Probate Lawyer
It can be overwhelming and painful to think about life after a loved one has passed away.
This area of the law can also be difficult to plan ahead for, especially if you do not have a Texas probate attorney on your side.
You can find help though Randy Michel and Hayley Harrison, the probate lawyers at the Law Office of Randy Michel in College Station, TX.
What Is Probate?
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Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. They may have a will in place, or they may not. The probate process follows the distribution of their assets, settlement of their debts, payment of their insurance policy, and other formal legal procedures.
The Importance of a Strong Probate Lawyer
In many cases, people will not need legal help around the reading of a will. However, if you believe that there are potential problems surrounding a will, then you should hire a probate lawyer immediately. Probate law can be complex. You may need strong counsel to guide you through the probate process and administration, especially if you are still grieving. Whether you need help with legal processes, will contestation, insurance policy payouts, or other probate problems, our attorneys can handle the hard fight for you.
Choose Attorneys Who Can Handle the Complexities Of Probate Law
Our lawyers, Mr. Randy Michel and Ms. Hayley Harrison, bring dedication, tenacity, and understanding to the table for their clients.
As a law student, Ms. Harrison worked with the Family Law and Probate Society. She also was awarded Pro Bono Honors during her studies.
In addition to his decades of experience as a lawyer, Mr. Michel was also a judge for seven years, giving him a wider perspective on the legal world. He can leverage his hard-earned skills to your advantage, including acting as a resource to the executor of your will.
Planning your estate? Need probate assistance? Reach out to our College Station, TX, legal office or call:
(979) 764-2435
"Guided me through the entire process with ease." Hear From Our College Station, TX, Clients
Karen Strope
College Station, TX
I couldn't be more grateful to Randy Michel and his team for all their help after the unexpected loss of my husband. They were so kind, helpful, understanding, and often going above and beyond for our family while we went through the most painful event of our lives. Thank you Randy Michel, Andrea, and the entire team. I will forever be grateful for you all!
View on GoogleNick Virgl
College Station, TX
I do not have enough positive things to say about Randy Michel and his office. After my father passed away, I had no idea how to handle an estate or where to even begin. Randy and his staff guided me through the entire process with ease. They were not only kind and compassionate but very helpful and knowledgeable. It was never difficult to schedule a time to meet with Randy or get assistance from one of his paralegals. They were very communicative with me throughout the entire process. I am very glad I went with Randy and hope that many others do as well.
View on GoogleIf There Are Debts A Probate Lawyer Can Simplify Allocation
Look Out for Your Loved Ones With Estate Planning
Probate law can be especially stressful and painful. Many clients find it difficult to navigate a will when they have just lost a loved one. Others may find it nerve-wracking to decide what happens after they pass away, leading them to forgo estate planning entirely.
However, estate planning is one of the most selfless choices we can make to protect our loved ones. By allocating your assets and estate in a will and choosing an executor and a lawyer, you can save those you care about from the stress of probate court.
An estate can include a variety of assets in Texas, so it's important to account for them all during planning and administration.
What Is an Executor?
A decedent typically chooses an executor to read and carry out their legal will or trust. According to Texas law, the executor of an estate must fulfill certain constraints, such as receiving approval from the court and being 18 or older.
The role of an executor is much more complex than it may seem in movies or television. An executor also has strong legal and financial responsibilities, such as ensuring your last income taxes are fully paid, handling various bureaucratic duties, and going to all necessary court appointments.
Because of the possible complexities of this role—and the undue burdens that they may place on a grieving loved one—choosing a lawyer to guide your executor may be the wisest decision. Our College Station probate attorneys can help you create and carry out your Texas estate plan, giving you and your loved ones a capable and understanding legal hand.
Before you talk with an attorney, it can help to know the duties they are bound by law to carry out during the probate process.
The Duties of a Probate Lawyer
Preventing Confusion or Contestation
Following probate requirements to the letter is crucial. An unclear will or lack of a will at all can spell chaos for a heartbroken family. However, you can potentially avoid these problems by having a will drafted with your lawyer, with the proper notarization required by Texas law.
Ensuring Your Wishes Are Heard
You've worked hard to create a good life for yourself. You deserve to control your estate and have your final wishes truly heard. An attorney can give you peace of mind that an executor and heirs will follow your will. From trusts to asset allocations, we will guide our clients through it all.Avoiding Legal or Financial Consequences
There are many intricacies to the probate process, and not following them can have legal or financial ramifications on your inheritors. A typical person may not know the finer details of the law, especially the red tape behind probates. A probate attorney, however, is trained to navigate this area of the law.
What Happens If Someone Passes Away Without Leaving a Will?
It is not uncommon for someone to pass away without leaving a will. In some cases, their assets can be settled without going through a probate case. However, in instances where there is contention, significant assets, or both, a case may have to go to probate court.
"Detail-oriented, efficient, and professional" Why Our College Station, TX, Clients Trust Us
Brenda Kuciemba
I highly recommend Randy Michel to anyone in need of legal representation for family law, probate, or elder law. Randy and his staff were detail-oriented, efficient and professional in guiding me through the probate process for my Dad's estate.
View on GoogleHal Hewett
We recently used Randy Michel in the making of our wills. He and his staff did an excellent job and we would highly recommend him. Randy took the time to explain intricate details necessary for will preparation and responded rapidly to any questions we had. His pricing was better than competitive. This was an educational and pleasant experience.
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