Probate Help When You Need It Most
Losing someone is hard enough. The legal steps that follow shouldn't make it harder. As a probate attorney serving New Braunfels and Central Texas, I help families move through estate administration with clarity, patience, and personal attention — not a call center.
What Probate Actually Involves in Texas
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person's estate — paying any outstanding debts, transferring titled assets to the right people, and closing out the estate according to Texas law. Whether your family member left a detailed will or no estate plan at all, there is a legal path forward, and I can walk you through it.
Texas probate can be straightforward when handled correctly. The state offers several streamlined procedures that allow many estates to move through the process without prolonged court involvement. Understanding which process applies to your situation is the first step.
Probate With a Will vs. Probate Without One
The process looks different depending on whether your loved one had a valid will in place.
Probate With a Will
When a will exists, the goal is to validate it with the court and appoint the named executor to carry out its instructions. Texas allows many estates to proceed through independent administration, which limits court oversight and gives the executor more flexibility to settle the estate efficiently. I handle the filing, court appearances, and creditor notice requirements so the executor can focus on the family.
Probate Without a Will
When someone dies without a will in Texas, their estate passes according to state intestacy laws — and the process of determining who inherits what can be more involved. This is called intestate succession, and it requires identifying heirs, establishing their legal rights, and in some cases, appointing an administrator to manage the estate. I help families in this situation understand exactly where they stand and what options are available to them.
How I Help Families Through Estate Administration
Every probate case involves specific legal steps, and I handle them alongside you from start to finish. Here is what that typically includes:
I serve families in Comal County, Hays County, and throughout Central Texas, with offices in New Braunfels and a meeting space in San Marcos for clients in that area.
What Makes This Practice Different From a Larger Firm
When you call Accordance Law Firm, I answer — or my legal assistant does. There is no automated phone tree, no intake coordinator routing you through layers of staff, and no waiting days to hear whether someone received your message. For families navigating estate administration after a loss, that kind of direct access matters.
I live and practice in New Braunfels. I know this community. And I take the time to explain what is happening at each stage of the process so you are never left guessing what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Probate
How long does probate take in Texas?
Most Texas probates take between six months and a year to complete, though simpler estates can move faster. The timeline depends on the size of the estate, whether a will is present, how quickly creditors respond, and whether any complications arise. I can give you a realistic estimate once I understand the specifics of your situation.
Does every estate have to go through probate in Texas?
Not always. Assets held in a revocable trust, accounts with named beneficiaries, and property held jointly with right of survivorship typically transfer outside of probate. For estates that do require court involvement, Texas offers several simplified procedures that can reduce time and cost. An estate planning attorney can also help families avoid probate altogether for future generations.
What is the difference between an executor and an administrator?
An executor is the person named in a will to carry out its instructions. An administrator is appointed by the court when there is no will, or when the named executor is unable or unwilling to serve. Both roles carry legal responsibilities, and I help the person in either position understand what is expected of them throughout the process.
Can I handle Texas probate without an attorney?
Texas law generally requires an attorney to represent the estate in probate court proceedings. Even in cases where the estate seems straightforward, an attorney helps avoid procedural errors that can delay the process or create personal liability for the executor. A free consultation is a low-risk way to understand what your situation actually requires.
Do you handle probate in Comal County and Hays County?
Yes. I regularly handle probate matters in both Comal County and Hays County. My primary office is in New Braunfels, and I also meet with clients in San Marcos for matters filed in Hays County.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don't have to figure this out on your own. I offer a free consultation to help families in New Braunfels and Central Texas understand their probate options and what to expect. Call my office directly or submit a contact form and I'll be in touch promptly.
