Hard Truths If You Die Without A Valid Will In Texas

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1. The Texas Probate Code will determine who will get your property.

2. The Texas Probate Code will determine who will be distribute all of your property.

3. Since there is no will, your property will likely have to go through the probate process. This means that a portion of your estate will go towards court and legal fees that could have been avoided with a will.

4. Your loved ones, during their time of grief, may have to hire an attorney to help them with the probate process. Texas Probate Court §53(c) requires the appointment of an attorney ad litem to represent unknown heirs even if no unknown heirs exist. This means that your loved ones may be forced to pay for the attorney fees for two different attorneys – one that they hire and the second one (ad litem attorney) that the court appoints. Experienced probate attorneys will likely charge $300+ per hour.

5. If you are not married but you are in a long-term and committed relationship with your partner, the law will not allow your estate to pass to your unmarried partner.

6. If you used a will maker software or form (i.e. self-help books, Quicken, Legal Zoom, Rocket Lawyer, etc.) and the will is found to be unenforceable, it will be as though you did not have a will to begin with.

For more information on Hard Truths If You Die Without a Valid Will in Texas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (281) 777-1236 today. We have two convenient locations in north and south Houston, Texas.