Houston Probate Consultation at No Fee

Probate is the legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death. It can involve validating a will, appointing someone to act on behalf of the estate, identifying assets, paying debts, and distributing property to beneficiaries or heirs.

For many families, probate occurs during an already difficult time. Goodcatt & Associates works with individuals and families in Houston to guide them through the probate process with clarity, patience, and steady counsel.

Clients come to us for probate assistance for many reasons. Some are serving as executor under a will. Others are handling an estate where no will exists. Many are navigating probate for the first time and are unsure where to begin.

Our role is to explain the process, outline what is required, and help you move forward in a way that feels organized and manageable.

The probate process in Texas depends in part on whether the person who passed away left a valid will.

• When there is a will, probate is used to admit the will to court and authorize the executor to carry out the estate administration.
• When there is no will, Texas law determines who may serve as administrator and how assets are distributed. 

We help clients understand how each situation is handled and what steps are required under Texas law.

Probate matters for clients in the Houston area are typically handled through the probate courts in Harris County or Fort Bend County, depending on the circumstances.

We approach probate with local practice in mind and with an understanding of how estate administration is handled in these courts. This allows us to guide clients through the process efficiently while ensuring all legal requirements are properly addressed.

Probate can feel unfamiliar and intimidating, particularly for those handling an estate for the first time. We work to reduce uncertainty by:

• Explaining each step of the process in plain language
• Preparing and filing required court documents
• Coordinating with financial institutions and other parties
• Helping executors and administrators understand their responsibilities 

Our goal is to help you move through probate with clarity and confidence.

Many clients who go through probate later ask how the process could have been simplified. While probate cannot always be avoided, thoughtful estate planning—such as properly structured wills, trusts, and coordinated assets—can often reduce the time, expense, and complexity involved.

We are happy to discuss future planning options once the immediate probate matter is resolved.

Probate requires both legal precision and sensitivity. We take a measured, professional approach and recognize that clients may be dealing with grief, responsibility, and uncertainty at the same time.

We guide clients from the initial consultation through completion of the probate process. We explain the process, scope of work, and fees upfront, so clients know what to expect and can move forward with confidence—without surprises along the way.

We assist clients with probate matters throughout Houston, including Memorial Village, Hunters Creek Village, Piney Point Village, Bunker Hill Village, Tanglewood, Cinco Ranch, Avalon at Spring Green, Elyson, Katy, Fulshear, and surrounding communities across Central Texas and the Hill Country.

Meetings are by appointment at our Houston office, located near the Galleria, close to Loop 610 and Westheimer Road.