creditor management ensures compliance with Texas law.
Estate Accounting & Financial Management Tools
Executors must maintain detailed, transparent records throughout probate.
Our Richmond team provides:
- Accounting templates and spreadsheets
- Expense and transaction logs
- Property distribution tracking sheets
- Tools for preparing final accountings
- Guidance for maintaining proper estate bank accounts
Accurate accounting reduces disputes and helps the estate close smoothly.
Property Protection & Transfer Assistance
Estate property must be secured and properly managed as soon as possible after the decedent’s passing.
Our office assists with:
- Securing homes, rental properties, and valuables
- Changing locks and controlling access
- Coordinating inspections, appraisals, and maintenance
- Ensuring insurance and taxes remain current
- Preparing and recording property deeds
- Handling vehicle title transfers with the Texas DMV
Proper property protection preserves estate value and prevents inheritance disputes.
