Inheritance Attorney in Bedford

Clear Guidance For Texas Inheritance Questions

If you are facing questions about a loved one's property, bank accounts, or debts after a death, you may feel unsure where to start. An inheritance attorney can help you understand how Texas law treats wills, estates, and your rights as an heir, so you do not have to sort it out alone.

At Holland McGill Law, PLLC, we work with families connected to Bedford and nearby communities who need direction on inheritance and probate. Many of our clients come to us while still grieving, and they want steady, practical advice, not legal jargon. We listen carefully, explain your options in clear terms, and help you plan the next steps that make sense for your family.

Our attorneys bring over 40 years of combined experience in family law, estate planning, and probate. This background, together with our local presence, allows us to guide you through the legal process with a focus on both the law and the real-life relationships involved.

Connect with a Bedford inheritance lawyer now—schedule online or call (817) 934-5922 to protect your family and your rights.

Why Families Choose Our Firm

When inheritance issues arise, most people are dealing with more than legal questions. There may be long family histories, blended households, or older divorce orders that affect who inherits what. Because our practice includes family law, probate, and estate planning, we are able to look at the full picture instead of treating your situation as an isolated event.

Families who contact our inheritance attorney Bedford team often tell us they want someone who will be straightforward and approachable. We take time to understand your goals, your concerns about other relatives, and any documents that may affect the estate. Then we work with you to develop a plan that fits your circumstances rather than relying on a standard template.

Our attorneys have over four decades of combined experience handling Texas family law and probate matters. That experience helps us anticipate common problems, such as unclear wills or missing information about past property agreements, and address them early. Our goal is to reduce confusion and help you make informed choices about how to move forward.

We also know that cost and logistics matter. We discuss fees with you upfront so you understand how our services will be billed and how costs may be paid from the estate when appropriate under Texas law. We offer in-person meetings at our office that serves Bedford, along with Zoom and phone consultations for heirs who live elsewhere or have busy schedules. This flexibility allows more family members to participate without added travel stress.

Understanding Inheritance Under Texas Law

Texas has its own rules that control who inherits property and how estates are handled. Those rules depend in part on whether there is a valid will and on the types of assets involved. For many families connected to Bedford, inheritance issues are addressed through probate filings in the appropriate Tarrant County court, using these statewide rules together with local procedures.

When there is a properly signed will, the document usually controls how property passes, as long as it complies with Texas law. The will typically names an executor, who is the person responsible for gathering assets, paying valid debts, and distributing what remains according to the will. The court generally needs to admit the will to probate before the executor has full authority to act for the estate.

If there is no will, Texas intestacy rules determine who inherits. These rules may give different shares to a surviving spouse, children, and other relatives, based on whether the assets are considered community property or separate property. Community property acquired during a marriage is often treated differently from separate property that one spouse owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance.

Rights can be especially complex in blended families. Children from a prior relationship may have inheritance rights that differ from those of the surviving spouse, and misunderstandings about these rules can lead to avoidable conflict. Speaking with an inheritance lawyer early can help each person understand what the law likely provides in their situation.

Key information that often matters for inheritance questions includes:

• Any will, trust, or written beneficiary designations you can locate
• Marriage history, including prior divorces and property agreements
• A list of known assets, such as real estate, accounts, and retirement plans
• Information about debts, including mortgages and major loans
• The names and contact information for close relatives and named heirs

Every estate is different, and the right approach depends on the details of your situation. Our role is to explain how Texas rules apply to the facts of your case and help you choose a path that respects both the law and your family's needs.

How We Help With Inheritance Issues

When you contact our firm, we start by listening to your story and reviewing any documents you already have. That first conversation helps us understand your questions, the relationships involved, and whether there is already a probate case open or one that needs to be filed. From there, we outline practical options and discuss how we can assist.

Our attorneys regularly guide executors and administrators through the probate process. This typically includes helping them seek an appointment by the court, understand their responsibilities, and work through tasks like notifying interested parties and dealing with creditors under Texas law. We also advise heirs who are not serving in a formal role but want to understand their rights and what to expect.

