The Austin Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, provides comprehensive estate and asset management support to families navigating probate in Travis County and throughout Central Texas. When someone passes away, the executor or administrator is legally responsible for gathering, protecting, valuing, and distributing all estate assets properly. These duties can feel overwhelming—especially when layered with grief, deadlines, and probate court requirements.
Our Austin team works closely with executors, heirs, and beneficiaries to ensure that every task is performed correctly and efficiently under Texas law. From locating financial accounts to preparing the court-required Inventory and Appraisement, we offer the tools and guidance families need to manage estate property from start to finish confidently.
What Estate Management Means in Texas Probate
Once the court appoints an executor or administrator, Texas law requires them to complete a series of responsibilities, including:
- Identifying all estate assets
- Securing property and financial accounts
- Locating deeds, insurance policies, and investment records
- Preparing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
- Notifying creditors and resolving legitimate claims
- Managing estate finances
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
- Filing final accountings when required
Our Austin Office ensures families understand each step and comply with Travis County probate procedures.
Estate & Asset Management Tools Available at Our Austin Office
Below are the services and tools our Austin probate team provides to help families efficiently administer an estate and avoid costly errors.
Executor Checklists & Timelines
Executors often underestimate the number of responsibilities they must manage. Our Austin office provides a detailed, step-by-step checklist that outlines:
- Court filing deadlines
- Required notices
- Inventory preparation steps
- Creditor claim timelines
- Reporting requirements
- Distribution procedures
These checklists ensure nothing is overlooked and help keep the probate case on track.
Asset Location Assistance
Finding all of a decedent’s property is one of the most challenging parts of probate. We help Austin-area families identify and locate:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Retirement plans, pensions, annuities
- Real estate deeds and mineral rights
- Vehicles, boats, and equipment
- Life insurance policies
- Digital assets such as online accounts, subscriptions, and cryptocurrency
Our team provides structured guidance to ensure all assets are properly identified, safeguarded, and documented.
Inventory & Appraisement Requirements
Texas probate courts require executors to file an Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims unless officially waived. Our Austin Office assists with:
- Categorizing all property
- Determining the accurate fair market value
- Calculating debts and liabilities
- Meeting the 90-day filing deadline
- Obtaining court approval when needed
Preparing a correct inventory is essential to completing the probate process and preventing objections from the court or beneficiaries.
Creditor Notification & Claim Handling
Executors must notify creditors and resolve legitimate debts. Our Austin team helps with:
- Drafting and mailing required notices
- Publication of creditor notices when needed
- Evaluating the validity of creditor claims
- Rejecting fraudulent or unsupported claims
- Paying approved debts in the correct statutory order
Proper creditor management protects the estate—and the executor—from financial liability.
Estate Accounting & Recordkeeping Tools
Executors must maintain detailed and accurate financial records. Our office provides:
- Estate accounting templates
- Payment and expense tracking sheets
- Asset distribution logs
- Ledgers for income and disbursements
- Final accounting preparation for court or beneficiaries
Transparent recordkeeping helps avoid disputes and ensures estate funds are managed properly.
Property Protection & Transfer Guidance
Immediately after a death, property must be protected. Our Austin office assists with:
- Securing real property
- Changing locks or restricting access
- Coordinating property inspections and appraisals
- Arranging for maintenance and repairs
- Advising on title transfers for real estate and vehicles
Protecting estate property helps preserve its value and prevents potential conflicts.