What is probate?

Probate is a court-overseen process in Texas for distributing the assets of a deceased person’s estate. The probate procedure is initiated when the deceased person leaves a last will and testament (or does not) and is used to identify and collect any assets owned, pay debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining property to the rightful heirs and beneficiaries according to the instructions in the will. This process is supervised by a court-appointed independent administrator or executor. Probate also involves collecting and preserving all estate assets, publishing notices, providing creditors with the opportunity to file claims, and protecting the estate from creditors and taxes, if necessary. In Texas, probate can be a lengthy and costly process, but it is necessary to ensure that all of the deceased person’s assets are properly accounted for and distributed according to their wishes. Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, probate can take anywhere from several months to several years to finalize.

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What is probate?

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