Wills are sometimes clear, but in other cases, the language can be confusing or incomplete. We review the document with you and explain how a judge is likely to interpret key provisions. If the will does not address a particular asset, or if there is no will at all, we discuss how intestacy rules may fill those gaps. Our goal is to help you make calm, informed decisions instead of reacting in the middle of tension.

We also assist with common practical problems that arise during inheritance, such as questions about selling or transferring a home, handling bank and investment accounts, or deciding what to do with personal items that have strong emotional value. We encourage families to consider both legal rights and family relationships when making these decisions.

People often reach out to our inheritance lawyer Bedford team when they:

• Have found a will but are unsure whether it is valid or complete
• Know there is no will and want to understand who will inherit
• Are serving as executor or administrator and feel overwhelmed by the duties
• Suspect that another person may be mishandling estate assets
• Live outside the area but are responsible for a Bedford estate

Throughout the process, we prioritize communication. We explain what is happening at each stage, answer questions in plain language, and work to respond promptly when new issues arise. We understand that many clients are dealing with grief or strained relationships, and we aim to provide both legal guidance and steady support.

First Steps After A Loved One Dies

The days and weeks after a death can feel overwhelming. In addition to personal grief, there may be immediate concerns about bills, access to accounts, or questions from other relatives. It is common to feel pressure to make quick decisions, but some choices are best made after you have spoken with an attorney who understands Texas inheritance rules.

Some steps, such as arranging the funeral and securing the home, are naturally first on the list. At the same time, it is usually wise to avoid moving property out of the estate or retitling assets until you know who has legal authority to act. Talking with an inheritance attorney in Bedford can help you understand which actions are urgent and which should wait until after probate begins.

Helpful early steps often include:

• Locating any will, trust papers, or beneficiary forms you can find
• Gathering mail, bank statements, and insurance information in one place
• Making a basic list of assets and debts, even if it is not complete
• Keeping the home and vehicles secure without distributing items yet
• Scheduling a consultation with our firm to review the situation before signing legal documents

At Holland McGill Law, PLLC, we offer in-person meetings for families connected to Bedford and convenient Zoom or phone consultations for relatives who live out of town. During that initial conversation, we explain what the probate court typically expects, how long different parts of the process may take, and what options you may have. Our aim is to bring structure to a difficult time so you can move forward with more confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need an inheritance attorney?

Many people find that an attorney helps them avoid mistakes and misunderstandings during probate. Texas rules can be detailed, and small errors may cause delays or disputes. We explain your options, help you follow the required steps, and work to protect your rights as an heir or fiduciary.

How much will it cost to handle my inheritance?

Cost depends on the complexity of the estate and the level of help you need. We discuss fees at the start, explain how billing works, and talk about when costs may be paid from estate funds. Our goal is to provide clear, reasonable options for your situation.

What if my family disagrees about the inheritance?

Family conflict over property is common, especially in blended families or when expectations differ from the will. We review the legal rights involved, explain possible paths to resolution, and work to find practical solutions. When needed, we can represent you in formal probate proceedings.

How long does probate usually take in Texas?

Probate timelines vary based on factors like the size of the estate, missing information, and whether anyone raises objections. Some matters move fairly quickly once documents are in order, while others require more time. We can give a more specific estimate after reviewing your case.

Can you help me if I live outside Bedford?

Yes, we regularly assist heirs and executors who live in other cities or states but are responsible for a Bedford estate. You can meet with us by Zoom or phone, and we keep you informed about court filings and deadlines while you remain where you live.

Talk With Our Team Today

Inheritance and probate decisions affect both your financial future and your relationships with family members. You do not have to navigate Texas rules alone or guess about your rights. An experienced inheritance lawyer at Holland McGill Law, PLLC can help you understand your options and create a plan that fits your situation.

Our firm offers local knowledge, decades of combined experience, and a personalized approach for families connected to Bedford. Whether you are just beginning to gather documents or already involved in a probate case, we can step in and provide clear guidance. 

Schedule a consultation with a Bedford inheritance attorney today—book online or call (817) 934-5922 to discuss your family’s needs.