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Probate Lawyer in Southlake, TX
When a loved one passes, you need steady guidance. The Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC helps Southlake families navigate Texas probate from filings to final distribution—clearly, respectfully, and efficiently.
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Local Support for Southlake Families
Probate can feel overwhelming—deadlines, court requirements, creditor notices, real property transfers, and family dynamics. Our firm provides a calm, organized process and handles the legal details so you can focus on what matters most. As your probate counsel near Southlake, we advise executors, administrators, and beneficiaries on the right path for the estate and keep the process moving.
At the Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC, we work to minimize delays, reduce avoidable costs, and keep communication clear. Whether the estate is straightforward or involves contested issues, we structure each matter to align with Texas law and your family’s goals.
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Compassionate, detail-focused counsel—Southlake families trust our firm to simplify each step of probate.
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Visit Us — Minutes from Southlake
We’re close by and ready to help with filings, notices, real estate transfers, and final distributions.
| Firm | Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC |
|---|---|
| Address | 6500 Colleyville Blvd Suite 100, Colleyville, TX 76034 |
| Phone | (817) 479-0534 |
| Website | https://katesmithlaw.com/ |
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Convenient to Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville, Keller, and surrounding communities.
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What Is Probate—and Do We Need It?
Probate is the legal process to recognize a will (if one exists), identify heirs, appoint a personal representative, gather assets, pay valid debts and taxes, and distribute what remains to beneficiaries. In Texas, probate is generally required when the deceased owned assets in their name alone without beneficiary designations or survivorship rights. Some assets—like life insurance with named beneficiaries, POD/TOD accounts, or property held with survivorship—may pass outside probate.
We help you determine the least burdensome path: full probate when necessary, or streamlined alternatives when available. Our goal: a clear, efficient resolution that honors your loved one’s wishes and complies with Texas law.
Texas Probate Pathways We Handle
Independent Administration
Often the most efficient option when a valid will names an independent executor or the heirs agree to independence. After court appointment, the executor acts with reduced court supervision—saving time and expense while still fulfilling fiduciary duties.
Dependent Administration
Used when oversight is necessary or required—such as disputes among heirs or creditor complexity. The court supervises more steps, but it can protect beneficiaries and provide greater transparency in contested estates.
Muniment of Title
A streamlined option when there’s a valid will, no unpaid debts (other than secured real estate), and no need for full administration. The court admits the will as a muniment (evidence) of title, allowing transfer of assets—often ideal for real property.
Small Estate Affidavit
When there’s no will and the total value of the estate (excluding homestead and exempt property) is below statutory limits, a small estate affidavit can transfer certain assets without full probate.
Affidavit of Heirship
For certain real property transfers, an affidavit of heirship—signed by disinterested witnesses—can be recorded to establish heirs without opening an estate, when appropriate for the facts.
Heirship & Administration
If no will exists, we establish heirs through an heirship proceeding and seek appointment of an administrator. We prepare the evidence, filings, and notices to proceed correctly and efficiently.
Your Role as Executor or Administrator
Personal representatives carry fiduciary duties—acting in the best interests of the estate, keeping clear records, and following Texas law. We support you at each step:
- Open the estate, qualify, and obtain letters testamentary or letters of administration.
- Inventory and value assets; manage real property, financial accounts, and business interests.
- Provide required notices to beneficiaries and creditors.
- Address valid creditor claims and resolve disputes where possible.
- Handle tax considerations and filings as needed.
- Distribute assets and close the estate with accurate accounting.
Homes, Real Property & Financial Accounts
Southlake estates commonly involve homesteads, second homes, investment properties, and business interests. We coordinate deeds, title work, and, when necessary, court approvals for sales or distributions. For financial accounts, we help secure date-of-death balances, retitle or liquidate accounts, and align transfers with the will or heirship findings.
If the estate includes assets outside Texas, we evaluate ancillary probate needs and coordinate with out-of-state counsel when appropriate.
Typical Texas Probate Timeline
- Consult & Strategy: Review documents, asset list, family details, and goals; choose the correct pathway.
- File & Qualify: Prepare filings; attend the hearing to appoint the personal representative and obtain letters.
- Notices & Inventory: Notify beneficiaries/creditors; gather and list assets; handle valuations.
- Claims & Administration: Evaluate and pay valid claims; manage property; prepare tax items as needed.
- Distributions & Closing: Distribute remaining assets per the will or heirship; finalize accounting and close the estate.
Timelines vary by complexity, asset mix, and family circumstances. We work proactively to avoid bottlenecks and keep you informed.
Contested Probate & Will Challenges
Disagreements happen—even in close families. We handle contested issues with professionalism and discretion, from will contests and fiduciary disputes to challenges involving capacity, undue influence, or ambiguous provisions. Our approach emphasizes early issue-spotting, documentation, and focused strategy to protect the estate and reduce escalation where possible.
Talk to a Probate Lawyer Near Southlake
Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC
6500 Colleyville Blvd Suite 100, Colleyville, TX 76034
Call: (817) 479-0534
Website: katesmithlaw.com
Call Now Schedule a Consultation
Proudly serving Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Keller, and North Tarrant County.
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