Best Probate Lawyers in Garland

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  The Garland Police Department’s non-emergency line is 972-485-4840.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, submit a written request to the Garland Police Department located at 1891 Forest Lane, Garland, TX 75042. You can also email your request to GPDPIAREQUESTS@garlandtx.gov. Please 972-205-1691 for further assistance. For your convenience, you can use this Open Records Request Form https://www.garlandpolice.com/DocumentCenter/View/1285/Open-Records-Request-Form.

• How does a decedent’s estate qualify for the Small Estate Affidavit in Garland?

  An estate in Garland can be administered using the abbreviated probate process of Small Estate Affidavit if it meets the following conditions: -It has been over 30 days since the decedent’s death

  • There is no pending probate petition for the estate
  • The estate is valued at no more than $50,000 (excluding exempt assets and the homestead)
  • The estate’s value exceeds the decedent’s liabilities

• How does probate work in Garland if the decedent left no will?

  You can still initiate probate in Garland for an estate without a will. However, the probate will be under “dependent administration.” This means the process will be overseen by the court. The estate administrator must get the approval of the court for every transaction in the process. Also, the remaining assets will be distributed to heirs in accordance with Texas’ inheritance laws.

• Until when can you contest a will in Garland?

  You have two years from the date the will was accepted for probate to contest its validity. Ideally, will contests should be filed immediately after the will has been filed in court. An extension to the two-year limitation may be granted if forgery or fraud was involved in the will’s creation. If you are planning to challenge a will, a Garland probate attorney can help monitor filings in court to catch the particular will you’re interested in.

• Where do you file probate with a will in Garland?

  The probate petition and the will, if available, must be filed with the probate court in the county where the decedent was residing at the time of their death. The probate courts for Dallas County communities, including Garland, are located at the Renaissance Tower, 1201 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75270. A local probate lawyer can help you prepare the requirement for the probate filing.

• Are common law spouses entitled to a probated estate in Garland?

  Yes, common law spouses could be entitled to inherit from their spouse’s probated estate as Texas recognizes common law marriages. The common law spouse will have to provide evidence to prove the validity of the relationship. It is also beneficial to have counsel from a probate lawyer in Garland while the matter is being resolved in probate court.