The Southwest Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC proudly assists families throughout Southwest Houston—including Bellaire, Meyerland, Sharpstown, Westbury, Gulfton, and Braeswood—with the complex estate and asset management responsibilities required during probate. When a loved one passes away, the executor or administrator must immediately begin managing the estate’s financial, legal, and property-related duties. These tasks must be performed precisely and in accordance with Texas probate law to avoid delays or legal complications.

Many personal representatives feel overwhelmed by the probate process, especially when grieving or navigating family dynamics. Our Southwest probate attorneys help executors understand their duties, remain organized, comply with the law, and ensure all estate assets are identified, protected, and properly distributed.

What Estate Management Means in Texas Probate

Once the probate court appoints an executor or administrator, they must complete several legally required duties, including:

• Identifying and securing all estate assets
• Locating bank accounts, deeds, policies, and investment documents
• Preparing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
• Notifying creditors and reviewing submitted claims
• Managing estate finances and maintaining accurate records
• Paying approved debts and expenses
• Communicating with beneficiaries
• Distributing assets according to the will or Texas law
• Filing closing documents with the court

Our Southwest Office provides executors with tools and guidance to handle these responsibilities with confidence.

Estate & Asset Management Tools Available Through Our Southwest Office

Executor Checklists & Probate Timelines

Estate administration involves dozens of tasks and strict deadlines. To keep executors on track, our Southwest Office provides detailed checklists covering:

• Required probate court filings
• Creditor notification deadlines
• Inventory preparation dates
• Banking and tax responsibilities
• Beneficiary communication requirements
• Estate-closing procedures

Our checklists ensure important steps are not overlooked.

Asset Location Assistance

Executors must locate and verify every asset the decedent owned.

We assist families in identifying:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Investment and brokerage accounts
• Retirement plans (IRA, 401k, pensions)
• Life insurance policies and beneficiaries
• Real estate and mineral interests
• Vehicles and titled property
• Business interests and partnerships
• Safe deposit boxes and valuables
• Digital assets (online accounts, crypto, memberships)

Accurate asset identification ensures the estate inventory is complete and compliant.

Inventory, Appraisement & List of Claims

Texas law requires executors to file this inventory within 90 days unless the court grants an extension.

Our Southwest Office helps executors:

• Categorize estate property
• Determine fair market value
• Coordinate with appraisers when needed
• Identify debts and creditor claims
• Prepare and submit the inventory to probate court
• Respond to court-required revisions

A correct and thorough inventory ensures a smoother probate process.

Creditor Notification & Claim Handling

Executors must notify creditors according to Texas Estates Code and evaluate claims for accuracy.

We assist with:

• Drafting written creditor notices
• Publishing notice in Harris County-approved newspapers
• Reviewing creditor claims
• Rejecting invalid or fraudulent claims
• Paying legitimate claims in the correct order
• Maintaining documentation for court review

Proper creditor handling protects both the estate and the executor.

Estate Accounting & Recordkeeping Tools

Executors must maintain clear, accurate records of all estate transactions.

We provide:

• Income and expense tracking templates
• Payment logs and receipts organization
• Property distribution tracking sheets
• Final accounting preparation tools
• Guidance for setting up and managing an estate bank account

Proper accounting prevents disputes and supports timely court approval.

Property Protection & Transfer Assistance

Estate property must be secured immediately after a loved one passes.

Our Southwest Office helps executors:

• Secure residences and valuables
• Change locks and limit property access
• Maintain insurance and utilities
• Schedule inspections and appraisals
• Prepare and file deed transfers
• Address vehicle title changes
• Manage personal property inventories and distribution

Protecting property early prevents loss, damage, and disputes.