How to Probate an Estate in Texas: With Forms (Self-Help Law Kit With Forms) [Paperback]

Karen Ann Rolcik (Author)

Book Description

Series: Self-Help Law Kit With Forms | Publication Date: November 1998

Contrary to popular belief, a will does not eliminate the requirement for probate. But the probate process does not need to be complicated as long as the necessary forms are filed, required persons are notified and proper procedures are followed. How to Probate an Estate in Texas will help you understand, prepare for and easily move through the process of distributing an estate in Texas. Complete with step-by-step instructions and the forms you need, this book simplifies the Texas probate process, helping you avoid the extra costs, delays and frustration commonly associated with distributing an estate. In simple language, How to Probate an Estate in Texas explains: Four types of probate in Texas Each step of the probate process Who can be a personal representative What can be done without an attorney How to find an attorney What forms are used in probate What tax forms are required What to do if a witness is unavailable Which property is exempt from probate

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karen Ann Rolcik received her bachelor's degree from Butler University and her law degree from Indiana University. She is licensed to practice law in Texas and Ohio and is a certified mediator in Texas. She has practiced law since 1986, primarily in the areas of wills, trusts, probate and family law. She rpractices law in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Mark Warda received his B.A. from the University of Illinois in Chicago and his J.D. from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He practiced law in Clearwater, Florida, then gave up a busy practice to publish self-help law books. He has written or co-authored over forty books, including How to make Your Own Will.

Product Details

• Paperback: 179 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc; 2nd edition (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570714185
• ISBN-13: 978-1570714184
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,167,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do it yourself probate that really works., June 22, 2001

By 

James L. Lyle (Hermosa Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Probate an Estate in Texas: With Forms (Self-Help Law Kit With Forms) (Paperback)

When my mother passed away in Texas I was named executor of her estate. Knowing nothing about probate, I was tempted to hire an attorney to handle it for me, but first went to Amazon.com and searched on "Texas probate". I ordered "How to Probate an Estate in Texas" by Karen Rolcik and read it from cover to cover. Based on what I read, I figured I could do it myself and save the estate thousands of dollars. One attorney I spoke to wanted $10,000!

Well, to make a long story short, I followed the directions in Ms Rolcik's book and the whole thing went off without a hitch! The instructions are written in easily understood language with all of the necessary forms ready to be filled out. Each form comes with complete instructions. There is an excellent checklist to make sure that you have done everything that needs to be done. I couldn't have been happier and the estate is completely settled.

I would recommend that anyone faced with such a task buy this book and do it themselves.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Layman's complete resource for probating a will in Texas., June 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Probate an Estate in Texas: With Forms (Self-Help Law Kit With Forms) (Paperback)

Purchasing this book saved me hundreds (if not thousnads) of dollars in attorney's fees. Ms. Rolcik has the ability to make a what could be a very difficult task much easier to understand and accomplish. I bought this book when my mother entered a nursing home but my daughter used it first probating a will of which she was executrix. I am saving it for my son who is my executor and plan on buying any updated editions.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Far more forms than substance, November 18, 2001

By 

Britt Mayo (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Probate an Estate in Texas: With Forms (Self-Help Law Kit With Forms) (Paperback)

Half of the book is readily-available boilerplate forms. One third of the remainder is verbatim Texas Probate Code. Of that which remains, only about one quarter applies to any given situation.

Bottom line: Don't plan to spend more than 15 minutes reading this book. Helpful advice, such as how best to conduct the inventory and value property, are nowhere to be found.

It's better than nothing if you want a high-level overview of the process, and sufficient if all you need to do is file the forms. Otherwise, look for something with more useful substance.