Estate Planning and Probate

Estate planning provides clear instructions for the future. It can also make difficult decisions easier for the people you trust. After a death, probate and estate administration help transfer property, address valid debts, and distribute the estate according to the will and Texas law.

An estate planning and probate attorney can help you prepare the right documents, understand your options, and avoid preventable complications.

Lindsey Law assists individuals, families, executors, and beneficiaries in Fort Worth, Granbury, and surrounding communities.

Estate-planning services

A well-designed estate plan should reflect your family, property, and personal priorities. It should also identify the people who will make financial or medical decisions if you cannot act for yourself.

Lindsey Law assists clients with:

• Wills for individuals and married couples
• Durable powers of attorney
• Medical powers of attorney and advance directives
• Declarations of guardian and related planning documents
• Review and coordination of beneficiary designations and non-probate assets
• Planning for blended families and adult children

Estate planning involves more than completing standard forms. For example, beneficiary designations, jointly owned property, and other non-probate assets may pass outside a will. Therefore, these assets should be reviewed as part of the overall plan.

Planning based on your circumstances

Every family has different concerns. Some clients want a straightforward will and powers of attorney. Others need to plan for children from a prior marriage, coordinate beneficiary designations, or select the right person to serve as executor.

Scott Lindsey works directly with clients to understand their goals and explain their options. As a result, clients can make informed decisions about their wills and other estate-planning documents.

Probate and estate-administration services

Probate is the legal process used to recognize a will, appoint an executor, and administer certain property after a person’s death. The steps required in a particular estate depend on the assets, the will, and the surrounding circumstances.

The Texas Estates Code governs many aspects of probate and estate administration.

Lindsey Law assists executors and families with:

• Applications to probate a will and appoint an executor
• Independent estate administrations
• Notices to beneficiaries and creditors
• Inventories and affidavits in lieu of inventory
• Collection, management, and transfer of estate assets
• Coordination with trustees when a will transfers assets into a trust
• Closing and distribution of the estate

Clear guidance through an unfamiliar process

Many people encounter the Texas probate system for the first time after the death of a family member. At the same time, they may be handling financial records, family questions, and practical responsibilities.

Scott helps clients understand each stage of probate and estate administration. He explains what the court requires, identifies upcoming decisions, and helps the executor move the estate toward distribution and closing.

Frequently asked questions

What does an estate planning and probate attorney do?

An estate planning and probate attorney helps clients prepare wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and related documents. The attorney may also guide executors through probate and estate administration after a person dies.

What estate-planning documents does Lindsey Law prepare?

Lindsey Law prepares wills, durable powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, advance directives, declarations of guardian, and related planning documents. The appropriate documents depend on the client’s family, assets, and objectives.

What happens during probate in Texas?

The probate process may include filing an application with the appropriate court, proving the will, appointing an executor, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, addressing estate property and debts, and distributing the remaining assets. The required steps vary by estate.

Does every estate have to go through probate?

No. Whether probate is necessary depends on how the deceased person owned the property, the value and type of assets, and whether valid beneficiary designations or other transfer arrangements exist. An attorney can review the circumstances and explain the available procedures.

Where does Lindsey Law provide estate planning and probate services?

Lindsey Law assists estate-planning and probate clients in Fort Worth, Granbury, and surrounding communities. Meetings are available by appointment, including by videoconference when appropriate.