Probate & Estate Administration
Probate Attorney in San Antonio, Texas
Lost a loved one and need to settle their estate? Amanda Skeen guides executors and families through Bexar County probate, from the first filing to the final distribution.
How Our San Antonio Probate Lawyer Helps
Every estate is different. As a probate attorney in San Antonio, Amanda matches the right Texas probate process to your family’s situation.
Probate With a Will
We file the will, get your executor appointed, and guide them through every duty under Texas law.
Probate Without a Will
No will? We use an administration or an affidavit of heirship to confirm the legal heirs and transfer property.
Muniment of Title
A faster, lower-cost Texas option that transfers property under a will when the estate has no unsecured debts.
Small Estate Affidavits
No will and under $75,000, not counting the homestead? A small estate affidavit can avoid full probate.
Trust Administration
We guide successor trustees through notices, inventory, and distribution, so the trust is settled correctly.
Probate Disputes & Litigation
When a will is challenged, heirs disagree, or an executor isn’t doing their job, we protect your interests in court.
Probate Mistakes That Cost Families Time and Money
Texas probate has strict rules and deadlines. A probate lawyer in San Antonio keeps your family clear of these common problems.
Missed 4-Year Deadline
Wait too long, and Texas courts generally won't appoint an executor.
Executor Liability
Executors can be personally liable for mistakes with debts or distributions.
Late Inventory
Texas generally requires an inventory within 90 days of qualifying.
Creditor Claims
Paying the wrong debts first can leave the estate short.
Frozen Accounts
Banks won't release funds without the right court documents.
Property Stuck in Title
A home can't be sold or refinanced until title passes properly.
Family Disputes
Disagreements between heirs delay everything and raise costs.
Out-of-State Property
Property in another state may need a second probate case.
Four Steps From Filing to Final Distribution
We handle the court work, so you can focus on your family.
Consultation
We review the will, assets, and family situation, then recommend the right probate path.
File & Represent
We file the application in Bexar County probate court and attend the hearing with you.
Creditors & Assets
We send notices, prepare the inventory, and handle creditor claims on time.
Distribute & Close
We transfer property to the heirs and close the estate properly.
A Clear Path Through Probate
Support from your first call to the final distribution.
Clear Guidance
Plain-English answers about your duties as executor or administrator.
Every Deadline Met
We track filing, notice, and inventory deadlines for you.
Direct Attorney Access
You work with Amanda, not a rotating case team.
Help Beyond Probate
When the estate is settled, we help you plan your own, so your family never goes through this.
A San Antonio Probate Lawyer Who Stays With You
Families comparing San Antonio probate lawyers choose Skeen Law for focused, personal service.
Probate Is Core to Our Practice
Estate planning and probate are all we do. We have guided more than 150 families through probate.
You Work With Amanda
No hand-offs. Amanda handles your case from first call to final distribution.
Recognized Experience
Member of the State Bar of Texas Real Estate, Probate & Trust Law Section and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Support After Probate
Once the estate is settled, we help heirs plan their own estates.
OTHER services
After probate, protect the next generation with a plan of your own.
Buy-sell agreements and ownership transfer plans for your company.
Regular reviews and trust upkeep so your plan never falls behind.
what our customers say
READY TO SETTLE THE ESTATE WITH CONFIDENCE?
Schedule your free consultation today and let the san antonio probate lawyers at Skeen Law take the weight off your shoulders.
FAQs
What is probate, and does every estate have to go through it in Texas?
Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and transferring assets to beneficiaries. Not every estate requires a full probate proceeding. Texas offers streamlined options — including muniment of title, small estate affidavit, and independent administration — that can significantly reduce cost and time. We’ll assess your situation and recommend the most efficient path.
How long does probate take in Texas?
A Texas independent administration — the most common and efficient form — typically takes six months to a year from start to finish, though complex estates or contested matters can take longer. The process begins with filing an application in the county where the deceased resided; Bexar County estates are handled in the Probate Court here in San Antonio.
Do I need a probate lawyer if there's a will?
Usually, yes. Texas probate courts generally require an executor to be represented by an attorney, and a lawyer helps you meet every deadline and avoid personal liability.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Texas?
Dying intestate (without a will) means Texas’s intestacy statutes determine who inherits — and the result is often not what the family expected. For example, a surviving spouse does not automatically inherit everything if there are children from a prior relationship. The estate must still go through probate, and the court will appoint an administrator rather than an executor of your choosing.
Why Should I Hire a Probate Attorney for Estate Administration?
An attorney can help ensure the estate is handled correctly, explain your legal responsibilities, and help avoid costly mistakes or unnecessary delays.
What is a small estate affidavit?
When someone dies without a will and the estate is worth $75,000 or less, not counting the homestead and exempt property, the heirs may be able to use a court-approved affidavit instead of full probate.
What Is the Difference Between Probate and Estate Administration?
Probate is the legal court process used to settle certain estates. Estate administration is the broader process of managing, paying debts, and distributing a person’s assets after death.
Am I personally responsible for a loved one's debts if I serve as executor?
No. As executor you are responsible for notifying creditors and paying valid debts from estate assets — but you are not personally liable for debts that exceed the estate’s value. There are important notice requirements and creditor claim deadlines under the Texas Estates Code that must be followed carefully to protect the estate and its beneficiaries.