Why Is Probate Court So Complicated?

 Posted on June 05, 2025 in Estate Planning and Probate

Few people look forward to the process of probate after a loved one passes on. Going through the deceased’s assets and dividing them up can be a tedious but necessary endeavor. Oftentimes, estate administrators and beneficiaries are unprepared for just how complex probate can be. A Texas probate attorney can provide invaluable assistance during this process, lending skilled representation and counsel.

At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we offer highly personalized legal services to help you get to the bottom of probate administration. Together, we can address the various complications that come with dividing up a decedent’s estate, whether you are an administrator or a beneficiary.

How Are Assets Accounted For?

If you are appointed as the administrator of the estate, you will be responsible for dividing up the deceased person’s property. This means that you will have to get a full inventory of the decedent’s assets. This includes personal belongings, real estate holdings, and investments. You will also have to uncover the decedent’s liabilities, which may include unpaid debts or loans.

Accounting for all of the decedent’s assets on your own can be overwhelming. A skilled lawyer can help you uncover hidden property and appraise the value of the estate. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we will do everything we can to ease the burden of stress on your end.

How Is a Will Interpreted?

In probate court, assets are distributed according to the decedent’s will. This sounds simple, but complications may arise over how the will is interpreted. For example, if the instructions are not clear enough, the beneficiaries may argue about how the property should be divided. A will can also be questioned if there are suspicions that somebody manipulated or coerced the decedent into giving them property, otherwise known as undue influence.

If the decedent did not leave a will, the assets will be divided in probate court, based on a set prioritization of heirs. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we represent both beneficiaries and administrators in disputes over wills.

Can Creditors Collect on the Estate?

As previously mentioned, debts do not simply vanish upon death. Someone is still responsible for paying those debts, and in most cases, it will come out of the decedent’s estate. If you are appointed as the administrator of the estate, you will be responsible for notifying creditors of the death. This involves publishing a notice in a local newspaper and sending out letters to creditors with secured (collateral) debts.

Creditors only have a limited window of time to collect on the estate. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we can make sure you fulfill your obligations to the decedent’s creditors, protecting you from liability.

Meet With a San Antonio, TX Probate Court Attorney

Do you need help sorting out your loved one’s estate? You could benefit from the services of a highly experienced Bexar County, TX estate administration lawyer. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we can walk you through the steps of probate, clearing up any questions and helping you navigate obstacles that arise.

When you work with our firm, you will receive individual attention from a devoted lawyer. Call our offices at 210-535-0870 to arrange a free consultation today.