Probate in Houston & Harris County
Losing someone you love is hard enough. Let us take the legal side off your shoulders: we explain in plain language what probate actually is, walk you through your family's options, and stand with you at every step before the Harris County courts.
A probate attorney who walks with you, calmly
Probate is, in plain words, the legal process through which a court recognizes who inherits a person's assets after they pass away — the house, the accounts, the car — and authorizes putting those assets in the heirs' names. In Houston, these cases are heard by the Harris County Probate Courts at 201 Caroline St. in downtown Houston. You don't need to understand the system before you call: that's what we're here for.
Here's some good news: in many cases Texas allows independent administration, a form of probate that is generally simpler and less expensive than in most states, with less court supervision. And not every estate needs full probate. Depending on your situation, there may be alternatives such as a muniment of title (when there is a will and essentially all that's left is transferring property), a small-estate affidavit, or an heirship proceeding (determinación de herederos) — very common when a parent dies without a will and the house is still in their name.
Do you have siblings or relatives in Mexico or Central America? As a general matter, heirs who live outside the United States keep their rights and can take part in the process. And if what you really want is to put your own affairs in order to protect your family, start with our wills & estate planning page or read our guide do I need a will in Texas?
Schedule your appointment
The 5 stages of a Texas probate
01. Document review
We review the will (if there is one), the deeds to the house, accounts, and debts, and map out the simplest, most appropriate path for your family.
02. Filing with the court
We prepare and file the application with the Harris County Probate Courts at 201 Caroline St., and we handle the notices the law requires.
03. Hearing
We go with you to the hearing where the judge admits the will or recognizes the heirs. We explain beforehand exactly what to expect, so you walk in at ease.
04. Estate administration
The court appoints a personal representative — often with independent administration — who gathers the assets, notifies creditors, and pays legitimate debts.
05. Closing & property transfers
We prepare the final deeds and documents so the house and other assets are legally in the heirs' names, and your family can close this chapter.
Questions about probate in Texas
We know you are going through a painful moment, often with pressure piling up: a house still in Mom's or Dad's name, accounts no one can touch, siblings in another country. Our job is to lift that weight. If the core problem is the title to a property, our real estate page may also help; and if you want to understand the process in more depth, read our guide to the probate process in Harris County.
Does every estate have to go through probate in Texas?
Not always. It depends on what your loved one left behind and how each asset was titled. Some assets pass directly to a named beneficiary, such as certain life insurance policies or bank accounts, and Texas offers simpler alternatives to full probate, like a muniment of title or a small-estate affidavit. At your appointment we review your situation and tell you which process fits your family — or whether you need one at all.
My parent died without a will and the house is still in their name. What now?
This is one of the most common situations we see in Houston. When someone dies without a will, Texas law determines who the heirs are, and the family generally needs an heirship proceeding before the court so the house can legally pass into the heirs' names. Until that happens, it can be hard to sell the property, insure it, or sort out property taxes. It is a well-traveled process and it can be resolved; the important thing is to take the first step.
How long does probate take in Harris County?
It depends on the case. A straightforward estate with a valid will and independent administration often moves forward in a matter of months, while cases with no will, many heirs, or family disagreements can take considerably longer. The Harris County courts' calendar also plays a role. At your appointment we give you a realistic expectation for your situation, without promises no one can keep.
Can I handle the process if I live outside the U.S., or if heirs live in Mexico or Central America?
Yes, as a general matter heirs who live outside the United States keep their rights and can take part in a Texas probate. Many of the families we serve have siblings, aunts, uncles, or children in Mexico or Central America; with documents signed from abroad and good coordination, it is usually not necessary for everyone to travel to Houston. Every case has its own details, so we confirm the logistics with you at your appointment.
What does probate cost?
It varies with the estate: the type of proceeding, whether there is a will, how many properties and heirs are involved, and whether the family is in agreement. That is why we do not publish general figures online. At your appointment we review your situation, explain your options, and give you a clear quote before any work begins, so you can decide calmly and without surprises.
What the people who trusted me say
Real, unedited reviews.
"Highly recommend! The entire office has been very helpful and informative during my entire process. I really appreciate them. I am very satisfied."
"En nuestra opinión es un abogado en quien confiar. Desde el primer momento fue muy amable y respetuoso; nos explicó detalladamente los mejores pasos a tomar y contestó todas nuestras preguntas. Un joven abogado con mucho talento y conocimiento."