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Losing Someone is Hard—Probate Shouldn't Make It Harder
Handling a loved one’s estate doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. We help make sense of the legal process, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Texas Probate Lawyer

Trusted Support for Every Step of the Probate Process

Key Takeaway

Probate comes with a lot of responsibility—and often, a lot of stress. Whether you’re handling the estate of a loved one or facing legal questions about the process, we’re here to help you manage every step clearly and efficiently.

When a loved one passes away, you’re suddenly faced with practical decisions in the middle of your grief. There are deadlines, court filings, and questions about property and debts. It can feel like you’ve been handed a complex process with no instructions.

At Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC, we guide families across Texas through probate with clarity and compassion. We take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most—your family and your peace of mind. A smooth probate process won’t erase your loss, but it can help you move forward without unnecessary stress.

Whether you’re preparing to settle an estate in Texas or planning ahead to spare your family from probate headaches later, we’re here to help.

What is Probate in Texas?

Probate is the court‑supervised process of transferring a person’s assets after they pass away. The court makes sure debts are paid and remaining property is distributed according to a Will—or, if there’s no Will, according to Texas intestacy laws.

Every probate case is unique. Some are straightforward with minimal court oversight, while others involve contested Wills, complex assets, or disagreements between family members. No matter the situation, we are here to help you navigate the process efficiently.

Our Texas Probate Services

Our team handles a wide range of probate and estate administration matters for clients throughout Texas:

  • Filing Wills and guiding executors through every step
  • Handling intestate probate (when there is no Will)
  • Managing creditor claims and ensuring debts are addressed correctly
  • Distributing assets and preparing final accountings
  • Resolving disputes or delays in contested estates
  • Administering estates with real estate, businesses, or out‑of‑state property
  • Advising on trust administration when probate may not be required

No matter where you are in the process, we offer practical solutions and responsive support.

What to Expect During Probate in Texas

Our approach is personal and proactive. We want you to feel supported, not overwhelmed.

1. We Begin With Clarity and Support

You don’t have to learn Texas probate law overnight. We explain what’s required, answer your questions, and lay out a clear plan from the start. We’ll handle the technical steps while you focus on your family.

2. We Keep You Informed

Probate can involve detailed timelines, filings, and communication with the court. We break it down for you in plain language, so you always know what’s happening and why.

3. We Reduce the Burden

From preparing court petitions to notifying beneficiaries and creditors, we handle the paperwork and deadlines. Our goal is to make the process as efficient and stress‑free as possible.

4. We Offer Transparent Fees

We explain our fee structure upfront. In many uncontested cases, we can work on a flat‑fee basis. For more complex or contested estates, we’ll provide an estimate and billing details so there are no surprises.

Types of Probate in Texas

Every estate is different, and the type of probate you need depends on your loved one’s situation.

Probate With a Will (Independent Administration)

If a valid Will exists, the executor named in the Will will carry out the decedent’s wishes. Texas allows many estates to go through “independent administration,” which means less court involvement and a faster timeline. We assist with:

  • Filing the Will in the appropriate Texas court
  • Obtaining official letters of testamentary for the executor
  • Notifying beneficiaries and creditors
  • Managing and distributing assets according to the Will

Probate Without a Will (Intestate Administration)

If there is no Will, Texas intestacy laws determine who inherits. This often involves more court oversight. We help you:

  • Petition the court for administration
  • Determine and verify heirs
  • File Small Estate Affidavits or Affidavits of Heirship when appropriate
  • Handle disputes that may arise between heirs

Muniment of Title

In certain situations, when there’s a valid Will and no unpaid debts, Texas law allows a simplified probate process called a “muniment of title.” This option can transfer property without appointing an executor. We’ll evaluate whether this streamlined approach fits your case.

Trust Administration

If your loved one’s assets are held in a trust, probate may not be required at all. We help trustees administer the trust, meet legal obligations, and ensure beneficiaries receive their distributions as intended.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Probate is smoother when there’s a well‑crafted estate plan. Without planning:

  • The state—not you—decides who inherits your property.
  • Your family may face court costs and delays.
  • Assets might be tied up for months or longer.

We also help clients design estate plans that minimize or avoid probate entirely through tools like:

  • Living trusts
  • Transfer‑on‑death deeds
  • Beneficiary designations on accounts

Planning now gives your family clarity later.

Serving Families Across Texas

From major cities to smaller communities, we work with families throughout Texas, including:

We offer in‑person meetings as well as virtual consultations, so no matter where you are in Texas, we can help.

Start Your Probate Process With Flatiron Legal Advisors

If you’ve been trying to manage this on your own—or you’re unsure what to do next—you don’t have to handle it alone. Let us guide you through the steps with clear advice and steady support.

Call Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC today or request a consultation online.

We’re here to help you move through probate with confidence and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does probate take in Texas?

Most uncontested cases wrap up within 6–12 months. Disputes, tax issues, or complex property can extend the timeline. We’ll give you an honest assessment based on your estate.

Do I have to appear in court?

Usually, yes—often just for a brief hearing. We prepare you ahead of time and handle as much as possible on your behalf.

What if I live outside Texas?

You can still serve as executor of a Texas estate even if you live elsewhere. We assist out‑of‑state clients regularly, coordinating filings and appearances as needed.

Can I handle probate on my own?

Texas courts generally require an executor or administrator to be represented by a licensed attorney when probating an estate.

Can you help me plan to avoid probate?

Yes. We create estate plans that simplify or bypass probate using trusts, deeds, and other strategies.

The Team Behind Your Case

Behind every successful case is a lawyer who knows how to get results. At Flatiron Legal Advisors, our team brings sharp legal insight and a practical approach to solving problems. We focus on what moves the needle—strong advocacy, smart strategy, and a commitment to getting the best possible outcome for you.

Dave Rich
Dave Rich
Founder and Attorney

Dave Rich is the founder and managing attorney of Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC. Mr. Rich has been practicing since 2008, in the areas of estate planning, divorce, real estate and probate law.

Michael Milazzo
Michael Milazzo
Chief Operating Officer and Attorney

Michael Milazzo is our Chief Operating Officer (COO) and an attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC. Mr. Milazzo is a former Ranger qualified U.S. Army Paratrooper who keeps the day to day operations at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC running tightly and maintains the firm’s focus on providing exceptional client service.

Alexandra M. Archilla Rodriguez Bynum
Alexandra M. Archilla Rodriguez Bynum
Contract Attorney

Alexandra (“Alex”) M. Archilla Rodriguez Bynum is a Family Law and Criminal Law contract attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC. Alex was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She attended Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.

Bart Balis
Bart Balis
Contract Bankruptcy Attorney

Bart Balis is a contract bankruptcy attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC. Bart has been practicing bankruptcy law for over thirty years. He represents both Debtors and Creditors, and files Chapter 7 liquidation cases, as well as Chapter 13 Plan cases for Debtors and Chapter 11 cases for business reorganizations.

Rachel Connor
Rachel Connor
Contract Family Law Attorney

Rachel Connor is a passionate contract family law attorney who zealously represents her clients throughout all stages of a case. Rachel is a skilled advocate and a compassionate representative able to skillfully navigate the emotionally charged issues that often arise within family law cases.

Andrea Corvin
Andrea Corvin
Contract Attorney

Andrea Corvin is an contract attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC with extensive divorce and family law and criminal trial and litigation experience. Andrea attended the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law where she was awarded Excellence Awards in Advanced Trial Practice, Civil Litigation, and Estate Planning.

Hollis Ann Crawford
Hollis Ann Crawford
Contract Criminal Law and Traffic Attorney

Hollis Ann Crawford is an independent contract Criminal Law and Traffic Attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC. Hollis was born and raised in the Denver area and graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in philosophy.

Cheryl Dial
Cheryl Dial
Accounts Manager

Cheryl Dial is the accounts receivable and accounts payable manager at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC. Cheryl is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to delivering top-tier bookkeeping services. She specializes in managing accounts receivable.

Christopher W. Fry
Christopher W. Fry
Contract Attorney

Christopher Wellington Fry is a contract attorney working on behalf of Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC. Mr. Fry has practical experience in resolving a wide variety of family law and divorce matters, as well as child support and debt collection.

Lee Gelman
Lee Gelman
Real Estate and Litigation Contract Attorney

Lee Gelman is a Real Estate and Litigation contract attorney at Flatiron Legal Advisors, PLLC. Lee has been practicing law since 1989. He has a Geology degree with concentration in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont and received his JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law in Chicago.

Dave Rich
Michael Milazzo
Alexandra M. Archilla Rodriguez Bynum
Bart Balis
Rachel Connor
Andrea Corvin
Hollis Ann Crawford
Cheryl Dial
Christopher W. Fry
Lee Gelman
Meet the team

Serving Texas Communities

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