Frequently asked Questions 
HOW DIFFICULT IS PROBATE?
In spite of all of the terrible stories that are circulated, probate is typically a very simple and low-cost procedure.
· Application is made to probate the will. This is a two-page document to which the original of your will is attached.
· The Court Clerk publishes notice.
· If everything has been done properly, only one court appearance is normally required, and it is a very brief (5-10 minute) hearing. The executor is sworn in and Letters Testamentary are issued.
· A letter testamentary is a document which gives the executor the legal right to deal with the deceased’s property.
· An inventory of the estate is filed. (This is a very simple form which can be completed with the help of your attorney’s office staff.)
· The executor then simply follows the instructions set out in the Will.
· Unless there are many, many debts owed, or the Will is contested, the estate should be distributed in a very short period of time.
· If there are a large number of bills owed, it will take some planning between the executor and the attorney to preserve estate assets, but doing so is not normally a long, drawn-out or expensive approach.
Probate in Texas is a simple straightforward (often misunderstood) process.
DO I NEED A TRUST?
As a part of your will, you may wish to provide for the care of children or others over a period of time after your death. This is a simple process and is included in the flat fee wills provided by this firm.
Trusts can serve many uses and can be utilized for many special purposes, including tax planning wills, but even the simplest of wills and the most modest estates may contain trusts.
WHAT IS A LIVING WILL?