Probate and Estate Administration

San Antonio Probate Attorney

Following your loved one's final wishes

At the law firm of Michael W. Jackson, I have helped many people with probating the estate of a loved one. When clients ask what to do when a loved one dies, I have answers. I can guide them through probate or estate administration, helping them with distribution of assets and payment of the debts that their loved one has left behind. If you are an executor or heir who faces probate, contact the law firm of Michael Jackson for solid advice and experienced representation.

If your loved one left a will

If there is a will, then the will and the estate can be admitted to probate. The court will appoint an executor who can be independent of, or subject to, oversight by the Probate Court, depending upon the provisions in the will. Taking care of the debts and obligations of the estate and distributing the assets of the estate is the executor's responsibility.

If you have been designated as an executor in a will, I can guide you through the steps you need to take in order to carry out the will. These include publishing a notice to creditors, creating an inventory of the estate, identifying all known assets. I can also assist you with locating heirs.

If your loved one left no will, or the will is improper

The steps needed to administer an estate when there is no will are similar to the probate of a will, but with oversight by the Probate Court. If there is no valid will, the probate court will follow Texas law as set out in the Texas Probate code. If the estate is small, there are methods which can expedite the probate process. I will work closely with you to handle the estate in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible.