The San Antonio Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC proudly supports families across San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Stone Oak, Leon Valley, Boerne, and the greater Bexar County area with comprehensive estate and asset management guidance during the probate process. When a loved one passes away, the executor or administrator must locate, secure, value, and properly distribute all estate assets—tasks that can be overwhelming without professional support.
Texas probate law imposes strict requirements on personal representatives. From preparing the Inventory & Appraisement to handling creditor claims and managing estate finances, every step must be completed accurately to avoid delays or legal liability. Our San Antonio probate attorneys provide clear direction, detailed tools, and hands-on support to help executors carry out their responsibilities with confidence.
What Estate Management Means in Texas Probate
Once appointed by the probate court, the executor or administrator must legally complete several duties, including:
- Identifying all estate assets
- Securing real and personal property
- Locating deeds, titles, and financial accounts
- Preparing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
- Notifying creditors and addressing claims
- Managing estate bank accounts and taxes
- Keeping accurate accounting records
- Communicating with beneficiaries
- Distributing assets according to the will or Texas law
- Filing closing documents with the probate court
Our San Antonio Office ensures families understand every requirement and complete each task properly.
Estate & Asset Management Tools Available Through Our San Antonio Office
Executor Checklists & Probate Timelines
Estate administration involves numerous legal and administrative steps. To help executors stay organized, our office provides detailed checklists covering:
- Required probate deadlines
- Court filings and notice requirements
- Inventory & appraisal timelines
- Accounting duties
- Beneficiary distribution procedures
- Estate-closing requirements
These tools keep the probate process moving smoothly and prevent overlooked obligations.
Asset Location Assistance
Locating all estate assets is one of the most important—and challenging—tasks for an executor.
Our San Antonio probate team assists in identifying:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Investment and brokerage accounts
- Retirement plans, IRAs, 401(k)s, and pensions
- Life insurance and annuity policies
- Real estate holdings and mineral interests
- Vehicles, boats, and titled property
- Business ownership and partnership interests
- Safe deposit boxes and valuable personal property
- Digital assets (crypto wallets, memberships, online accounts)
Accurate asset identification ensures a complete and compliant Inventory & Appraisement.
Inventory, Appraisement, & List of Claims Filing
Texas law requires the executor to file this inventory within 90 days of appointment unless the court grants an extension.
Our San Antonio Office assists executors with:
- Categorizing estate assets
- Determining fair market value
- Coordinating professional appraisals when necessary
- Listing all debts, liabilities, and creditor claims
- Preparing and filing the inventory with the court
- Responding to court inquiries or required revisions
A properly completed inventory is crucial for maintaining compliance and preventing probate delays.
Creditor Notification & Claim Evaluation
Executors must notify creditors according to Texas Estates Code and evaluate all claims for accuracy and validity.
We help executors:
- Draft and mail notices to known creditors
- Publish required notices in approved Bexar County newspapers
- Review submitted creditor claims
- Reject invalid or fraudulent claims
- Approve and pay legitimate debts in the correct legal order
- Document all correspondence and payments
Proper creditor handling shields the executor from personal liability.
Estate Accounting & Recordkeeping Tools
Transparent, thorough recordkeeping is essential throughout the probate process.
Our San Antonio Office provides:
- Income and expense tracking spreadsheets
- Logs for property sales or distributions
- Transaction records for estate bank accounts
- Templates for annual and final accountings
- Guidance on court-required financial reports
Accurate accounting prevents disputes and ensures a smooth estate closure.
Property Protection & Transfer Assistance
Estate property must be protected immediately after a death to prevent loss, damage, or disputes.
We assist executors with:
- Securing homes, rental properties, and storage areas
- Changing locks and limiting access
- Maintaining insurance and utilities
- Coordinating appraisals and inspections
- Preparing deeds and property transfer documents
- Managing vehicle title transfers through Texas DMV
- Overseeing personal property inventories and distributions
Proper property management ensures assets retain value and reach the correct beneficiaries.
