Losing a loved one is never easy. On top of the grief, families are often faced with legal and financial responsibilities that can feel overwhelming. One of the most common legal processes after a person’s passing is probate. At Booker Law Firm, we help families across Texas and Oklahoma navigate probate with clarity and compassion.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of proving a will, settling debts, and distributing assets after someone passes away. If your loved one left a valid will, the probate court ensures that the instructions in the will are followed. If there is no will, state law determines how assets are distributed.
Why Probate Matters
Probate serves several important purposes:
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Validating the will – The court confirms that the will is legally valid.
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Identifying assets – Probate gathers the deceased person’s property, accounts, and belongings into an estate.
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Paying debts and taxes – Creditors are notified, and valid debts are resolved before heirs receive distributions.
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Distributing property – The remaining assets are transferred to beneficiaries or heirs according to the will or state law.
Probate in Texas and Oklahoma
While the probate process is similar in both states, there are important differences families should be aware of:
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Texas: Texas is known for having one of the more “streamlined” probate systems. If the will is straightforward and uncontested, the process can move relatively quickly. Texas also allows for “independent administration,” which means less court involvement and lower costs.
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Oklahoma: Probate in Oklahoma can involve more court oversight, especially if there is no will. The process ensures fairness but can take longer and require more formal steps than in Texas.
When Is Probate Required?
Not every estate must go through full probate. Small estates, jointly owned property, and accounts with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts) may transfer outside of probate. However, if the estate includes significant assets solely in the deceased person’s name, probate is usually necessary.
How Our Firm Can Help
At Booker Law Firm, we guide families through every step of probate, from filing the initial paperwork to ensuring heirs receive their rightful inheritance. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible while protecting your family’s interests.
Whether you are facing probate in Texas or Oklahoma, our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the process with confidence.
