Practice Areas
Probate Law Firm in Amarillo

Experienced Texas trust and estates attorney helps guide you through the process
Probate follows what is typically a painful emotional loss. The knowledgeable, meticulous probate attorney Stewart R. Werner has 30 years of experience in probate law and knows how to ease the stress of probate by guiding executors and beneficiaries.

The process of probate
Most executors have rarely if ever probated a will and know little about the process. We can guide you through the complex probate process, including:

  • Filing the will with the Texas probate court
  • Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate
  • Finding and collecting assets
  • Closing and opening bank accounts
  • Paying estate taxes
  • Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate
  • Valuing, managing, preserving and liquidating the estate
  • Locating beneficiaries
  • Hiring experts, when appropriate

Valuing and managing the estate
We assist executors with the arduous process of collecting, managing, valuing, protecting and liquidating the assets of the estate. We have a team of experts available to assist in every aspect of estate probate. When appropriate, the firm calls upon accountants, financial advisers, real estate agents, property managers and other professionals to assist with executor duties. We can access expert opinions about unique assets such as antiques, rare books, automobiles and other collectables for accurate valuation, management and possible sale.

Probate disputes
Even in apparently straightforward estate cases, there are sometimes disputes between beneficiaries. Our professional courtroom presence can calm the emotionally-charged process of probating a challenged will or disputed executor or judicial decision. When it is in the best interests of our client to preserve cordial familial relationships, we are adept at mediating these disputes. When necessary, we assertively defend our client’s beneficiary rights within the Texas probate court.

Drafting your last will and testament
A will is essential at every stage of your life, providing you with the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes for what will happen upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to someone who is not your blood relative, e.g., a domestic partner, a friend or a charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your beloved pet — and the decisions the court makes might not reflect your desires.

We can assist by drafting a valid will to ensure your intentions are honored.

Changing your will
As your life evolves, so may your estate plan. You may need to update your will throughout your life. We draft valid codicils that address changes in your financial situation, marital status, parenthood status, philanthropic interests and general lifestyle decisions.

Contact a thorough estate planning lawyer at Law Offices of Stewart R. Werner.
Call us at 806-342-5480 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.