Texas Estate and Trust Administration Attorneys
Ensure the security of your estate and trust
The Texas probate process requires the appointment of an administrator. In an already lengthy and stressful process, beneficiaries may choose to work with an estate attorney to help the next phases of probate move forward as smoothly as possible.
The estate and trust administration attorneys at Shann M. Chaudhry Esq., Attorney at Law PLLC provide professional, third-party estate administration services in Austin and San Antonio, Texas. We also serve as lifetime trust administrators and trustees when needed.
We believe that compassion and listening are important parts of the estate administration process, and we always take the time to truly listen to our clients and understand their needs and wishes.
If you need an estate or trust administration attorney, contact us. Our experienced law firm can guide you through the process.
How Do You Appoint an Administrator of an Estate or Trust in texas?
The appointment of an estate administrator or executor occurs as part of the probate process. Probate is the “proving” of a will in court.
Probate generally occurs when property and assets haven’t already been transferred to the beneficiaries through:
- A trust, such as a revocable living trust (this requires its own Trust Administration)
- A retirement or life insurance account
- Joint ownership
As part of probate, an executor or estate administrator needs to be appointed by the court, usually with the approval of the beneficiaries. Although the estate administrator doesn’t have to be an attorney, beneficiaries may prefer to work with a lawyer who understands all the legal terms, language, and process.
Once an administrator is appointed, they’ll catalog assets, identify beneficiaries, notify creditors, resolve any potential contention over the will, and distribute the assets.
The estate and trust administration attorneys at SMCE ESQ PLLC have extensive experience in guiding families through the probate process. We’re proactive communicators who offer skilled, compassionate services.
How an Estate Administration Lawyer Can Help You
The estate administration process in Texas requires the administrator to follow legal obligations and uphold their fiduciary duties—which means the administrator must represent interests other than their own.
While a law degree isn’t a requirement for serving as an estate administrator in Texas, the administration process involves taking on significant responsibilities that require legal understanding and experience.
Due to the legal nature of the process—as well as many beneficiaries’ preference for a neutral third party to act as administrator—working with an estate administration attorney can help ensure a legally sound probate process that moves forward as promptly as possible.
While a law degree isn’t a requirement for serving as an estate administrator in Texas, the administration process involves taking on significant responsibilities that require legal understanding and experience.
Due to the legal nature of the process—as well as many beneficiaries’ preference for a neutral third party to act as administrator—working with an estate administration attorney can help ensure a legally sound probate process that moves forward as promptly as possible.
Our approach
At SMCE ESQ PLLC, our attorneys understand that the probate court and estate administration process is a complex time for families who may still be grieving. We strive to offer clear communication and make a promise to all our clients to respond promptly.
Our firm is founded on core values of authenticity, empathy, gratitude, education, and service. It’s important to us that our clients fully understand the steps, phases, and requirements of the estate and trust administration processes.
Our Texas estate planning and administration law firm is composed of empathetic and service-oriented communicators. We have many years of experience in guiding clients through the estate and trust administration process.
Our Texas Estate and Trust Administration Services
Probate estate administration
At SMCE ESQ PLLC, we take pride in offering communicative and empathetic probate estate administration services.
As estate administrators, we:
- Catalog estate assets
- Identify beneficiaries and notify creditors
- Resolve any disputes over the Will
- Distribute the assets
Probate estate administration
At SMCE PLLC, we take pride in offering communicative and empathetic probate estate administration services.
As estate administrators, we:
- Catalog estate assets
- Identify beneficiaries and notify creditors
- Resolve any disputes over the Will
- Distribute the assets
Intestate estate administration
In situations where the deceased didn’t leave a legal will, we offer intestate estate administration services.
This process is governed by Texas Estates Code, and the division of assets among the surviving spouse, children, and grandchildren will depend on the blood relationship among these family members.
Estate tax compliance
Estate tax, sometimes referred to as inheritance tax, is levied on real estate and other assets valued above a certain amount when they transfer from the deceased to the beneficiaries.
As estate tax compliance attorneys, we can guide you on how best to meet the legal requirements for your inheritance bracket while still preserving the wealth your family has worked hard to create.
Estate tax compliance
Estate tax, sometimes referred to as inheritance tax, is levied on real estate and other assets valued above a certain amount when they transfer from the deceased to the beneficiaries.
As estate tax compliance attorneys, we can guide you on how best to meet the legal requirements for your inheritance bracket while still preserving the wealth your family has worked hard to create.
Lifetime trust administration
Lifetime trusts are a way to protect assets so that they last the lifetime of your beneficiaries.
A lifetime trust prevents the beneficiary from receiving all the money at once. It also protects their inheritance in the event that they ever get sued or divorced.
Building lifelong relationships is already central to our approach, and this holds true in our role as lifetime trust administrators as well. We deeply value the formation of authentic, ongoing relationships with the families we serve.
Post-mortem trust administration
In addition to working with clients to create personalized estate plans, we also administer trusts post-mortem. In this way, we can continue to honor the goals and legacies of our clients.
We understand how much this process impacts the grantor’s family and take pride in providing clear, prompt communication and compassionate service.
Post-mortem trust administration
In addition to working with clients to create personalized estate plans, we also administer trusts post-mortem. In this way, we can continue to honor the goals and legacies of our clients.
We understand how much this process impacts the grantor’s family and take pride in providing clear, prompt communication and compassionate service.
Trustee services
For clients who would like us to manage the trust they’ve created, we offer trustee services. As always, we bring a service-minded approach to following our fiduciary responsibilities.
We commit to timely communication with the grantor and beneficiaries, and we seek to ensure that everyone involved understands the process.
Work with Our Trusted Estate Administration Attorneys in Texas
The estate and trust administration attorneys at Shann M. Chaudhry Esq., Attorney at Law PLLC takes pride in working hard for our clients, every step of the way. We have extensive experience in providing estate and trust administration services and seek to support our clients with solid communication, compassion, and a commitment to service.
If you need trust or estate administration services, contact us today. Our knowledgeable Texas estate attorneys can guide you through the process.
Texas Estate Administration FAQs
Do I need an estate attorney?
If you’re the beneficiary of a Will that is going through probate or an estate that has been left intestate, we strongly recommend working with an estate administration attorney.
The estate administration process requires legal experience and an ability to take on fiduciary responsibilities, meaning the administrator needs to serve the best interests of the recipients of the probate assets.
That said, you don’t need to be an attorney to be an estate administrator in Texas. However, hiring an attorney can reduce stress among beneficiaries and ensure probate proceeds as quickly as possible.
Who can’t serve as an estate or trust administrator in Texas?
In Texas, an individual may not serve as an estate or trust administrator if they’re:
- Incapacitated
- A felon
- A nonresident of Texas who hasn’t appointed a resident agent
- A corporation without an appointed agent in Texas
- Anyone the court finds unsuitable
Additionally, it’s strongly recommended—though not required—that you work with an estate attorney who has the training and experience to fully understand and adhere to the legal process.
At SMCE PLLC, our estate and trust administration attorneys commit to prompt and clear communication with our clients. We believe it’s important for families to understand the estate administration process in each phase, without burdening them with additional stress.
What does an estate administrator do?
When a will goes through probate or an estate is left intestate (without a will), an estate administrator is needed as part of the legal process.
The estate administrator:
- Catalogs the estate’s assets
- Identifies beneficiaries and notifies creditors
- Resolves any disputes over the Will
- Distributes the assets
The estate and trust administration attorneys at SMCE PLLC take pride in offering compassionate and communicative services. We understand this is a tumultuous time in our clients’ lives and seek to provide clear guidance at every step of the way.