Austin Probate Attorney 

Probate should be efficient, respectful, and handled with care. Whether you’re facing a full probate administration or pursuing a simpler proceeding like a Muniment of Title, our firm is here to help you confidently move forward, even in uncertain times.

You’re Dealing With Loss—Now You’re Expected to Manage a Legal Process Too

The passing of a family member is hard enough. On top of grief, you may suddenly face an unfamiliar court process with several legal responsibilities. One study found that 56% of Americans believe that estate planning is important, but only 33% of adults in the US have documented their end-of-life plans. Without a clear roadmap, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Some of the common responsibilities you may face during probate include:

• Filing a will with the court,
• Locating and valuing assets,
• Paying outstanding debts and taxes, and
• Distributing what remains to the heirs.

Each of these steps must be completed correctly and in accordance with Texas law. Experienced Austin probate lawyers can help ensure that no detail is overlooked.

A Trusted Probate Attorney in Austin

At Lewis Law Firm PLLC, we see probate as a service to your family legacy. Our role is to help you navigate the process of honoring your loved one’s wishes while protecting your family’s financial future.

Depending on your situation, several legal paths exist for resolving an estate. We help you determine which process is right for your family:

• Independent administration—the most common form of probate in Texas; often faster and less court-involved;
• Dependent administration—for more complex estates or when disputes arise, offering greater court oversight;
• Heirship proceedings—when someone dies without a will, we help the court determine the rightful heirs; and
• Simplified probate options—including Muniment of Title, Affidavit of Heirship, and Small Estate Affidavits, which may be available depending on the situation and the value of the estate.

Each option serves a unique purpose and has its own set of requirements. Our team will help you choose the path with the most practical and streamlined solution for your situation.

We Offer Personal Attention and Efficient Results

We’ve intentionally kept our firm small to offer each client personal attention and clear communication. We know every family and every estate is unique. When you work with Lewis Law Firm PLLC, you’re not shuffled between paralegals or lost in a large firm. You work directly with an attorney who is invested in your outcome.

You can expect us to listen carefully, educate you on your options, and help you make informed decisions. Here are just a few of the ways we support you during the probate process:

• Providing guidance on legal paperwork and deadlines,
• Navigating family dynamics and potential conflicts,
• Clarifying tax obligations and financial responsibilities, and
• Ensuring court compliance at every stage of the process.

With each step, we aim to reduce your stress and give you peace of mind that your loved one’s wishes will be respected.

What Does the Texas Probate Process Involve?

If you’re unfamiliar with probate, it helps to understand the general process. While each estate is different, most probate cases in Texas follow a series of structured steps.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of what typically happens:

• Filing the application. A probate application is filed in the appropriate Texas county court (often Travis County, for Austin residents), and must meet statutory notice and timing requirements.
• Validating the will. If a will exists, the court confirms its validity. This process may include a hearing and witness testimony.
• Appointing a personal representative. The court appoints an executor (if named in a will) or administrator to oversee the estate.
• Inventorying assets. The representative must list and value all estate property, including real estate, bank accounts, and personal property.
• Paying debts and taxes. Creditors are notified, estate debts are paid, and taxes are addressed.
• Distributing the estate. Remaining assets are distributed to heirs and beneficiaries according to the will, or state law, if there is no will. Many families also wonder how long do you have to transfer property after death in Texas, and the answer depends on the type of probate process, court timelines, and whether disputes arise.

Our team walks you through these steps, so you never wonder what comes next or how to proceed.

Who Needs an Austin Probate Lawyer?

Many families assume they can manage probate alone, especially if the estate seems straightforward. But probate can be deceptively complex. Hiring an Austin probate lawyer provides valuable legal and emotional support, even in smaller estates.

Here are some of the key benefits of working with legal counsel:

• Avoiding costly mistakes or delays—such as complications that can arise when families are unsure what if the executor does not probate the will,
• Handling asset discovery and documentation correctly,
• Navigating creditor claims and debt resolution,
• Preventing or resolving inheritance disputes, and
• Ensuring the timely and lawful distribution of property.

With the right guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls and protect your family’s best interests.