Probate Actions:

Probate Lawyer in Houston (2025): Guiding Families Through What Comes Next

Losing a loved one is hard enough. Sorting out their estate afterward shouldn’t make things harder. At The Lange Firm, we help families across Houston and Texas navigate the probate process with clarity, compassion, and legal know-how.

Whether you’re the named executor in a will, the adult child trying to make sense of your parent’s finances, or someone who isn’t sure where to begin, we’re here to walk you through every step.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of handling someone’s estate after they die. It involves proving that a will is valid (if there is one), identifying assets, paying off debts, and distributing what’s left to the rightful heirs.

If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it often is. But you don’t have to do it alone.

What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?

A probate lawyer helps you carry out your loved one’s final wishes while staying in line with Texas law. That might mean:

Helping file the will and open probate in court
Guiding you through your duties as executor or administrator
Notifying heirs and creditors
Helping with property transfers and title issues
Navigating disputes between family members

We also make sure deadlines are met, paperwork is accurate, and surprises are minimized.

Why You Need a Probate Lawyer in Houston, Texas

Texas probate rules are strict. Miss a deadline, file the wrong form, or distribute assets too soon, and you could end up personally liable. A probate lawyer doesn’t just make things easier—they help you avoid costly mistakes.

Plus, local experience matters. We know how Houston-area probate courts operate. We know the judges. We know how to handle complications with real estate, oil royalties, blended families, or missing wills.

With a Will

With a Will, the process to get your inheritance is not terribly complicated. For the Court to approve a run-of-the-mill Will is infinitely simpler than when someone dies without a Will. So, a Will, even a hand written Will, greatly reduces the costs and work related obtaining your inheritance. This is why having a Will can be a great gift to your family. You are not leaving them a mess. Your legacy would be one of care and compassion, and you know to whom you would be leaving your property.

Having a will can significantly reduce the costs, stress, and complications for your loved ones. Even a handwritten will can be a great gift to your family, ensuring your legacy is one of care and planning, not confusion and disputes. This is why having a Will can be a great gift to your family. You are not leaving them a mess. Your legacy would be one of care and compassion, and you know to whom you would be leaving your property.

Without a Will

If the deceased passed away without a will, the probate process becomes more complex. This situation, known as intestate succession, requires careful legal consideration. Options to resolve an estate without a will include: Like I wrote above, this is why leaving a Will is a great service you can do for your family. It is best not to leave them in a position where they face delays. And, dying without a Will opens your family up to situations where infighting can occur. Surely, no one wants their legacy to be the mess and pain that they left their family.

As your probate lawyer in Houston Texas, I will guide you through these options to determine the most effective course of action. Like I wrote above, this is why leaving a Will is a great service you can do for your family. It is best not to leave them in a position where they face delays. And, dying without a Will opens your family up to situations where infighting can occur. Surely, no one wants their legacy to be the mess and pain that they left their family.

Emergency Administration

In certain situations, an estate requires immediate action. If someone passes away and no one has legal authority to act, the estate's value may be at risk. For example: A house under contract for sale. Livestock requiring urgent care, such as food or water. In these cases, I can help you pursue a temporary administration. A court-appointed temporary administrator ensures that urgent matters are handled until the full probate process begins. Proper estate planning, such as a revocable living trust, can also help prevent delays.

Other Issues

There are also other issues related to probate such as resolving family disputes with a family settlement agreement or trying to get the Court to approve a lost Will. On the subject of a lost Will, you may also run into issues of trying to gain access to a safety deposit box in order to search for a Will that may or may not be lost. All of these issues are things with which a probate attorney near you, like my Firm, can help you.

Integrity First

He upholds the highest ethical standards, ensuring honesty and transparency in all client interactions.

Client centric excellence

His clients are the heartbeat of his practice. he prioritizes their needs and objectives, delivering client-centric excellence at every stage.

Advocacy for justice

He is driven by a deep-seated passion for justice. Advocacy is not just a part of his practice; it's his purpose.

Why is Probate needed?

Not all assets pass automatically to heirs. Probate is typically needed when:

There is real estate involved
There is no beneficiary named on certain accounts
There is a will that must be proven
There are debts to resolve or disputes to settle

Think of probate as the court-approved process for tying up loose ends and making sure everything is done the right way.

Common Probate Options in Texas

The right probate process depends on the size of the estate and whether there’s a valid will. At The Lange Firm, we help clients determine the best approach.

Small Estate Affidavit

If the estate is valued under $75,000 and there’s no will, this option can save time and money.

Muniment of Title

A simplified route when there’s a valid will and no debts other than a mortgage.

Independent Administration

Most common in Texas. Allows executors to handle most of the estate without court supervision.

Dependent Administration

Used when there’s family conflict or a need for stricter court oversight. More complex but sometimes necessary.

There are three major types of administrations:

This are:

Independent Administration
- The most common and cost-effective option, allowing executors to manage the estate with minimal court involvement.
Dependent Administration
- Requires significant court supervision and is often used when disputes arise.
Temporary Administration
- Used for emergency situations to prevent harm to the estate’s value.

You should consult with a probate lawyer in Houston Texas to provide clarity and ensure you choose the right option to avoid mistakes and unneeded expenses and delays.

If the individual died without a will, things get a bit more complicated. However, selecting the appropriate option can be difficult and is best to consult with a probate attorney to help pursue the correct option. Some of the options include:

An heirship proceeding and (in)dependent administration;

An affidavit of heirship; or

A small estate affidavit.

Contact The Lange Firm

We understand that probate can be overwhelming. You’re not just filling out forms—you’re settling a loved one’s legacy. We’ll guide you through it with respect, efficiency, and clarity.

Contact The Lange Firm today to schedule a consultation. We serve clients across Houston and all of Texas, and we’re ready to help you move forward, one step at a time.

Probate Lawyer in Houston Texas

Probate Actions:

Probate Lawyer in Houston (2025): Guiding Families Through What Comes Next

What Is Probate?

What Does a Probate Lawyer Do?