What actually happens when a family has to go through probate in Texas?

In this episode of The Wealth Transfer Podcast, Matt Templeton sits down with Linda Ham, estate planning and probate attorney at Glast, Phillips, Murray & Zopolsky, to talk through the probate process, wills, trusts, inherited property, and the common mistakes that can make an estate much harder to settle.

Linda explains what probate is, when it is required, how long it can take, and why having a will is only one part of the planning process. She also breaks down what happens when someone dies without a will, why a trust must actually be funded to work, and how real estate can create complications when title was never properly transferred.

This conversation also covers letters testamentary, muniment of title, affidavits of heirship, transfer-on-death planning, executor responsibilities, probate timelines, lost wills, intestacy, and why organizing documents before death can save families time, money, and stress.

Whether you are preparing your own estate plan, helping aging parents get organized, or dealing with inherited property after a death, this episode offers a practical look at what families need to understand about probate and estate planning in Texas.

📅 Book a Free Strategy Session with Real Estate Wealth Advisor, Matt Templeton: https://calendly.com/templeton/strate...

Connect with Linda Ham at Glast Phillips Murray Zopolsky:

📞 972-419-7132

🌐 www.gpmz-law.com

📧 LHam@gpmz-law.com

🧭 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:03] Why the Original Will Matters and What Happens If It Is Lost

[00:05] Why a Surviving Spouse May Not Fully Own the House Without Probate

[00:07] What Happens If You Wait Too Long to Probate a Will

[00:08] Payable-on-Death Accounts and Beneficiary Designations Can Override the Estate Plan

[00:11] The Basic Probate Process in Texas

[00:18] What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will

[00:21] You May Not Need the Estate Planning Tool You Think You Need

[00:23] Common Misconceptions About Trusts, Probate, and Property Ownership

[00:27] Muniment of Title Explained

[00:29] How Texas Determines Heirs When There Is No Will

[00:31] Affidavits of Heirship

[00:34] Probate Timelines and What Can Speed Up or Slow Down the Process

[00:38] What an Executor Is Responsible For

[00:44] What to Bring to an Attorney After a Death

[00:46] Why Organization, Passwords, Account Lists, and Original Documents Matter

[00:47] Final Advice: Get the Will Done, Fund the Trust, and Use a Texas Probate Professional