Probate
Losing someone is hard enough. Navigating what comes next shouldn't have to be.
If you've recently lost a loved one and found yourself responsible for settling their estate, you may be wondering where to even begin. Whether you're a named executor trying to fulfill that responsibility, or a family member trying to figure out what happens to a parent's home and accounts, the legal process that governs all of it is called probate — and it doesn't have to be as overwhelming as it sounds.
At Jennings Law Firm, Bethany guides Texas families through the probate process with patience, clarity, and genuine care for what you're going through. You focus on your family. She handles the legal complexity.
What is Probate?
Probate is the court supervised legal process through which a deceased person's estate is administered. It validates the will (if one exists), appoints someone with legal authority to act on behalf of the estate, ensures debts and taxes are properly paid, and distributes the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries.
The Texas probate process is governed by the Texas Estates Code. While Texas has earned a reputation for having one of the more streamlined probate systems in the country, the process still involves legal filings, creditor notices, court hearings, and specific deadlines that matter.
What If There Is No Will?
When someone dies without a valid will in Texas, the estate is still subject to probate — but the process becomes more complicated. There is no named executor, so the court appoints an administrator. The estate is then distributed according to Texas intestate succession laws under Texas Estates Code, which follow a specific estate administration process. The court will decide who the beneficiaries are and how the assets are divided. Bethany will work with families through this process with understanding and careful consideration.
Alternatives to Full Probate
Not every estate in Texas requires a full probate proceeding. Depending on the size and nature of the estate, there may be faster and less expensive alternatives available including Muniment of Title, Small Estate Affidavit, and Affidavit of Heirship.
Each of these alternatives has specific requirements and limitations. Bethany will help you evaluate which path is appropriate for your specific situation — and make sure you don't choose a shortcut that creates larger problems down the road.
How Bethany Can Help
Bethany has spent her career working with estates of every size and complexity — drafting documents during her years in private practice, and administering trusts and estates from the inside of two Texas bank wealth management departments. She has seen what happens when probate is handled well, and when it isn't.
When you come to Jennings Law Firm during the probate process, you are not handed off to a paralegal or left to figure out the paperwork on your own. Bethany works directly with every client, explains what is happening and why at every step, and makes sure the estate is administered accurately and efficiently — so you can focus your energy where it belongs.
You don't have to figure this out alone. Your first consultation is completely free. It's a 30-minute phone call — no commitment, no pressure, just a conversation about where you are and what you need.
Have questions first? Leave us a message or give us a call.