Probate and Estate Administration
A steady hand through an unfamiliar process
Probate is legal work.
It is also personal.
After a death, families are often asked to make important decisions while they are still grieving. A will may need to be admitted to probate, an executor or administrator may need authority to act, and property, debts, notices, claims, and distributions must be handled in the correct order.
The Law Office of Kerry G. Tilley, PLLC helps executors, administrators, beneficiaries, and families understand what Texas law requires and what comes next. We explain the process in clear language, identify the procedure suited to the estate, and guide the matter toward an orderly resolution.
The personal representative's role
Authority carries responsibility.
An executor or administrator is responsible for gathering and protecting estate property, providing required notices, handling valid obligations, maintaining records, and distributing remaining assets to the people legally entitled to receive them.
We help personal representatives understand their fiduciary duties, meet important deadlines, respond to creditors and beneficiaries, and document the administration carefully from beginning to end.
The procedure should fit the estate
Probate and estate-administration services.
Texas law provides several procedures. The right one depends on the will, family, assets, debts, timing, and whether disagreements exist.
Independent Administration
Estate administration with limited court supervision when authorized by the will or established under Texas law.
Dependent Administration
Court-supervised administration requiring approvals, accountings, and careful compliance at each stage.
Muniment of Title
A streamlined option that may transfer property under a will when formal administration is unnecessary and statutory requirements are met.
Heirship Proceedings
A court proceeding to identify a decedent's heirs and their respective shares when inheritance is not controlled by a probated will.
Small Estate Affidavits
A limited procedure available for certain qualifying intestate estates after statutory requirements are satisfied.
Probate Disputes
Counsel for will contests, fiduciary concerns, beneficiary disagreements, creditor issues, and contested estate matters.
You do not have to navigate probate alone.
Let us help you understand the estate and move forward with a clear plan.
Experience. Knowledge. Compassion.
Legal guidance
that respects the
weight of the moment.
Probate does not have to feel like a maze of unfamiliar filings and deadlines. We provide organized, responsive counsel so you can understand the decisions ahead, fulfill your responsibilities, and protect the estate.
When conflict develops, we help evaluate the issues early, seek practical solutions where possible, and advocate for the estate, fiduciary, beneficiary, or heir when court intervention becomes necessary.
Steady Guidance Through Probate
You do not have to navigate probate alone. Click the link below to schedule a consultation today to discuss the next steps for your family.