Texas Probate Law Blog Archive | Bryan Fagan Law Office

Texas Probate Law Blog Archive | Bryan Fagan Law Office

Ancillary probate concept with model house, cash, glasses, and pen on legal documents, relating to Texas estate planning and probate law.

Explore Texas Probate & Legal Blog CategoriesWhat Assets Have to Go Through Ancillary Probate in Texas? How Title and Deeds Affect the Process

If you’re handling an estate that includes out-of-state property, you’ve probably found yourself asking, what assets have to go through ancillary probate in Texas? It’s a valid and important question—especially when you’re already managing the emotional and legal weight of someone’s passing. The last thing most families expect is a second probate case in a […]

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Woman pondering differences between 401(k) and IRA, with text bubbles highlighting each term, relevant to discussions on retirement accounts and probate law in Texas.

Do IRAs or 401k Go Thru Probate in Texas? How the Court Handles Retirement Accounts

If you’ve been wondering, do IRAs or 401k go thru probate in Texas, you’re not alone. With the complexity of estate planning laws and retirement accounts, it’s easy to get lost in the legal jargon. Yet, the answer to this question can have a massive impact on your loved ones and your financial legacy. In

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Gavel and book labeled "PROBATE" on wooden table, symbolizing probate law and legal proceedings in Texas estate planning.

Are Texas Probate Records Public? How to Locate Old or Archived Probate Cases

If you’ve ever wondered, “Are Texas probate records public?”—you’re not alone. Whether you’re researching a family member’s estate, tracing property ownership, or even trying to verify the outcome of a will contest, knowing how Texas handles probate records can make all the difference. And yes, in most cases, Texas probate records are public—but that doesn’t

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Holographic will document with a gavel, symbolizing probate law and estate planning in Texas.

How to Probate a Holographic Will in Texas? How Courts Determine Authenticity

When a loved one passes away, their will determines how their assets are distributed. But what happens if they left a handwritten will without witnesses? In Texas, this is called a holographic will, and while it is legal, probating it can be a complex process. Understanding how to probate a holographic will in Texas is

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Judge in courtroom holding gavel, symbolizing legal authority in probate hearings and estate planning.

What to Expect at Probate Hearing in Texas? The Difference Between Formal and Informal Hearings

Losing a loved one is difficult, and dealing with the legal process that follows can be overwhelming. If you are handling an estate, you may wonder what to expect at a probate hearing in Texas. Understanding the probate process, the differences between formal and informal hearings, and what happens in court can help you navigate

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Gavel and plaque reading "Petition for Probate," symbolizing legal proceedings in Texas probate law.

How to File a Petition for Probate in Texas? Key Documents You Need

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone passes away. If you’re wondering how to file a petition for probate in Texas, you’re not alone many people find the process confusing and overwhelming. Whether there’s a will or not, Texas law requires estates to go through probate to ensure assets are distributed

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Hands holding a last will and testament document with the word "CONTESTED" prominently displayed, relevant to discussions on contested wills in Texas probate law.

Which Court Has Jurisdiction Over Probate Texas? How to Handle Contested Wills

When a loved one passes away, handling their estate can be an emotional and legally complex process. Many families immediately ask, “Which court has jurisdiction over probate Texas?” Understanding the correct probate court is crucial since Texas probate law varies based on the type of will, estate size, and potential disputes. This guide explains Texas

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Sealed white envelope with red wax seal, sealing wax stick, and blank stationery on wooden surface, symbolizing legal documentation in probate law.

How to Probate a Joint Will in Texas? How Assets Are Distributed

When dealing with estate planning, many couples choose to create a joint will to simplify the distribution of assets after their passing. If you are responsible for handling an estate and need to probate a joint will in Texas, understanding the legal process is essential. Texas probate laws govern how joint wills are executed, and

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Consultation between a lawyer and client discussing legal documents related to estate planning and probate law, with a coffee cup on the table.

How to File Probate in Texas Without a Will? Understanding the Legal Process

When a loved one passes away without a will in Texas, their estate must go through probate to ensure assets are distributed legally. This process, known as intestate probate, follows Texas laws to determine who inherits the deceased person’s estate. Without a will, probate can become complex, but understanding the legal process can help ease

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Gavel resting on a black book titled "Probate Law" beside a small red and wooden house model, symbolizing estate planning and probate processes in Texas.

How to File a Probate Claim in Texas? What Creditors and Heirs Need to Know

Dealing with probate in Texas can feel overwhelming, whether you are a creditor seeking payment from a deceased person’s estate or an heir trying to claim your inheritance. Understanding how to file a probate claim in Texas is crucial to ensuring that financial matters are properly settled and that all claims are addressed according to

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