Estate Administration Attorney in Arlington

30 Years of Texas Probate Experience, AV Preeminent Rated

Losing a loved one brings not only grief but also a wave of unfamiliar legal questions: what to do first, how probate works, and how to make sure your family’s interests are protected. Those questions don’t pause for grief, and the deadlines attached to them are real.

At Law Office of Marilyn D. Garner, we provide the clarity and support Arlington families need when facing estate administration. With more than 30 years of legal experience across Texas probate, estate planning, and bankruptcy, our firm offers practical guidance and compassionate service, helping you honor your loved one’s wishes while managing each legal step with confidence.

Protect your family’s interests during probate. Call (817) 381-9292 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Why Arlington Families Choose Law Office of Marilyn D. Garner

Estate administration isn’t one-size-fits-all. Family dynamics, asset types, and whether a will exists all shape the process and the guidance a family needs. We take time to understand your priorities, explain each step in plain language, and tailor our approach to your estate’s specific circumstances.

• A reputation you can trust. Attorney Marilyn D. Garner holds the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, reflecting peer-recognized ethical standards and legal ability. That recognition matters when families are placing their trust in someone during a difficult chapter.
• More than three decades of legal experience. We’ve served clients across bankruptcy, estate planning, and probate for over 30 years. That breadth of experience means we understand how estate administration connects to the bigger picture of a family’s financial and legal situation.
• Local familiarity with Tarrant County courts. Most Arlington-area estates go through Tarrant County’s two statutory probate courts. We know the local rules and documentation requirements that shape how cases move forward, and we anticipate what judges and clerks expect before it becomes a delay.
• A single attorney relationship. Because we also handle estate planning, clients can work with the same trusted attorney for both the administration of a current estate and planning for their own future.

The Estate Administration Process in Arlington: What to Expect

The Texas Estates Code governs estate administration from start to finish, and Tarrant County’s local court rules add additional structure to how cases are managed. Understanding each phase helps families plan ahead and avoid costly missteps.

Filing with the Probate Court

Most Arlington-area estates go through one of Tarrant County’s two statutory probate courts. The Tarrant County Clerk’s probate office maintains records, processes wills, and handles estate filings. The court reviews the will if one exists, appoints a personal representative, and issues letters testamentary or letters of administration authorizing that person to act on the estate’s behalf. Note that a new court fee schedule took effect January 1, 2026.

Notifying Beneficiaries & Creditors

Texas probate law requires formal notification to beneficiaries and creditors. The executor carries a fiduciary duty to notify all heirs and must publish notice to creditors. Under the Texas Estates Code, the estate inventory and appraisement must generally be filed within 90 days of the executor’s appointment. Missing that deadline can result in court penalties, though specific timelines may vary by case.

Distributing Assets

Once debts, taxes, and other requirements are addressed, the estate’s assets are distributed to heirs according to the will or, if no valid will exists, Texas intestate succession laws. We attend to each legal detail to help reduce unnecessary costs and delays.

Alternative Procedures for Qualifying Estates

Not every estate requires full probate administration. Texas offers streamlined options for qualifying situations. A muniment of title may be available when a valid will exists and the estate has no unpaid unsecured debts. A small estate affidavit may apply when the estate’s value falls below the statutory threshold. We can assess which path fits your family’s circumstances during your free consultation.

Each phase carries strict deadlines and documentation standards. Working with an estate administration attorney in Arlington can help keep your case moving forward and reduce the risk of missteps that can affect the final distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Takes Care of Estate Administration in Texas?

The named executor or administrator manages the estate, carrying out instructions set by the will or Texas law. The probate court provides oversight throughout, and the executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the estate and its beneficiaries.

How Long Does Estate Administration Usually Take in Arlington?

Timing depends on the estate’s size and complexity. Simple estates may resolve in several months, while cases involving disputes, multiple assets, or contested matters can take longer. We can give you a clearer sense of what to expect after reviewing your specific situation.

Does Every Estate Need to Go Through Probate in Texas?

Not necessarily. Qualifying estates may use a muniment of title or small estate affidavit as alternatives to formal administration, and some assets transfer by beneficiary designation entirely outside of probate. We can help you determine which process applies to your family’s circumstances.

Can Family Members Handle Estate Administration on Their Own?

Tarrant County doesn’t permit filing to probate a relative’s will without an attorney under the court’s Pro Se policies. Beyond that restriction, strict deadlines and documentation requirements make professional guidance important for most estates, regardless of their size or apparent simplicity.

What Challenges Can Families Face During Estate Administration?

Common risks include missed court deadlines, disagreements among heirs, distribution mistakes, and unaddressed creditor claims. An estate administration lawyer in Arlington can help protect the estate, keep filings on track, and reduce stress for everyone involved.

Contact Our Firm for Estate Administration Guidance

The Tarrant County probate process carries detailed requirements that can feel daunting when you’re also managing grief. We offer steady guidance and a clear approach at every stage so you can focus on your family while we handle the legal details.

Call (817) 381-9292 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with an estate administration attorney in Arlington.