Houston Probate Attorney: Guiding Your Family Through the Process With Less Stress
Losing someone you love is hard enough. When probate enters the picture, it can feel like the legal system is piling on at the worst possible moment. At The Curry Law Firm, we guide Houston families through the Texas probate process step by step — handling the filings, deadlines, and court requirements so you can focus on your family.
- Six attorneys, each a specialist — not a generalist stretched thin
- Seamless cross-referrals within the firm so nothing falls through the cracks
- Full business lifecycle coverage: formation, contracts, trademarks, succession, estate planning, and litigation
- Plain-English communication at every stage — no jargon, no confusion
- Genuinely free consultations, because you deserve to understand your options before you commit
- Bilingual services for Houston's Spanish-speaking business community
How Texas Probate Works — In Plain Language
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a deceased person's will, settling their debts, and distributing their assets to the right people. In Texas, the process typically moves through five stages:
- Filing the application — A petition is filed with the probate court in the county where the deceased lived. In most Houston cases, that's Harris County Probate Court.
- Qualifying the executor — The court formally appoints the executor named in the will (or an administrator if there's no will) and grants them legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.
- Notifying creditors — Texas law requires proper notice to creditors so they can submit valid claims against the estate. Errors here can create real liability for the executor.
- Inventorying the estate — The executor identifies and values all assets, including property, accounts, and personal belongings subject to probate.
- Distributing the estate — Once debts are resolved, the remaining assets are transferred to the beneficiaries named in the will or determined by Texas intestacy law.
Each stage has its own deadlines and requirements. Missing one doesn't just slow things down — it can expose the executor to personal liability.
- Six attorneys, each a specialist — not a generalist stretched thin
- Seamless cross-referrals within the firm so nothing falls through the cracks
- Full business lifecycle coverage: formation, contracts, trademarks, succession, estate planning, and litigation
- Plain-English communication at every stage — no jargon, no confusion
- Genuinely free consultations, because you deserve to understand your options before you commit
- Bilingual services for Houston's Spanish-speaking business community
Why Uncontested Probate in Texas Moves Faster Than Most People Expect
One of the most valuable features of Texas probate law is independent administration. When the will grants independent administration — or when all beneficiaries agree to it — the executor can manage most estate decisions without returning to court for approval at every step. That significantly reduces the time, cost, and procedural burden compared to dependent administration.
For uncontested estates where the will is clear, assets are identifiable, and beneficiaries are aligned, probate in Texas can often be resolved in a matter of months. The process doesn't have to drag on for years. With an experienced probate attorney in Harris County handling the filings and keeping the timeline on track, most families move through it far more efficiently than they expected.
We focus on uncontested probate because we believe families deserve resolution, not prolonged court involvement. We work efficiently, communicate clearly, and keep the process moving so your family can move forward.
What Happens When There's No Will
Asylum
Seeking protection after persecution or fear of returning home can feel emotionally exhausting and legally confusing. The asylum process becomes more manageable when your case is approached with preparation, compassion, and careful immigration-focused guidance.
Survivors pursuing immigration relief under VAWA often need a legal process that feels safe, respectful, and confidential. Wogwu Law, PLLC helps clients understand their options while building a path toward greater stability and independence.
VAWA Immigration Relief
Green card and adjustment cases can become stressful when timelines, forms, and immigration history all affect the process. Clients receive structured guidance designed to reduce confusion and help them move through status-related applications more confidently.
Green Cards & Adjustment of Status
Business Succession Planning
Whether you're planning to sell, pass the business to family, or bring in a partner, succession planning protects what you've built. We help you structure the transition before it becomes urgent.
If your loved one passed away without a will, the estate still has to go through a legal process — it just looks a little different. Texas law provides a path called intestate succession, which determines who inherits based on family relationships rather than written instructions.
Depending on the circumstances, the options may include a formal probate proceeding with a court-appointed administrator, an affidavit of heirship to establish ownership of certain assets, or a small estate affidavit for qualifying estates. We also handle heirship affidavits as a standalone service when probate isn't required.
Navigating an estate without a will takes more coordination, but it's entirely manageable with the right legal guidance. We'll assess the estate, explain your options, and help you choose the most efficient path forward.
The Real Cost of Handling Probate Without an Attorney
It's tempting to assume you can manage probate on your own — especially for a straightforward estate. But the executor role carries legal responsibilities that most people underestimate until something goes wrong.
