The Southwest Office of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC proudly supports families throughout Southwest Houston—including Bellaire, Meyerland, Westbury, Sharpstown, Gulfton, Braeswood, and surrounding communities—as they navigate the Texas probate process. Whether you are preparing to probate a will, administering an estate, or dealing with complicated family dynamics, our Southwest probate attorneys offer clear, compassionate, and experienced legal guidance at every step.
Probate often arrives during a difficult emotional period, and families are expected to understand complex court procedures, gather important documents, and meet strict deadlines. Even small mistakes—such as missing court requirements or providing incomplete documents—can cause probate delays. That is why our Southwest Office is dedicated to helping families complete every step correctly, efficiently, and with confidence.
Understanding the Role of Probate Courts in Texas
Texas probate courts oversee all legal matters that occur after someone passes away. Their responsibilities include:
- Admitting wills to probate
- Appointing executors or administrators
- Confirming ownership of estate assets
- Ensuring debts and taxes are properly handled
- Reviewing inventories and financial accounts
- Resolving disputes between heirs or beneficiaries
- Authorizing the transfer of real and personal property
- Enforcing compliance with the Texas Estates Code
For families in Southwest Houston, probate cases are typically handled in the Harris County Probate Courts, each with unique filing expectations, documentation requirements, and hearing procedures. Our Southwest Office is familiar with these local processes and ensures clients remain compliant at every stage.
How Our Southwest Office Helps Families Navigate Probate Court
From the moment a loved one passes away until the estate is fully settled, our probate attorneys support families with clear direction and ongoing communication.
Preparing and Filing Probate Applications
Not all probate cases follow the same process. Our Southwest Office evaluates your situation and recommends the appropriate probate method:
- Independent Administration – Faster and less expensive
- Dependent Administration – Requires court supervision
- Muniment of Title – Simplified probate when no administration is required
- Small Estate Affidavit – For eligible low-value estates
- Heirship Determination – When no valid will exists
We prepare all required documents and file them properly with the Harris County Probate Courts.
Gathering Required Documentation
A successful probate case depends on complete and accurate documentation. Our office helps families gather:
- The original, signed will
- Certified death certificates
- Financial statements (bank accounts, retirement accounts, insurance policies)
- Real property deeds and valuation information
- List of debts and creditor details
- Marriage, birth, or divorce certificates
- Beneficiary contact information
We ensure documentation is organized early to prevent delays.
Coordinating Probate Court Hearings
Most probate cases require at least one hearing before a judge can approve the appointment of an executor or administrator.
Our Southwest Office assists with:
- Scheduling hearings with the appropriate Harris County court
- Preparing testimony and documents needed to prove the will
- Submitting paperwork in advance of the hearing
- Explaining courtroom procedures and expectations
- Providing full attorney representation during all hearings
We ensure clients feel supported and confident in the courtroom.
Supporting Executors & Administrators
Executors have legally binding duties under Texas law. Our Southwest Office helps ensure compliance by assisting with:
- Taking the oath and obtaining Letters Testamentary or Administration
- Securing and inventorying assets
- Notifying creditors and evaluating claims
- Managing estate banking, bills, and taxes
- Filing the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
- Communicating with beneficiaries
- Preparing required court filings
- Distributing property correctly and responsibly
We help minimize executor stress and reduce the risk of legal issues.
Handling Contested Probate Matters
Family conflict can arise even in well-prepared estates, and probate disputes can delay proceedings considerably.
Our Southwest probate litigation team handles:
- Will contests
- Allegations of undue influence or incapacity
- Executor misconduct claims
- Beneficiary disagreements
- Contested heirship cases
We work toward peaceful resolutions but are fully prepared to litigate when necessary.
Probate Court Resources for Southwest Houston Families
Our Southwest Office provides vital tools to help guide families through probate:
• Harris County Probate Court Directory
Includes addresses, clerk contacts, filing hours, and e-filing instructions.
• Probate Forms & Filing Assistance
Help completing probate applications, inventories, heirship forms, and creditor notices.
• Local Court Rules & Procedures
Knowledge of Harris County’s unique filing expectations.
• Hearing Procedures & Expectations
Guidance on required documents and what to expect in probate hearings.
• Administration Type Recommendations
Support selecting the right administration type (independent vs. dependent).
• Continuous Legal Support
From first filing to final distribution, our attorneys provide full guidance.