What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process that recognizes a person’s death, confirms whether a will is valid, and oversees the transfer of property to the rightful beneficiaries. A court appoints a personal representative or executor, who gathers assets, pays valid debts and taxes, and distributes what remains according to the will or, if there is no will, Texas intestacy laws.
Not every asset must go through probate. Property with a beneficiary designation, assets owned jointly with rights of survivorship, and some small or simple estates may be handled outside the full probate process. The best path depends on the size of the estate, the types of assets involved, and whether there are disputes.
Common Steps In Probate
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Open the estate with the court and confirm the executor or administrator
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Notify heirs, beneficiaries, and known creditors
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Identify, secure, and inventory estate assets
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Pay valid debts, expenses, and taxes
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Distribute remaining assets and close the estate
Guiding You Through Probate in Texas
Our firm’s probate experience runs deep, from courtroom to counsel table. Whether you are defending a valid will or challenging one, we guide you step by step with clear timelines, realistic expectations, and steady communication. We review the facts, work with the right experts, and protect your legal rights at every stage.
Founded by Joseph E. Ashmore, Jr., former Dallas County Probate Judge, The Ashmore Law Firm is led by Co-Managing Attorneys Lori Ashmore Peters and Gary Ashmore. Lori is a Super Lawyer in Estate Planning for more than 20 years, and Gary is a long-standing Super Lawyer in Family Law. Their leadership ensures clients receive practical guidance, careful advocacy, and compassionate support throughout probate.
