Probate Consultation 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 ultimately distributing property to beneficiaries or heirs.

For many families, probate occurs during an already difficult time. At Goodcatt & Associates, we guide clients through the probate process with clarity, patience, and steady counsel—helping them understand what is required, what to expect, and how to move forward.

Probate is a court process that provides legal authority to administer an estate. Depending on the circumstances, probate may involve:

• Admitting a Will to probate 
• Appointing an executor or administrator
• Identifying and valuing estate assets
• Paying valid debts and expenses
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries or heirs

Not every estate is the same, and not every probate looks alike. The process can be straightforward or more involved depending on the assets, the existence of a Will, and the overall situation.

Probate is commonly required when:

• A person passes away owning assets in their individual name
• A Will needs to be legally recognized and carried out
• Financial institutions or title companies require court authority
• There is no trust in place to hold assets outside probate

In some cases, probate may be avoided or simplified. In others, it is necessary to complete the administration of the estate properly. Part of our role is helping you understand which applies to your situation.

The probate process differs depending on whether the person who passed away left a valid Will.

• With a Will: Probate is used to validate the Will and authorize the executor to carry out the deceased person’s wishes.
• Without a will (Intestate): Texas law determines who inherits and who may serve as administrator, which may not align with what the deceased would have wanted.

We help clients navigate both situations and understand how Texas law applies in each case.

Probate can feel unfamiliar and intimidating, especially for those who have never been through it before. We work to make the process as clear and manageable as possible by:

• Explaining each step in plain language
• Outlining timelines and expectations
• Handling required filings and court procedures
• Coordinating with financial institutions and other parties

Our goal is to reduce uncertainty and help you move through the process with confidence.

Many clients come to us during probate and 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 asset coordination—can often reduce the time, cost, and complexity involved.

We help clients understand how probate fits into the broader estate planning picture, whether they are administering an estate now or planning ahead for the future.

Probate work requires both legal precision and sensitivity. We approach each matter with care, professionalism, and attention to detail, recognizing that clients may be dealing with grief, responsibility, and uncertainty all at once.

We guide clients from the initial consultation through completion of the probate process, explaining requirements along the way and addressing questions as they arise. 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 San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and surrounding communities across Central Texas and the Hill Country. We meet by appointment and work with executors, administrators, beneficiaries, and families at all stages of the process.

If you have recently lost a loved one and are unsure what steps to take—or need guidance through probate—we are here to help.