Families often learn about probate and estate issues during difficult periods. A relative has died, property is frozen, and court paperwork feels foreign. The legal team at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard understands how stressful that moment can be, and we work to guide families in Falls County through each step under Texas law clearly and respectfully.

Texas probate rules can feel confusing, especially when real estate, small family businesses, or blended families are involved. A Falls County estate and probate attorney from our firm will focus on practical steps, plain language, and a plan that fits your family’s needs rather than vague legal talk or delay.

A Brief Look at How Probate Works

Probate is the court process used to recognize a person’s death, identify property, pay valid debts, and transfer remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries. In Texas, most probate cases are handled in county courts, and Falls County residents follow the Texas Estates Code.

The first step usually involves filing an application to probate a will or to open an intestate estate if there is no will. The court will then schedule a hearing to confirm the death, determine whether a will is valid, and appoint a personal representative. That representative must gather property, notify creditors, and work with the court until the estate is closed.

A key choice in Texas probate is whether the estate qualifies for independent administration. When the court allows this approach, the personal representative can act with fewer hearings and less constant court supervision, which often saves time and expense for the family. A Falls County estate and probate lawyer from our firm will explain whether independent administration is possible and help prepare the needed documents.

Common Estate Issues for Texas Families

Falls County families often face similar questions when an estate opens. Property titles may list more than one owner, old debts appear in the mail, or distant relatives call with their own ideas about what should happen. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard helps families address these concerns in a structured manner.

Many estates involve:

• Rural land or homesteads that have been in the family for decades.
• Oil, gas, or mineral interests that no one has reviewed in years.
• Small businesses, farm operations, or rental properties that need management during probate.

Your Falls County estate and probate attorney will review the will, deeds, and financial records and will outline how Texas law treats each category of property. Careful review at the start of the case often prevents later disputes and reduces the chance of surprise claims.

Probate When There is No Will

Losing a loved one without a valid will can cause anxiety for everyone involved. Texas intestacy law controls who inherits when there is no will, and those rules depend on whether the person was married, had children, or owned separate property. The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard will walk you through those rules step by step so that family members understand their legal rights.

When there is no will, the court may require additional procedures, such as a determination of heirship. During an heirship case, the court hears evidence about the decedent’s family tree and then issues an order naming the legal heirs. We will prepare witnesses, gather records, and present clear evidence so the court can make an informed decision.

Planning Ahead to Ease the Probate Process

Thoughtful planning can make future probate much simpler for your family. For example, clear wills that describe property, name an executor, and waive certain bond and accounting requirements can reduce delays after death. A wills and probate attorney from our office will draft documents that reflect your values, family structure, and long-term wishes.

We can also discuss non-probate transfers, such as beneficiary designations on life insurance and payable-on-death accounts. These tools allow certain assets to pass outside of probate while still fitting within a larger estate plan for your Falls County property and bank accounts.

How The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard Approaches Probate Cases

Every family comes to us with a different story. Some relatives live across Texas or out of state, while others live on the same road as the family land. Our firm structure allows us to respond to these realities in a personal way while still following strict court deadlines.

An attorney from The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard can analyze the will and property records to build a clear inventory of the estate. We can also communicate with the personal representative and heirs so that everyone understands the major steps. Our probate team will prepare the required notices, help track deadlines, and guide you through hearings so the estate can close in an orderly fashion. 

A Falls County Estate and Probate Attorney is Ready to Help When Probate Disputes Arise

Families in Falls County who face probate questions, need to plan an estate, or find themselves in a dispute, can speak with The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard about their concerns. Our Falls County estate and probate lawyer will listen carefully, explain Texas procedures in plain language, and work to protect both your legal rights and your family’s future. We encourage you to contact our office online or call 254-781-4222 for a free consultation.