If you wish to secure the future of your loved ones, your wisest course of action is to write a will. As a written instruction on who will take possession of your assets, pay any final bills, and appropriately distribute your assets, a will is the most effective means of ensuring your family is protected when you are gone. The most effective way to handle this process is to hire a knowledgeable probate attorney to handle the will, estate planning, and probate process. Sung R. Kim, Attorney at Law, has the expertise to guide you through the complexities of validating your will and handling your estate.
Expert Probate Attorney in Longview, TX
As an expert on probate and estate law, Sung can provide crucial assistance in administrating the contents of a will as well as navigating the complexities of the Longview, Texas legal system. He is adept at the process and can counsel with and guide executors, trustees, beneficiaries, heirs, surviving spouses, and children through the probate process that is applicable to their particular circumstances.
There are many situations where it becomes necessary to hire a probate lawyer, including when:
- Your estate value exceeds the threshold of Inheritance Tax
- The deceased did not leave a will behind
- A relative doubts the validity of a will
- The deceased assets are held in complicated arrangements, like Trusts
- A bankruptcy has occurred
- There are foreign assets or properties involved
Our Will & Probate Services
Sung Kim is a skilled Longview probate attorney who is ready to guide your family through the probate process. Our comprehensive probate services ensure your family can focus on grieving, not legal issues.
Probate
- Probate of Will as Muniment of Title
- Probate of Will for Letters Testamentary
- Probate without a will (Determination of Heirship Cases with Independent Administration)
- Small Estate Affidavits
- Affidavit of Heirship
Property Transfers
- Executor's Deeds
- Lady Bird Deeds
- Transfer on Death Deeds
- General Deeds
Estate Planning Documents & Trusts
- Wills
- Power of Attorney (Statutory Durable and Medical)
- Directive to Physicians (Do Not Resuscitate)
- Revocable Trusts
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
Probate Litigation
- Will Contests
- Obtaining your Inheritance
- Contested Probates
- Representation against an Executor/Administrator/Trustee
Will & Probate Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if someone dies without a will in Texas?
If a person dies without a valid will, they are considered to have died intestate. Texas law then decides who inherits the estate. Assets are distributed according to the Texas Estates Code, which prioritizes spouses, children, and other close relatives.
However, interstacy succession isn’t always straightforward. That’s why it’s useful to have an experienced lawyer like Sung Kim. He can walk you through the probate process and explain your options if there are issues.
How long is the probate process?
Most straightforward Texas probate cases take 3 to 6 months, especially when there is a valid will and minimal disputes. More complicated estates (such as those involving creditor issues, real estate, missing heirs, or family disagreements) can take a year or longer.
What does the probate process look like?
While every estate is different, probate in Texas usually follows these steps:
- Filing an application for probate with the county court
- Validating the will (if one exists)
- Appointing an executor or administrator
- Notifying beneficiaries and creditors
- Inventorying estate assets
- Paying debts, taxes, and expenses
- Distributing remaining assets to heirs
Texas allows independent probate, which limits court involvement and helps speed up the process.
How can an attorney help me through probate?
A Texas probate attorney guides you through each step of the probate process and helps determine the most efficient approach for your specific situation. They prepare and file all required court documents, making sure everything is completed correctly and on time to avoid unnecessary delays.
An attorney also handles creditor claims and required legal notices, helping prevent disputes or costly mistakes. Throughout the process, they ensure that assets are distributed in accordance with Texas law.
For executors and administrators, having legal guidance is especially important because fiduciary duties come with legal responsibilities, and an attorney can help reduce stress while protecting you from personal liability.
What assets have to go through the probate process?
In Texas, probate generally applies only to assets that were owned solely by the deceased and do not have a designated beneficiary.
This commonly includes real estate titled only in the decedent’s name, bank accounts without payable-on-death designations, and personal property such as vehicles or valuable belongings.
Assets with named beneficiaries or specific ownership structures typically avoid probate. These may include life insurance policies, retirement accounts, payable-on-death bank accounts, jointly owned property with rights of survivorship, and assets held in a trust.
How much does probate cost?
The cost of probate in Texas depends largely on the size and complexity of the estate. Expenses often include court filing fees, attorney’s fees, and compensation for the executor or administrator.
Simple estates may only cost a few thousand dollars to probate, while larger or contested estates can be significantly more expensive.
Request a Consultation with a Longview, TX Probate Lawyer
If a family member or loved one has recently died, you may have specific legal rights, options, and obligations when it comes to handling probate issues. Our Longview, TX law office makes it easy for you to reach out for an initial consultation with our lawyers to consider your probate or potential probate dispute or litigation. Contact us today to learn more about the probate process in your situation.
