Fees | Administration without Will [Intestate]

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The Christiansen Law Firm can often assist a beneficiary of the estate for a fixed fee**. In fact, the overwhelming majority of the Firm's clients have qualified for fixed-fee probate. The type of administration required determines whether or not a fixed fee is possible. The Christiansen Law Firm cannot quote you a fee until the facts and circumstances of the case are determined.

**In order to be considered for a fixed fee, the following conditions must be met:

1. The  Decedent must have died a resident of Galveston County (Tx), Harris County (TX), Brazoria County (Tx) or Chambers County (Tx);
2. The  Decedent must have died within the last four years; and
3. The matter must remain completely uncontested.

The Christiansen Law Firm likes to give you a complete picture of what you can expect to pay for your probate or guardianship case. Simply click on the county and price for a listing of all expected out-of-pocket costs in your county. If you are comparing fees from other firms, we encourage you to ask whether the quoted price includes filings fees and other out-of-pocket costs.

In this type of proceeding, two disinterested witnesses sign an affidavit regarding the marital and family history of the decedent. That affidavit is then filed in the county’s real property records so that third parties can apply the state intestacy provisions which are based upon the decedent’s marital and family history.

• Galveston County - $600
• Harris County- $600
• Chambers County - $600
• Brazoria County - $600

Our attorneys at Top Rated Probate Attorney - Brett A. Christiansen - Christiansen PLLC | Law Office. specialize in custom estate planning to fit your individual needs. We take the time to understand your goals and create a personalized plan to protect your assets and provide for your family. Let us help you secure peace of mind for the future.

In this type of proceeding, the heirs of the estate and two disinterested witnesses sign an affidavit regarding the marital and family history of the decedent. That affidavit is then filed with the probate or county court for approval by the court. The approved affidavit can be given to third parties to collect small amounts due to the heirs of the estate.

• Galveston  County $1,000 + Court costs
• Harris  County $1,200 + Court costs
• Chambers County $1,400 + Court costs
• Brazoria  County $1,200 + Court costs

In this type of proceeding, the court, after the appointment of an attorney ad litem for unknown heirs and a formal hearing, will issue a Judgment Determining Heirship that can be used to transfer title to property. The court will also appoint an administrator to collect the assets of the estate and to administer the estate.If you are facing a will contest, The Christiansen Law Firm will provide a referral for your litigation representation.

In this type of proceeding, the court, after the appointment of an attorney ad litem for unknown heirs and a formal hearing, will issue a Judgment Determining Heirship that can be used to transfer title to property. The court will also appoint an administrator to collect the assets of the estate and to administer the estate. When probate litigation is necessary, The Christiansen Law Firm does not handle disputed or cases requiring litigation.  Should your case become disputed, we will work with you to provide a referral for your litigation representation.

Galveston County  3500 + Court Costs

Harris County 4000 + Court Costs

Chambers County $4,000 + Court Costs

Brazoria County  3000 + Court cost

There is no way to estimate how long or how difficult a Dependent Administration will be. Therefore, the only fair way to bill for this type of administration is to bill on an hourly basis. No fixed fees are available. Effective January 1, 2025, The Christiansen Law Firm’s hourly rate for attorney's fees is $350 per hour. The Christiansen Law Firm’s hourly rate for paralegal work is $100 per hour.