If you are looking for a probate attorney Dallas, Texas, you may want to consider several things before making a final decision:
- You should know the cost of hiring a probate attorney Dallas.
- You should see the process of signing a will.
- It would help if you learned how to contest a will and file a small estate affidavit.
Costs of hiring a probate attorney Dallas
If you’re dealing with the property of a deceased family member, it’s best to consult with a Dallas probate lawyer. The legal process can take a long time, and the fees can add up.
Many factors can affect the costs of hiring a probate attorney, including the size and complexity of the estate. However, an experienced attorney can offer top-notch services for a reasonable price.
For example, a small affidavit may cost as little as $600. However, a more significant, complicated estate will cost thousands of dollars.
Another thing to consider is the quality of the legal advice you’ll get. In general, cheap lawyers will not provide top-notch services. However, a good lawyer can help you devise a more effective legal strategy that may span more than one day.
While there are some common ways to pay for legal advice, the most effective option is a retainer fee. Retainers create a steady, working relationship between the lawyer and the client.
Signing a will
If you are preparing a will for yourself or plan to prepare one for a loved one, it’s essential to make sure you know all the steps involved. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and help you ensure that your will is valid and effective when you die.
In Texas, a will must be probated. Probate is the legal process that allows you to legally recognize the death of a person and distribute their assets. The court will check to see if the last will is valid and that the person named as the executor can legally carry out that responsibility.
A probate attorney Dallas can guide you through the entire process. The attorney can also serve as the estate administrator or oversee the distribution of the estate. They can also act as your advocate if a dispute arises.
Filing the small estate affidavit
When someone passes away, the probate process can be time-consuming and expensive. This process includes distributing the deceased’s assets and debts, appointing an estate administrator, and notifying creditors. If you need help getting through the probate process, a Dallas probate attorney can help.
The small estate affidavit is a document that can be used to transfer property without going through the entire probate process. However, the testimony is only applicable to particular circumstances.
For example, if a person’s estate is under $75,000, they can file a Small Estate Affidavit with the court. These are filed with a court clerk to allow assets to be distributed to the heirs.
During this process, the person who files the affidavit must provide a list of the assets and liabilities of the decedent. They must also include the identity of the heirs. In addition, a disinterested witness must sign the affidavit.
Contesting the will
If you have doubts about the validity of your will or suspect someone else may have done something illegal, you can contest it. However, before you pursue a will contest, you should consult an experienced estate litigation attorney to determine the best course of action.
Wills in Texas are valid if they were properly executed and witnessed by two competent witnesses. However, they can also be contested for fraud or lack of testamentary capacity.
To prove that a will is invalid, you must be able to show that the testator did not have the mental capacity to understand the contents of the will. The court will also evaluate the intent of the testator. Generally, the rule of construction will govern ambiguous language in wills.
If you believe a will is defective, you can file an objection with the probate court. It must be filed within two years after the testator’s death.