The Richmond Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC proudly serves individuals and families throughout Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Katy, and the greater Fort Bend County area as they navigate the Texas probate process. Whether you are preparing to probate a will, administering a complex estate, or resolving a contested inheritance matter, our Richmond probate attorneys provide knowledgeable, compassionate guidance from start to finish.
Probate can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. Families coping with loss must simultaneously meet filing deadlines, gather court-required documents, secure estate property, and comply with Fort Bend County probate procedures. Even small mistakes—such as incomplete forms or missed deadlines—can result in significant delays.
Our Richmond Office works closely with executors, administrators, heirs, and beneficiaries to ensure full compliance with Texas probate law and local court rules. We help families understand every step of the probate journey and avoid unnecessary stress and complications.
Understanding the Role of Probate Courts in Texas
Texas probate courts handle all legal matters that arise after someone passes away. Their responsibilities include:
- Admitting wills into probate
- Appointing executors or administrators
- Ensuring debts, taxes, and creditor claims are properly resolved
- Reviewing inventories, appraisals, and accountings
- Settling disputes between beneficiaries or heirs
- Authorizing the legal transfer of property
- Ensuring that Texas law is followed in distributing the estate
For Richmond residents, probate cases are typically handled through the Fort Bend County Probate Court, which has its own filing requirements, documentation procedures, and court rules. Our attorneys are familiar with these local expectations and guide families accordingly.
How Our Richmond Office Helps Families Navigate Probate Court
From the time a loved one passes away until the estate is closed, our probate team provides comprehensive legal support and step-by-step guidance.
Preparing and Filing Probate Applications
Not every estate requires the same type of probate. Our Richmond team evaluates your situation and helps choose the appropriate method, including:
- Independent administration – Quicker and less expensive
- Dependent administration – Court-supervised probate
- Muniment of title – Ideal when no administration is necessary
- Small estate affidavit – For eligible low-value estates
- Heirship determination – Required when no valid will exists
We prepare all necessary documentation and file them correctly with the Fort Bend County Probate Court.
Gathering Required Documentation
Accurate documentation is essential for probate approval. We assist families with collecting:
- The original, signed will
- Certified death certificates
- Financial statements and bank records
- Retirement accounts and life insurance documentation
- Real property deeds and valuation reports
- Lists of debts, liabilities, and creditor information
- Marriage, divorce, and birth certificates
- Beneficiary and family information
Proper organization helps avoid delays during court review.
Coordinating Probate Court Hearings
Most probate cases require at least one hearing for the judge to validate the will and appoint the executor or administrator.
Our Richmond Office helps with:
- Scheduling hearings with Fort Bend County
- Preparing testimony and required documents
- Filing supporting paperwork before the hearing
- Explaining courtroom procedures and expectations
- Providing full legal representation at all hearings
We ensure clients feel prepared, informed, and supported throughout the process.
Supporting Executors & Administrators
Executors and administrators have significant legal responsibilities. Our Richmond probate attorneys guide them step-by-step through:
- Taking the oath and obtaining Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
- Locating and safeguarding estate assets
- Notifying creditors and evaluating claims
- Managing estate finances and expenses
- Filing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
- Communicating with beneficiaries
- Preparing final accountings
- Distributing estate property properly
We help ensure all actions comply with Texas law and court requirements.
Handling Contested Probate Matters
Conflicts can arise over wills, inheritance rights, or executor decisions. Our Richmond attorneys handle:
- Will contests
- Claims of undue influence or fraud
- Executor misconduct allegations
- Disputes between beneficiaries
- Contested heirship proceedings
We work to resolve disputes efficiently but are ready to litigate when necessary.
Probate Court Resources for Richmond Families
Our Richmond Office provides access to key probate tools and local resources designed to simplify the process:
• Fort Bend County Probate Court Directory
Includes court addresses, clerk contacts, filing hours, and e-filing instructions.
• Probate Forms & Filing Instructions
We assist with applications, inventories, heirship forms, notices, and more.
• Local Court Rules & Requirements
Fort Bend County follows specific procedures—our attorneys ensure full compliance.
• Hearing Procedures & Expectations
We help clients understand what happens during probate hearings and what documents are required.
• Independent vs. Dependent Administration Guidance
We help families choose the administration type best suited to their estate and circumstances.
• Ongoing Legal Support
From opening the estate to final distribution, we provide continuous legal guidance.
