Losing a family member is hard enough. Navigating the legal process that follows should not make it harder. Whether you are the executor named in a loved one's will, an administrator appointed by the court, or a beneficiary trying to understand what comes next, our probate attorneys are here to guide you through the process — clearly, efficiently, and with genuine care for your family's situation.

We handle probate and estate administration in Texas and Illinois, two states with meaningfully different procedures, timelines, and options. We know both systems well, and we work to make administration as smooth and cost-effective as possible — whether that means pursuing a simplified procedure or managing a complex, contested administration.

Texas Probate & Estate Administration

Texas has one of the most flexible probate systems in the country. Most estates with a valid will qualify for independent administration — a streamlined process that allows the executor to manage and distribute the estate without returning to court for approval at every step. We handle every stage of the Texas probate process:

•       Independent and dependent administration

•       Muniment of title for simple estates with a valid will

•       Small estate affidavits for qualifying intestate estates

•       Heirship proceedings when no will exists

•       Application, filing, and court hearings in Texas probate courts

•       Inventory, appraisement, and claims management

•       Creditor notice and debt resolution

•       Asset collection, management, and distribution

•       Final accounting and estate closing

Illinois Probate & Estate Administration

Illinois probate involves a structured court process with specific timelines for creditor notice, inventory filing, and final accounting. We guide executors and administrators through each stage — minimizing delays, avoiding common pitfalls, and keeping the estate moving toward a clean resolution.

•       Supervised estate administration under the Illinois Probate Act

•       Petition for probate and issuance of Letters of Office

•       Notice to heirs, legatees, and creditors

•       Inventory preparation and filing

•       Claims adjudication and creditor resolution

•       Real estate transfers and asset liquidation

•       Final accounting and judicial approval

•       Small estate affidavit procedures for qualifying estates

Will Contests and Probate Litigation

Not every estate administration proceeds without disagreement. When disputes arise — over the validity of a will, the conduct of an executor, or the rights of beneficiaries — experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in both outcome and cost. We represent clients on both sides of contested probate proceedings:

•       Will contests based on lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution

•       Executor removal and surcharge actions

•       Beneficiary disputes and contested accountings

•       Creditor claim disputes

•       Heirship and intestacy disputes

Important deadlines to know

Will contest deadlines are unforgiving. In Texas, a will contest must generally be filed within two years of the will's admission to probate. In Illinois, the window is just six months. If you have concerns about a will or an estate administration, contact us promptly — delay can permanently eliminate your options.

Trust Administration

Many estates pass primarily through a revocable living trust rather than through probate. We advise successor trustees on their fiduciary obligations, help them navigate the administration process, and ensure that distributions to beneficiaries are made correctly and documented properly.

Out-of-State and Multi-State Estates

When a decedent owned real estate in more than one state, probate may need to be opened in each state where property is located — a process called ancillary probate. We handle multi-state estate administrations and can coordinate with counsel in other jurisdictions as needed.