Probate — Estate Administration
Estate Administration in Brazoria County
Being named executor is an honor — and a legal responsibility. PDR Law helps executors and administrators get it right.
What an Executor Is Responsible For
- Filing the will with the Brazoria County probate court and petitioning for appointment
- Taking inventory of all estate assets — real property, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
- Notifying and resolving claims from legitimate creditors
- Paying valid debts and final expenses from estate funds
- Distributing remaining property to the heirs or beneficiaries named in the will (or, if there's no will, according to Texas intestacy law)
Intestate Estate Administration
When someone dies without a valid will, Texas law determines who inherits through its intestacy rules, and the probate court typically appoints an administrator (often a close family member) to manage the process. This path usually requires more court supervision than administration under a will.
How Long Does It Take?
Estate administration timelines vary significantly based on the size of the estate, whether there's a will, and whether any heirs or creditors contest the process — straightforward estates can often resolve in a few months, while more complex estates may take a year or longer.