Dallas Probate Attorney
Compassionate guidance for families navigating probate, estate administration, and heirship matters in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Settling a loved one's estate in Texas?
Losing a loved one is difficult. Handling their estate shouldn't add to the stress. McCray Stewart & Associates helps families and executors navigate probate, estate administration, and heirship matters throughout Dallas–Fort Worth and Mississippi. We explain your options, handle the legal process, and guide you every step of the way.
How we help executors and families
Probating a will
We help families probate a loved one's will in Texas. Our firm prepares and files the court documents, represents you at the probate hearing, and helps the executor obtain the legal authority needed to manage the estate.
Estates without a will
When a loved one dies without a will, Texas law determines who inherits their property. We help families identify the legal heirs, complete the court's determination of heirship process, and obtain estate administration when necessary to properly transfer property.
Simpler alternatives
Not every estate requires a full probate administration. Depending on your circumstances, Texas law may allow simpler options, such as probate as a muniment of title or a small estate affidavit. We help families determine which option is appropriate to save time and reduce unnecessary expenses.
Estate administration
Administering an estate involves more than distributing property. We guide executors and administrators through notifying creditors, preparing estate inventories, addressing valid debts, managing assets, and distributing property to the appropriate heirs or beneficiaries. Our goal is to help you fulfill your legal responsibilities with confidence.
Heirship and estate disputes
Questions about who legally inherits property can create uncertainty and disagreements among family members. We help families establish legal heirship, resolve disputes involving estate assets, and address concerns about how an executor or administrator is handling an estate. When necessary, we represent clients in probate court to protect their legal interests.
Don't wait too long. In Texas, a will generally must be offered for probate within four years of the person's death. After that, your options narrow considerably.
The probate process in Dallas County
Probate is the legal process used to settle a person's estate after death. Depending on the circumstances, it may involve proving a will, identifying legal heirs, appointing an executor or administrator, and transferring property. Our firm guides families through each stage of the Dallas County probate process.
- Initial consultation: We review the will, if one exists, discuss the deceased person's assets and family circumstances, and determine the appropriate legal process.
- Preparing and filing: We prepare and file the necessary application with the appropriate Texas probate court. This may involve probating a will, determining legal heirs, or requesting estate administration.
- Court proceedings: We represent you at the required hearing. Depending on the case, the court may admit a will to probate, determine heirship, or appoint an executor or administrator.
- Estate administration: When administration is required, we guide the personal representative through applicable notices, estate inventories, creditor claims, asset management, and other legal responsibilities.
- Distribution and completion: We help ensure estate property is transferred to the appropriate beneficiaries or heirs and assist with any required closing procedures.
Why families choose McCray Stewart & Associates
- Experienced legal guidance: Attorney Kristian McCray Stewart brings more than a decade of legal experience to helping families navigate complex legal matters.
- Compassionate, personalized service: We understand that probate often follows the loss of a loved one. We provide clear explanations, responsive communication, and guidance tailored to your family's circumstances.
- Representation across Texas and Mississippi: Our firm assists families with probate and estate administration matters in Texas and Mississippi, including Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant Counties.
- Convenient consultations: We offer phone and Zoom appointments, including a free 15-minute initial consultation. Additional consultation time is available for $225.
Probate FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to probate a will in Texas?
In most Texas probate proceedings, an executor must be represented by an attorney because the executor is acting on behalf of the estate and its beneficiaries. Limited exceptions may apply. Our firm helps executors understand their responsibilities, prepare the necessary documents, and navigate the probate court process.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
When someone dies without a will in Texas, state law determines who inherits their property. The court may need to identify the legal heirs through a process called a determination of heirship. Depending on the estate's assets and debts, an administrator may also need to be appointed. Our firm helps families understand their options and complete the necessary legal steps.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
No. Not every estate requires a full probate administration in Texas. Some assets, such as life insurance policies and accounts with designated beneficiaries, may transfer without probate. Depending on the circumstances, a small estate affidavit or probate as a muniment of title may be appropriate. Our firm helps families evaluate their options and determine the most efficient legal process.
What should I bring to a probate consultation?
Bring a copy of the will, if one exists, the death certificate if available, and any information you have about the deceased person's property, bank accounts, debts, and family members. Don't worry if you don't have everything. Our firm will help you identify what information and documents are needed to move forward.
Planning ahead for your own family? See our estate planning services →
Serving Texas and Mississippi
Dallas, Collin, Denton and Tarrant Counties across the DFW Metroplex, plus Mississippi clients by phone and Zoom.
Get help settling an estate.
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TESTIMONIALS
What our former clients are saying
"There was no judgement and she only wanted what was best for me in my situation!"
"Open, honest, and God-fearing!! There was no judgement and she only wanted what was best for me in my situation! She’s confident and humble. Will definitely recommend her to others."
-Sheila
"Mrs McCray and her firm deserve 6 stars"
"Mrs McCray and her firm deserve 6 stars. They are very attentive.
To their client. I never felt safer. They really look out for your best behalf. I will definitely recommend their service."
- Jeff Johnson