Austin probate lawyers
Probate Court Handles More than You Think
Most people think of Probate Court as the entity responsible for handling the settlement of an estate when someone passes. While this is true, the Court has many more responsibilities than solely estate matters. Exactly which issues a Probate Court oversees is determined by each individual jurisdiction. In general, most Probate Courts preside over conservatorship and guardianship matters, as well as those relating to estate distribution.
In a conservatorship, the court appoints an individual as the protector and manager of affairs for an adult who is not capable due to incompetence. This proceeding takes place when an adult develops a severe physical or mental disability.
In a guardianship proceeding, an individual is appointed to care for a minor whose parent has either passed or has been declared incapable of doing so. Although a parent’s rights to make decisions about the child’s life are taken away, there is no permanent termination of parental rights, and parents may be able to regain rights at a later time if the court feels it is appropriate.
In some jurisdictions, Probate Courts may commit mentally ill adults and children, oversee trust accounts, marriages, issuance of passports, changes of name, partitions of property, and issuances of firearms licenses. Occasionally, Probate Courts are combined with Family Courts, such as in Massachusetts. In Georgia, Probate Courts hear habeas corpus cases and preside over preliminary criminal hearings and certain misdemeanors, such as traffic violations, in counties where there is no state court.
If you or a loved one has an estate, conservatorship, or guardianship case,
contact the experienced
Austin probate lawyers of Slater & Kennon LLC by dialing 512-472-2431 for a consultation today.
Centrally located in the Arboretum area of north Austin, the Slater & Kennon law firm represents clients in Travis County, Bastrop County, Burnet County, Williamson County, and Hays County, including the cities of Austin, San Marcos, Bastrop, Burnet, and Georgetown.