Question 1

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Dallas, Texas?

Accepted Answer

Call the Dallas Police Department at 214-744-4444 to report non-emergencies.

Question 2

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Dallas, Texas?

Accepted Answer

Pick up reports at the Dallas police's Open Records Unit or send mail to the address indicated below. For further assistance, call (214) 671-3343 or (214) 671-3345.
Dallas Police Department Open Records Unit 1400 S. Lamar Dallas, Texas 75215

Question 3

Who is entitled to challenge a will in Dallas?

Accepted Answer

Any person who has concerns about a will in Dallas may be able to challenge it and this can be the spouse, an heir, and a devisee. A person who is concerned with the welfare of an incapacitated individual or a minor may also contest the will. A creditor who has a claim against an estate may also file a written opposition in court.

Question 4

Should you probate the will of a deceased individual in Dallas who only named the surviving spouse the sole beneficiary?

Accepted Answer

It depends. If the deceased spouse in Dallas had children from another marriage, the will has to be probated. When there are no debts involved and the will follows intestacy laws, probate can also be possibly avoided. Titling of a vehicle or deed under a survivorship agreement can overrule probate requirements.

Question 5

What are some of the costs of filing a probate case in Dallas?

Accepted Answer

Court filing fees in Dallas can be around $300 for a combined application for determination of heirship and estate administration. Costs will also be incurred during the valuation of properties, accounting of an estate, and publishing of notices. Additionally, fees for the lawyer and executor will have to be paid. There can be federal taxes for high-value estates and miscellaneous fees for the payment of postage and property storage and shipment.

Question 6

Is an Attorney Ad Litem required for the heirship determination procedure in Dallas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Dallas County Probate Courts require Attorney Ad Litems in heirship determination cases. It is the job of the attorney to conduct an investigation into the family history and determine the heirs if the deceased died without leaving behind a will. However, the Texas Estates Code deems the appointment of this type of attorney discretionary and it is not required in other counties in the state.

Question 7

What requirements are needed for probate cases to be referred to the Dallas County Dispute Resolution Center?

Accepted Answer

Residents of Dallas and throughout the county who self-represent themselves in the probate case are eligible. Those represented by lawyers on a contingent basis cannot apply. Cases under the first level of the discovery stage and with a claim value of under $50,000 can also be referred to the Dallas County Dispute Resolution Center. Litigants with counsel deemed by the court to have less financial means may also be referred. The center is in Suite 681-D on the 6th floor of the George Allen Sr. Courts Building at 600 Commerce Street in Dallas.

Question 8

What does a probate attorney do?

Accepted Answer

Probate attorneys are licensed professionals who represent executors and heirs after someone has died. They provide personalized legal advice, assist with tax planning, settle debts, and facilitate the distribution of assets. Probate attorneys typically represent clients during administrative proceedings overseen by probate courts, although some litigators focus on handling disputes and lawsuits related to contested estates.

Question 9

What is probate court?

Accepted Answer

Probate court works with the family or beneficiaries of a deceased person to validate their last will and testament. The courts review the individual's will to identify and calculate assets, pay off remaining debts, and distribute the remaining property to beneficiaries per the deceased person's requests. Depending on state laws, property valued under a certain amount may not require probate.

Question 10

How long do you have to file probate after death?

Accepted Answer

The amount of time loved ones have to file a will after a person dies varies from state to state. While California courts require probate to be filed within one year, New York has no deadline. That being said, it's advisable to file probate as quickly as possible once a person has died, as the process itself can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.

Question 11

Does life insurance go through probate?

Accepted Answer

Life insurance doesn't need to go through the probate courts if the deceased individual has named a beneficiary on their policy. However, life insurance policies without beneficiaries, or with beneficiaries who are either deceased themselves or cannot be contacted, go directly to the deceased individual's estate. When this happens, life insurance proceeds must go through probate court to determine how funds should be allocated.

Question 12

Do household items go through probate?

Accepted Answer

While the exact rules do vary from state to state, most household items don't require probate and are automatically left to immediate families unless otherwise stated in the deceased person's will. When it comes to property, only items above a certain value or held in title are required to go through probate in most states.

Question 13

Do bank accounts with beneficiaries have to go through probate?

Accepted Answer

In the event a beneficiary has been named, bank accounts are not required to go through probate and will be paid directly to the person designated by the deceased individual. However, should that individual be deceased themselves or if contact cannot be made after a certain period of time, funds will be allocated to the estate and put through the probate process.

Question 14

What happens if no probate is filed?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the circumstances, probate may not be required in all cases. If a person passes on and their remaining property is jointly owned, it automatically transfers to the other owner. However, if a property is not jointly owned and no probate has been filed, the executor of the will won't be able to transfer titles or cash assets to beneficiaries. Be aware that the specific laws surrounding probate requirements vary from state to state.

Question 15

What is probate real estate?

Accepted Answer

Probate real estate is the process that happens when a realtor steps in to handle the sale or transfer of a deceased person's owned home to another individual. In some cases, the house is sold as a means of liquidating assets, and proceeds from the sale are used to pay debts or are distributed to beneficiaries.

Question 16

Can I probate a will or estate without an attorney?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to probate a will and close an estate without hiring an attorney. However, it requires multiple steps and an understanding of the law. The first step is to petition the court to appoint a representative for the estate. Next, the executor must notify all heirs and creditors before switching ownership from the decedent to the estate. Once all debts, taxes, and final expenses have been paid, funds can be transferred to heirs. To close an estate, the executor must submit a report showing the court that all obligations and final wishes have been satisfied. While a will and estate may seem straightforward, things can get complicated quickly if multiple heirs are involved, or if disputes or disagreements arise over distribution. A probate lawyer can help navigate these disputes effectively, and take pressure off the executor when beneficiaries aren’t getting along.

Question 17

How many years can an estate remain in probate?

Accepted Answer

If the will or proposed distribution of property is contested, an estate may remain in probate for several years. The timeline depends on how long relatives have to initiate probate, how long creditors have to come forward, and how busy the courts are. In some states, such as Florida, relatives have just 10 days to initiate probate, and the entire process takes approximately six months. In other areas, such as Massachusetts, the process can last one to two years, although the majority of probate activities occur in the first nine months. The value of the estate also affects the duration of the case. For example, California and Texas have simplified procedures for smaller estates, such as those valued at $150,000 or less.

Question 18

When is a will's probate an automatic process?

Accepted Answer

Probate is the legal process of validating a last will and testament to ensure that the decedent's wishes are followed. A probate judge may automatically clear wills if they're accompanied by an affidavit from the decedent, a notary, and a witness. Some assets, including financial accounts with designated beneficiaries, and funds held by certain types of trusts don't have to go through probate.

Question 19

What does it mean when property is under probate?

Accepted Answer

Real estate that's under probate is typically liquidated through the court system, which is most common when someone dies without a will. Home buyers who are interested in this type of property must follow special rules regarding deposits, which are sometimes nonrefundable, and buyer's premiums. Additionally, the court must approve the purchase price.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Dallas, Texas?

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Dallas, Texas?

Who is entitled to challenge a will in Dallas?

Should you probate the will of a deceased individual in Dallas who only named the surviving spouse the sole beneficiary?

What are some of the costs of filing a probate case in Dallas?

Is an Attorney Ad Litem required for the heirship determination procedure in Dallas?

What requirements are needed for probate cases to be referred to the Dallas County Dispute Resolution Center?