When the estate needs probate: talk to a probate attorney in your county

Over the limit, real estate the affidavit can't move, a will in Texas, heirs who disagree — the checker tells you when the affidavit route is closed. From there the useful next step is a short consult with a probate attorney licensed in the state, who will say which track applies (independent or summary administration, muniment of title, determination of heirship) and what it costs.

How the referral works

• You describe the estate once — state, county, rough value, will or no will.
• An attorney licensed in that state contacts you for an initial consult, usually free or a flat fee they state up front.
• The attorney pays us a flat referral fee. You never pay us, and the fee doesn't change what you pay them.
• We don't share your details with anyone else, and we don't sell the request to multiple firms.

What to have ready

• Death certificate
• The will, if there is one
• A list of assets and approximate values, and who holds them
• A list of debts, including the funeral bill
• Names of the spouse, children and other heirs

Run the six questions — the consult request appears when the estate doesn't qualify for the affidavit.