Questions
What people usually ask first.
How much does probate cost in Texas?+
It depends entirely on which path applies. A straightforward muniment of title with Ridgeline is a flat $3,500 plus court costs. A full independent administration starts at $6,500, scoped exactly on your assessment call. What it should never be is a mystery — we quote the whole thing before we begin.
How long does probate take in Travis or Williamson County?+
For an uncontested muniment of title, we typically file within 5 business days of receiving your documents, with the court hearing following on the county's docket — often a matter of weeks from there, not months. Full administration takes longer, since there's more to do, but we'll give you a real timeline on the call rather than a vague estimate.
Do I need to come to Texas for this?+
Usually not. Most of our probate clients are handling a Texas estate from somewhere else entirely. Documents move by email and e-signature, and we handle the local filings and the hearing. We'll tell you plainly if your specific matter is one of the exceptions that needs your presence.
There's a will — do we still have to go through probate?+
In most cases, yes — a will on its own doesn't transfer property; it has to go through the court process to become effective. The good news is that when a valid will exists and there are no unpaid debts beyond a mortgage, that process is usually the fast, inexpensive muniment path, not the longer administration process.
There's no will — now what?+
Texas law has a default process for this (independent administration, in most cases), which determines who's appointed to handle the estate and how assets are eventually distributed among heirs. It takes a bit more work than a muniment, but it's a well-established process, not an unusual situation — we handle this regularly.
My siblings and I don't agree on something — does that change things?+
It can. Our flat fees are built around uncontested matters, where everyone's in agreement. If a real disagreement exists — over the will, the executor, or anything else — we'll tell you honestly and walk through what that means for cost and process before any additional work begins. Nothing changes without your agreement first.
Can we sell the house before probate is finished?+
Generally, clear title to sell comes after the court process confirms who has authority over the property — trying to sell before that step usually just creates delay at closing. We'll map out exactly where the sale fits into your specific timeline on the call.
Do we still qualify if there's no house — just a bank or brokerage account?+
Often, yes. Muniment of title isn't limited to real estate — the requirements are a valid will and no unpaid debts other than real-estate-secured debt, regardless of what the assets actually are. The one wrinkle: unlike a county deed office, a brokerage or bank sets its own policy on what it will accept, and some are stricter than others about a muniment order versus full letters testamentary. We'll tell you honestly, based on your specific institution, which path avoids friction.
