Houston Estate Planning Lawyer Whitney L. Thompson Discusses How to Settle an Estate Without a Will

Harris, Texas -

December 13, 2022 - /PressAdvantage/ - Houston estate planning lawyer Whitney L. Thompson (https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/the-process-of-settling-an-estate-in-absence-of-a-will/) releases a new article explaining the process of settling an estate in absence of a Will. The lawyer mentions that according to a study, the overall percentage of older Americans without a will remains unchanged. Younger adults, however, show an increase of sixty-three percent compared to pre-pandemic times. These younger adults typically cite COVID-19 as the impetus to start taking estate planning seriously.

“When an individual passes away without a will, their estate must go through the probate process in order to distribute their assets and resolve any outstanding debts. This process can be complicated and stressful for the surviving family members, who may not be familiar with the legal procedures involved,” the Houston estate planning lawyer says.

The lawyer explains that a surviving spouse or a registered domestic partner is the first choice to settle a will. If there is no spouse or partner, adult children will be next on the priority list. After the child is, the parents or other close family members related by blood will be the next choice to settle the will.

Attorney Whitney L. Thompson adds that in the rare cases where the state is not able to find a next of kin. In such cases, the assets will end up in the state’s coffers. If the heirs are more distant next of kin, they may require an affidavit notarizing them to be heirs to the estate property and present documentation requirements to transfer ownership of assets.

In the article, attorney Thompson further explains, “Inheriting under intestate succession laws may require an heir to live a certain amount of time longer than the decedent. Depending on the state, this can be 120 hours, five days, or merely having outlived the decedent for any period of time qualifies them as an heir. If an heir dies, close relatives such as the deceased person’s child may inherit all or some of what their parent would have received.”

Lastly, the lawyer emphasizes the importance of having a skilled probate attorney when dealing with matters involving the probate process. Having an experienced estate attorney may be able to help an individual understand their rights and help them prepare for the future of their loved ones.

About The Law Office of Whitney Thompson, PLLC

Attorney Whitney Thompson is an experienced family law attorney who helps clients deal with family law matters such as divorce or legal separation. Attorney Thompson also deals with guardianship, probate, and estate planning matters. As an experienced divorce lawyer, attorney Thompson and her legal team have helped families have a smoother divorce process and plan for their future more thoroughly. To schedule a consultation, call (281) 214-0173.

The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC

4201 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 219, Box #116B, Houston, TX 77068, United States

(281) 214-0173

###

For more information about The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC, contact the company here:

The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC
Whitney L. Thompson
+12812140173
[email protected]
The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC
4201 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 320, Box #116B, Houston, TX 77068, United States

ReleaseID: 60056691