Missed creditor notice deadlines, premature asset distributions, and improperly filed inventories can all result in the executor being held personally liable for losses to the estate or to creditors. A single procedural error can cost more to correct than the attorney's fee would have been from the start.
Working with a probate attorney in Houston means someone is watching the deadlines, preparing the filings correctly, and flagging issues before they become expensive problems. Our job is to keep you out of trouble while the estate is being settled — and to make sure the people your loved one intended to provide for actually receive what they're entitled to.
Probate Questions We Hear Every Day
How long does probate take in Texas?
For uncontested estates with independent administration, Texas probate often takes between three and six months from the date of filing. More complex estates — those involving disputes, unclear titles, or missing beneficiaries — can take longer. Having an attorney who knows Harris County Probate Court helps keep things on schedule.Can probate be avoided altogether?
Sometimes, yes. Assets held in a living trust, accounts with designated beneficiaries, and jointly owned property with right of survivorship typically pass outside of probate. A well-drafted estate plan can significantly reduce or eliminate what your family has to go through court to resolve. If you're thinking ahead, our estate planning team can walk you through your options.Do I need a probate attorney in Texas, or can I handle it myself?
Texas law does not require an attorney for probate, but most executors find the process far more complicated than expected once they're in it. Creditor notice requirements, court filing rules, and inventory deadlines carry real consequences if handled incorrectly. Attorney guidance typically pays for itself by preventing the mistakes that make probate expensive.What does a probate attorney cost in Houston?
Probate attorney fees in Texas vary based on the size and complexity of the estate. Many attorneys charge a flat fee for uncontested probate matters; others bill hourly. We discuss fees transparently during your consultation so there are no surprises. Our consultation fee is $25, which is refundable or applied toward your services.What if the will is being contested by a family member?
Contested probate — where a beneficiary or heir challenges the validity of the will or the executor's actions — is a different process than uncontested administration. It typically involves litigation, discovery, and court hearings. Our firm handles business and real estate litigation, and we can advise you on your options if a dispute arises during the probate process.
Ready to Get the Estate Moving? We're Here to Help.
You don't have to figure this out alone. Whether you're just starting the probate process or you've hit a wall trying to navigate it without help, The Curry Law Firm is ready to step in. We serve families throughout Houston, Harris County, and the surrounding metro area — and we'll make sure the process is as clear and efficient as it can be.
Our practice areas.
We approach every legal matter with a broad perspective and a sharp focus, integrating insights across our practice areas to deliver unparalleled results for our clients.
"Stephen is an asset to our company. He skillfully reviews and negotiates multimillion-dollar contracts, he artfully drafts subcontracts and leases, and he has successfully represented us in court and before municipal boards. He is an accomplished lawyer that is always there when we need him. He is our confidant and friend."
Furino & Sons Inc. (Brothers Four)
"It is truly our pleasure to recommend Stephen to any individual or corporation looking for highly skilled legal counsel. He has represented us on a variety of corporate legal matters and he is a master with both contract and lease negotiations, always offering exceptional strategic advice. More recently, he represented us in front of the Township Planning Board and helped us achieve our desired results when it seemed impossible. We highly endorse Stephen both personally and professionally."
HEC Holding Co., LLC
"Stephen has successfully represented our company’s interests in several matters involving intricate fact patterns and novel legal theories. In one, a particularly aggressive plaintiff was convinced by Stephen to voluntarily dismiss a lawsuit in which it sought significant monetary damages. These favorable outcomes have resulted from Stephen’s thorough and careful review of all facts and circumstances and his dedication to the best interests of his client. In every matter in which we have retained Stephen he has sought to obtain the best possible result in the shortest possible time. We recommend Stephen without reservation."
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What sets your approach apart?
Our attorneys combine academic rigor, industry leadership, and a deep understanding of complex legal landscapes to deliver strategies uniquely tailored to each client.
How do you handle intricate legal challenges?
We thrive on complexity, leveraging decades of experience to uncover solutions others might miss. Every case is approached with precision, diligence, and creativity.
What kind of communication can clients expect?
We prioritize direct and consistent communication, offering clear updates and actionable insights throughout the legal process, so you remain confident and informed.
How do you approach long-term legal partnerships?
We build enduring relationships by aligning with our clients’ long-term objectives, acting as trusted advisors who guide and support through every phase of their ventures.
What can I expect during my consultation?
Your initial consultation will involve an in-depth discussion of your goals and challenges, allowing our attorneys to outline tailored strategies and next steps. See below for a typical process cadence.