When someone passes away with assets held solely in their name, probate may be required to transfer real estate, financial accounts, and other property to the proper heirs or beneficiaries. The process can involve court filings, creditor claims, deadlines, and questions about the executor’s responsibilities. Some estates may qualify for a simplified procedure, such as a muniment of title, when there is a valid will and no unpaid debts other than certain debts secured by real estate. The Goodson Firm P.C. reviews the estate’s circumstances, explains the available Texas probate procedures, and helps families determine the appropriate next steps.
Probate administration is essential for estates with:
If someone passes away without a will and the estate consists only of small assets (generally under $75,000 in most cases), Texas allows for a small estate affidavit, a simplified procedure that can be faster and less costly than full administration.
If the person left a valid will and the estate has no unpaid debts (other than a mortgage or other debt secured by real estate), a muniment of title may be available instead, allowing property to pass to heirs without the need for a full administration. We can help determine which simplified procedure, if any, fits your family’s situation.
Estate planning solutions tailored to your life, family, and goals.
We help you locate and catalog all estate assets—real property, financial accounts, vehicles, valuable personal property, and business interests.
If a will exists, we file it with the court and handle all necessary paperwork to have it admitted to probate.
The court appoints someone (named in the will, or determined by law) to manage the estate.
We ensure creditors are properly notified and that legitimate debts, final medical bills, and outstanding taxes are paid from estate funds before the estate is distributed to heirs.
Estate taxes, income taxes, and final individual returns must be filed correctly. We coordinate with tax professionals to ensure compliance and minimize unnecessary tax liability.
Once debts and taxes are settled, remaining assets are distributed according to the will or intestacy law.
We prepare and file the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims required by the court, providing an accurate accounting of the estate’s assets. When required, we also assist with a final accounting so beneficiaries receive a clear record of how the estate was administered.
We meet with you to understand the estate, discuss your concerns, and explain probate requirements specific to your situation. You’ll learn about timelines, costs, and what it means to be an executor.
We work with you to gather all necessary documents — the will, death certificate, deeds, and financial statements — and create a complete inventory of assets and liabilities. We then prepare and file the probate petition with the appropriate Texas court and handle all required notices to beneficiaries, heirs, and creditors.
We represent you at the probate hearing where the will is validated and you are formally appointed as executor. Once appointed, you receive Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration in certain cases — the legal document that authorizes you to act on behalf of the estate.
We guide you through the creditor notification period, evaluate claims, and ensure debts are paid in the correct order. With debts resolved, we assist in transferring assets to the appropriate beneficiaries — retitling real property, distributing financial accounts, and handling personal property.
We prepare and file the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims required by the court, giving an accurate accounting of the estate’s assets. Depending on the circumstances, we also prepare a final accounting to ensure beneficiaries have a clear, verified record of how the estate was administered.
Probate is one of the most consequential legal processes a Texas family can face — and one of the most manageable when you have the right guidance. At The Goodson Firm P.C., Leigh Hunt Goodson handles every aspect of probate administration with precision and care, from the first court filing to the final distribution. Whether your estate is straightforward or complex, we make sure nothing is missed, every deadline is met, and your family is protected throughout. Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss the estate and your next steps.
For a step-by-step overview, learn how probate works in Texas.
Ms. Leigh Goodson was fabulous in giving me advice for my father's situation. She was a wealth of knowledge and recommendations. We will be using her for further estate planning.
Leigh prepared estate documents for myself and my husband, and she did a fantastic job. Everyone at her office was friendly and easy to work with. The process was quick and easy, and we feel so much better knowing our affairs are in order. If anyone needs any estate planning help, I would 100% recommend Leigh and her office!
I knew from my experience working with attorneys for over 30 years that with a blended family my husband and I needed professional estate planning. Ms. Goodson provided us with excellent options and did a very thorough explanation of the pros and cons of each of them. She offered non-judgmental opinions and legal information about the equitable division of our blended families small estate. We chose to go with the more expensive trust option because it would be a simpler and less expensive probate for our children who almost all live out of state. She and her assistant made extra efforts to accommodate our schedule and the entire process was quickly completed. We highly recommend The Goodson Firm. P.C. for your estate planning and probate legal services.
Leigh Goodson is a professional attorney. She is available to clients and is responsive in urgent and standard matters. Her expertise has been very helpful. Highly recommend, The Goodson Firm.
Leigh Goodson is the attorney I trust to take care of my clients, friends, and family. She knows the law and works with her clients to make sure their priorities are addressed appropriately.
The right time to protect your legacy is before you need to. Schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting everything you have built and the people who matter most.
Locations in Tyler, Dallas, Plano, The Woodlands, & Bee Cave, Texas
