The San Antonio Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC proudly assists families across San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Converse, Live Oak, and the greater Bexar County region as they navigate the Texas probate process. Whether you are preparing to probate a will, administering an estate, or managing a contested probate dispute, our San Antonio probate attorneys provide experienced, compassionate, and clear legal guidance every step of the way.
Probate often arrives during one of life’s most emotional moments. Executors and families must quickly learn complex legal rules, manage deadlines, coordinate with government agencies, and gather extensive documentation. Even minor mistakes—such as misfiled paperwork or missed hearings—can lead to costly delays.
Our San Antonio Office helps families understand their responsibilities, meet all legal requirements, and navigate the probate process with confidence and support.
Understanding the Role of Probate Courts in Texas
Texas probate courts oversee all legal matters that arise when someone passes away. These courts are responsible for:
- Admitting wills to probate
- Appointing executors or administrators
- Ensuring debts, taxes, and creditors are addressed
- Reviewing inventories, financial accountings, and claims
- Resolving disputes between heirs or beneficiaries
- Authorizing the transfer of real and personal property
- Enforcing the Texas Estates Code
For San Antonio residents, probate cases are typically heard in the Bexar County Probate Courts, which have their own filing requirements, courtroom procedures, and documentation standards. Our attorneys are experienced with these local processes and help families comply fully with court expectations.
How Our San Antonio Office Helps Families Navigate Probate Court
From the moment a loved one passes away to the final distribution of assets, our probate team offers full-service legal support and compassionate guidance.
Preparing and Filing Probate Applications
Each estate may require a different type of probate procedure. Our San Antonio probate attorneys help families determine the correct path, such as:
- Independent administration – Less court involvement, faster overall
- Dependent administration – Court reviews every major step
- Muniment of title – Simplified probate when no administration is needed
- Small estate affidavit – For qualifying estates under Texas law
- Heirship determination – Used when no valid will exists
We prepare all paperwork, ensure compliance with Bexar County rules, and file documents promptly.
Gathering Required Documentation
Accurate documentation is essential for probate approval. Our San Antonio Office helps families gather:
- The original signed will
- Certified death certificates
- Bank statements and financial records
- Life insurance and retirement account information
- Real property deeds and tax records
- Lists of debts and creditors
- Marriage, divorce, or birth certificates as needed
- Beneficiary identities and contact information
Organizing these documents early helps avoid court delays and rejections.
Coordinating Probate Court Hearings
Most probate cases require at least one court hearing. Our attorneys assist with:
- Scheduling hearings with the correct Bexar County probate court
- Preparing testimony and supporting documents
- Submitting required filings before the hearing
- Explaining what happens in the courtroom
- Representing clients at all hearings
We ensure clients feel confident, prepared, and fully supported throughout the process.
Supporting Executors & Administrators
Executors face significant legal responsibility. Our San Antonio Office helps executors comply with Texas law by:
- Taking the oath and receiving Letters Testamentary or Administration
- Securing and inventorying estate assets
- Notifying creditors and evaluating claims
- Managing estate funds and keeping financial records
- Filing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
- Handling tax obligations and final returns
- Preparing closing documents and distributing assets properly
We help executors avoid liability and complete their duties efficiently.
Handling Contested Probate Matters
Disputes among heirs or challenges to a will can dramatically delay probate.
Our San Antonio probate litigation team handles:
- Will contests
- Claims of undue influence or lack of capacity
- Executor misconduct allegations
- Beneficiary disputes
- Contested heirship proceedings
We strive to resolve disputes through negotiation but are fully prepared to litigate when necessary.
Probate Court Resources for San Antonio Families
Our San Antonio Office provides access to essential probate tools, including:
• Bexar County Probate Court Directory
Addresses, clerk contacts, filing hours, and e-filing instructions.
• Probate Forms & Filing Instructions
Assistance with applications, inventories, creditor notices, and heirship forms.
• Local Court Rules & Requirements
Our attorneys ensure all filings follow Bexar County procedural rules.
• Hearing Procedures & Preparation
Guidance on who must attend and what documents are required.
• Administration Type Guidance
Support determining whether independent or dependent administration is appropriate.
• Continuous Legal Support
From filing to final distribution, our attorneys remain available to assist throughout the probate process.
