Probate is the legal process that takes place after someone dies. It involves verifying the validity of the deceased person’s Will (if there is one), identifying and inventorying the deceased person’s assets, paying any debts or taxes owed, and distributing the remaining assets to the heirs or beneficiaries.

If someone dies without a Will, it is known as dying “intestate.” When that happens then Texas law determines the distribution of the deceased person’s assets among the surviving family members, which may not align with the person’s wishes. Generally, the deceased person’s assets will be distributed to their surviving spouse. However, there are children outside the current marriage, those children will inherit property over the current spouse. To ensure your property passes according to your wishes, we recommend that you consult with an experienced attorney.

Online forms can be convenient and cost-effective, but they may not always be legally sound. These forms may not be tailored to the specific laws and requirements of Texas, and could result in errors or omissions that could invalidate your legal documents or complicate the process, making it more time consuming and expensive for your future executor to distribute your property. It’s important to consult with a qualified attorney to ensure that your legal documents are accurate and enforceable.