Duffley Law helps Houston families go through intestate probate with clarity and confidence. Every year, thousands of Texas families face probate without a will, often after a sudden death with little time to prepare.
When someone dies without a will, the estate often goes through intestate probate in order to transfer assets from the deceased person’s name to that person’s heirs. In Texas, about 80% of these probate cases use independent administration, a process that lets court-appointed administrators manage the estate without ongoing court supervision.
However, this is only allowed if the proper documents are filed on time and all legal requirements are met.
When there’s no will, Duffley Law steps in to handle every detail, like preparing applications to determine heirship, filing for letters of administration, and representing you in Harris County probate hearings and resolving real estate or title issues.
About Duffley Law: Houston Probate Guidance
Duffley Law is a Houston firm focused on estate planning and probate. Whether you’re in Midtown, The Heights, Westchase, or near the Harris County probate court downtown, we’re here to provide personal attention, clear communication, and direct access to a real attorney
When it comes to intestate probate, most clients want to feel heard, respected, and guided through a confusing process with dignity. If you’re dealing with generational homes in Acres Homes, or sorting accounts across multiple counties, we work with families throughout the greater Houston area.
Our team has helped families all over Texas secure court authority, transfer assets, and resolve heirship questions, all without dragging out the process or layering in surprise fees. Clients often describe our team as “kind,” “thorough,” and “incredibly responsive.” We designed our systems to have:
- Quick callbacks
- Full walkthroughs of every document, no legalese left unexplained
- Compassionate handling of grief-related conversations
- Free consultations, because we believe listening should come first
With strong relationships in Harris County probate courts and a laser focus on Texas succession law, we help you move forward, legally and emotionally, with peace of mind.
Our Intestate Probate Services in Houston
Duffley Law focuses on estate law, and that means our probate services are designed for families dealing with loss and uncertainty. If your loved one passed without a will, here’s how we can help:
- Filing for Letters of Administration
- Preparing and filing Affidavits of Heirship
- Court representation in Harris County Probate Court and the surrounding counties
- Filing required documentation with the court
- Publishing notices required for administrators
- Small Estate Affidavit preparation, filing, and guidance
- Court-free asset transfers where possible
What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will in Houston?
When someone dies without a will in Houston, their estate is considered intestate, and Texas law decides who inherits. In Houston, families often must petition for control of the estate, identify all legal heirs, and comply with strict court procedures before they can transfer assets or settle debts.
Without a named executor, the probate court appoints an administrator, usually a family member, to manage the estate. But before that happens, the court may require a formal determination of heirship, especially when there are multiple children, blended families, or out-of-state relatives.
Unfortunately, most people pass away without leaving an estate plan, which can add significant complexity to the process.
When going through probate, there are deadlines, technical filings, and court appearances that most families shouldn’t handle alone. That’s why Duffley Law combines clear guidance and effective action to take the legal burden off your shoulders, so your family can focus on healing, not navigating the probate court system.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Intestate Probate
Probate without a will in Texas is a complicated legal process that can stall for months without proper guidance. In Houston, families often face delays not because of court backlogs, but because they don’t know what forms to file, what language the judge expects, or how to prove who the heirs actually are.
Intestate probate cases often require sworn affidavits, the selection of witnesses, court appearances, and strict compliance with the Texas Estates Code.
At Duffley Law, we help you avoid those pitfalls by handling the details:
- Preparing heirship and administration filings that meet court standards
- Representing you in Harris County probate hearings
- Coordinating with title companies to clear ownership issues
- Responding to court objections and missing-document notices
What often makes intestate probate harder than normal probate is the uncertainty. No will means no roadmap, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. We provide structure, speed, and clear answers, with a real attorney handling your case.
What Sets Duffley Law Apart in Houston
We’re a law firm built around empathy, structure, and follow-through, especially for families going through loss.
- No Surprises in Pricing: Whenever possible, we try to offer flat fees. Everything is quoted up front and we try to establish clear expectations from the start.
- Local Court Experience: We understand what Harris County courts expect and how to avoid procedural missteps that cause delays.
- Compassion, Not Legalese: We explain your options clearly and treat you with patience, not pressure.
- Free Consultations: Whether you’re in the Heights, Pearland, or Spring, we offer free consultations to figure out how we can best assist before we get started.
How We Help Families Handle Probate Without a Will
When someone dies without a will, most families need answers before they can act. At Duffley Law, we offer step-by-step support to help you gain legal authority, identify heirs, and transfer assets effectively.
Whether you’re dealing with a house in Midtown or closing an old family bank account, here’s what the process looks like:
Step 1: Collecting Information
As we get started, we’ll collect the information we need to complete the necessary documents and filings. The more we can determine at the start, the better.
Step 2: Heirship & Court Documents
If probate is necessary, we prepare the full application to determine the decedent’s heirship and to request letters of administration. We’ll prepare the other documents required by the court as we move forward, and deal with any attorney ad litem that may be assigned to the case by the court.
Step 3: Filing With the Court
We file your case in the appropriate court, typically Harris County Probate Court, and handle communications with the court. Supporting filings are often made after the case is opened. If a hearing is required, we will attend and manage any witness statements.
Step 4: Court Approval & Asset Access
Once approved, we request that the court send you your letters of administration. After that, you should have the authority you need to handle the decedent’s property and work towards settling the estate. We’ll also make sure proper notices go out as required by the court and Texas law.
Every document is reviewed with you in real time, and we stay accessible.
Speak With a Houston Probate Attorney Today
If your loved one passed without a will, you don’t have to face the legal process alone.
At Duffley Law, we’re here to support you with clarity and compassion. Call us today or schedule a time that works for you for a free consultation.