5 Things That Can Go Wrong When Your Loved One Passes Away Without a Will in Houston

by | 4 April, 2023

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience for those left behind, and it can be even harder on the family once they’ve discovered that no will has been written.

Having a plan in place that specifies important details such as beneficiary designations, executed wills and trusts, and powers of attorney can make the transition much smoother.

In this article, we’ll explore the five most common problems that come with dying intestate (without a will).

Unclear Beneficiaries

This could lead to those assets going only to unintended beneficiaries or even into court specialized for probate real estate in Houston – which can take a long time and lock away your assets for years while the court resolves disputes.

No Guardianship Designations

Without a will, it’s impossible to designate guardianship for any minor children or pets left behind by the deceased.

The courts decide who will be the guardian in these cases. This might not be what everyone wants.

Loss of Estate Tax Benefits

Without a will or clear instructions left behind, it is important to take extra care when deciding how to split up their possessions and account for any remaining debts.

An estate planning lawyer can help you understand how to distribute the remaining assets equally so you can avoid potential conflict with other members of the family.

Disputes Among Family Members

When someone dies, it can be hard to know what to do with their things if they did not leave behind a will or clear instructions. It is important to figure out who should get the estate of the person who passed away.

Their family may disagree about how to divide up the things they left behind. Conflicts can usually arise between close or immediate relatives.

Impact on Businesses Owned by Deceased

Without proper succession planning, it may be necessary to sell off or dissolve these businesses, resulting in significant financial losses as well as stress and frustration from lengthy legal proceedings concerning ownership transfer or dissolution.

Estate planning is an important part of life to guarantee the security and future of your loved ones after you’re gone.

In Houston, this is especially true because state laws concerning inheritance rights without a will in place can be complex and challenging for those affected by it.

To avoid leaving behind any potential questions or disputes over who gets what upon death, it’s important to lay out your wishes in advance through a properly crafted legal document such as a will.

Making arrangements before death will make sure that family members left behind aren’t confused about who should get specific assets.

How to Sell Your House in Probate

If a loved one dies without a will, it is best to get help from a probate real estate specialist in Houston, TX to help you understand how to properly distribute your loved one’s assets.

This ensures that all matters related to inheritance rights and ownership transfer are handled according to state laws and regulations, ensuring fairness and avoiding any potential conflicts or disputes among surviving family members.

Benefits of Working with a Probate Lawyer

Working with a probate lawyer can make the process much easier for those affected by the passing of a loved one, saving them from potentially overwhelming legal matters.

A lawyer who knows about selling homes in probate can help make sure everything is done correctly.

Our Probate Real Estate Specialists Are Here for You

If you’re looking for probate real estate specialists in Houston, Ohana Legacy Properties is the perfect choice. Our certified professionals are experienced in handling inherited properties and sales transactions involving estates, as well as being knowledgeable of all local probate laws.

We will give out true and recent information about taxes, making sure that your entire family isn’t kept in the dark.

Get in touch with us now to find out how our experts at Ohana Legacy Properties can help ensure a smooth transition for you and your loved ones after a sudden loss.