Estate Planning and Probate in Texas: What You Need to Know

Estate Planning; Probate in Texas: What You Need to Know

By Kevin Acevedo – Ace Law | Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Business &; Civil
Litigation, Family Law, Estate Planning & Probate

Why Estate Planning Matters

Estate planning is about protecting your family, your assets, and your peace of mind. Without a
plan, the State decides who inherits your property and how it’s handled. With a solid estate plan,
you stay in control.
Key benefits of estate planning:
 Decide who receives your property.
 Appoint guardians for minor children.
 Avoid unnecessary taxes and court costs.
 Prevent family disputes.
 Protect your wishes if you become incapacitated.
Essential tools in estate planning:
 Will – Names heirs and appoints an executor.
 Trusts – Avoid probate and manage property efficiently.
 Power of Attorney – Grants authority for financial/legal matters.
 Medical Directive – Names who makes healthcare decisions for you.

 Beneficiary Designations – Ensure life insurance or retirement funds go directly to loved
ones.

Understanding Probate

Probate is the legal process that happens after someone passes away. The court oversees the
distribution of assets, payment of debts, and transfer of property.
Steps in probate:
1. Filing a petition in court.
2. Validating the will (if one exists).
3. Appointing an executor or administrator.
4. Inventorying property and assets.
5. Paying creditors and taxes.
6. Distributing remaining assets to heirs.
When is probate required?
 When property is owned solely in the deceased’s name.
 When there is no trust or transfer-on-death designation.
 When there are disputes among heirs.
Ways to avoid probate:
 Create a trust.
 Add joint ownership with right of survivorship.
 Use Transfer on Death (TOD) or Payable on Death (POD) designations.
Ace Law Can Help
At Ace Law, we guide families through the estate planning process to ensure their wishes are
honored and probate is minimized or avoided. If probate is required, we handle the process with
efficiency and compassion.

📞 Call Kevin Acevedo now for a FREE CONSULTATION at Ace Law: 713-344-1833