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Frequently Asked Questions about Probate and Estate Administration

Q: What is probate?

A: In general, probate is the court procedure by which a will's validity is proved, assets collected, creditors paid and the remaining assets distributed to beneficiaries under the will.

Q: What is a will contest?

A: A will contest is a legal action that challenges the validity of a will and/or the terms of the will. Will contests typically involve allegations that a will was inadequately executed, invalidated by a later will or was the result of forgery or undue influence.

A will contest can result in a significant delay in the distribution of a loved one's assets. Also, because the costs of will contest are paid out from the estate, the available funds can be significantly depleted. If you are concerned that a will may be subject to a will contest, contact an experienced probate and estate administration attorney right away.

The Law Office of Christina Lesher offers a full array of elder law services in the Houston, Texas area, serving residents of Houston and nearby communities such as Fort Bend, Galveston, and Sugar Land.

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Probate and Estate Information

Many people don't like to think about probate and estate matters. Here at the Law Office of Christina Lesher, we can hardly blame them: no one likes to make plans for their passing. But it is vital to do so, and it cannot be done without understanding the basics of probate and estate administration. In an effort to educate the general public about these issues, we offer the following information. If you are a senior or a loved one trying to manage a senior's affairs, read the following carefully.

Probate and Estate Administration - An Overview

Estate administration refers to the process of probating the estate of a decedent, which generally includes collecting, inventorying and appraising assets; paying and collecting debts; filing and paying estate taxes; and distributing any remaining assets to beneficiaries. An attorney experienced in probate and estate administration can help simplify this complicated process. If you need help in the administration of an estate, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with a probate attorney.

The Probate Process

Probate is the court process used to determine the validity of a will and oversee the payment of creditors and distribution of estate assets. Even if there is no valid will at the time of death, the estate will still go through the probate procedure. Since probate is regulated by state laws, there are specific procedures prescribed by each state for carrying out the process.

Role of the Executor

An executor is the person named by the creator of the will (the testator) to carry out the terms and provisions of the will. In addition to locating important documents and notifying Social Security, pension providers, annuity providers and other entities of the death, the executor has numerous other legal responsibilities.

Avoiding Probate

Assets disposed of outside the probate process are part of the non-probate estate. Because a probate proceeding is not required, these assets are distributed more quickly to the appropriate beneficiaries. Many people seek out these assets and ownership models to save their loved ones from the difficulties associated with going through probate.

Will Contests

The fact that a person leaves a will does not guarantee that her or his property will be distributed according to the will's terms. A court generally must provide an opportunity to allow others to object to the will, and a legal challenge, called a will contest, may be brought by anyone with an interest in the will who believes it is invalid.

Probate and Estate Administration Resource Links

Uniform Probate Code Locator
Maintained by Cornell University Law School, this site identifies the states that have adopted, at least in part, the Uniform Probate Code. Links are also provided to each state's version of the code.

Executors
This page is maintained by the H.E.L.P. organization, and provides an overview of the executor's, personal representatives', and trustee's estate administration responsibilities.

The Probate Process
This American Bar Association resource provides general information on the probate process, including information on the costs, how long the process takes and what types of estates pass through probate.

Wills and Estates: The Probate Process
This American Bar Association resource provides general information on the probate process.

SmartMoney® Estate Planning
Provides information to consumers on the process of gathering information and documentation for estate planning.

If you are still confused, don't worry. Christina Lesher has spent her career, both as a social worker and an elder law attorney, learning about probate, estate administration and much more. With her experience and empathy, there is no better choice if you need assistance in this legal field. Contact her today if you live in the Houston, Texas area and are seeking help.