The Heights Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC provides comprehensive estate and asset management support for families navigating probate throughout The Heights, Houston, and the greater Harris County area. When a loved one passes away, the executor or administrator becomes responsible for locating, protecting, valuing, and distributing estate assets—responsibilities that can feel overwhelming without experienced legal guidance.
Texas probate law imposes strict duties on executors, and even small errors can delay probate or create personal liability. Our Heights probate attorneys offer clear, structured assistance to help executors fulfill their responsibilities accurately and efficiently. From preparing the Inventory, Appraisement & List of Claims to securing real estate and reviewing creditor claims, our team supports every stage of estate administration.
What Estate Management Means in Texas Probate
After court appointment, executors and administrators must complete several legally required duties, including:
- Identifying all estate assets
- Securing property, vehicles, valuables, and important documents
- Locating deeds, bank accounts, insurance policies, and investments
- Preparing the Inventory, Appraisement & List of Claims
- Sending proper notices to creditors
- Managing estate bank accounts and paying bills
- Handling tax matters and financial obligations
- Maintaining detailed accounting records
- Communicating with heirs and beneficiaries
- Distributing property according to the will or Texas law
Our Heights Office ensures executors remain compliant with the Texas Estates Code and the procedural requirements of Harris County Probate Courts.
Estate & Asset Management Tools Available Through Our Heights Office
Executor Checklists & Customized Probate Timelines
Probate involves many steps, each with specific deadlines. Our Heights Office provides customized checklists that outline:
- Court filing deadlines
- Beneficiary and creditor notice requirements
- Inventory preparation timelines
- Accounting and reporting responsibilities
- Tax filing deadlines
- Estate distribution procedures
- Estate closing requirements
These tools help executors stay organized and avoid compliance errors.
Asset Location Assistance
Accurately identifying estate assets is essential for proper probate administration. Our team assists families in locating:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Retirement plans (401(k), IRA, pensions)
- Brokerage accounts and mutual funds
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- Real estate and mineral interests
- Vehicles, boats, and other titled property
- Business interests or LLC holdings
- Safe deposit box contents
- Digital assets (online accounts, subscriptions, cryptocurrency)
We work to ensure no asset is overlooked or improperly valued.
Inventory, Appraisement & List of Claims Filing
Texas law generally requires executors to file the inventory within 90 days of appointment unless an extension is granted.
Our Heights Office assists with:
- Categorizing estate property
- Determining fair market values
- Coordinating professional appraisals for homes, vehicles, jewelry, or businesses
- Listing outstanding debts and creditor claims
- Preparing and filing the inventory with the Harris County Probate Court
- Correcting or supplementing filings when needed
A thorough and accurate inventory helps keep probate on track and protects the executor from liability.
Creditor Notification & Claim Review
Executors are legally required to identify creditors, provide proper notice, and evaluate submitted claims. Our team assists with:
- Drafting and mailing statutory notice letters
- Publishing required legal notices in Harris County–approved publications
- Reviewing creditor claims
- Rejecting invalid or improper claims
- Paying valid debts in the correct legal order
- Maintaining creditor documentation for court review
Proper creditor handling reduces the risk of disputes and personal liability.
Estate Accounting & Recordkeeping Tools
Executors must maintain clear and accurate financial records throughout probate. Our Heights Office provides guidance and templates for:
- Income and expense tracking
- Bank account reconciliation logs
- Property sale and distribution worksheets
- Interim and final accounting preparation
- Establishing and maintaining an estate bank account
Accurate accounting helps prevent disputes and supports final court approval.
Property Protection & Transfer Support
Estate property must be secured immediately after death. Our Heights team assists executors with:
- Changing locks and securing real property
- Coordinating property inspections and insurance updates
- Managing utilities, repairs, and maintenance
- Obtaining appraisals and market valuations
- Preparing and filing deeds for property transfer
- Vehicle title transfers and DMV filings
- Inventory and distribution of personal property
These steps help protect estate assets and ensure lawful, orderly distribution.
Ongoing Support Through the Heights Office
Estate administration does not end with a single filing. Our Heights Office probate attorneys remain available throughout the process to assist with documentation, court communication, asset management, and final estate closure—providing executors with confidence at every stage.