Welcome to the Duran Firm

Probate should not be expensive in situations where there are no disputes among the decedent's family members, particularly if the decedent underwent the time and expense to obtain a professionally drafted will. That's why executors are shocked when they call around and receive hourly-fee retainer requests of $3,000 to $5,000. At the Duran Firm, we like to fit clients into competitive, fixed-fee arrangements whenever possible. In order to be considered for a fixed fee, the following conditions must be met when probating a will:

1. The Decedent must have been a resident of the DFW area;
2. The Decedent must have died within the last four years;
3. The matter must remain completely uncontested;
4. The executor must have the original will (not a copy);
5. The Will must appoint an “Independent Executor” or provide for “Independent Administration” or the probate must be a muniment of title proceeding; and
6. The Will must be "self-proved." Click here for a full discussion of this requirement (Texas Estates Code Section 251).

If there is not a will, we can still help you for a fixed fee provided requirements 1-3 above are met, and all of the intestate heirs of the estate have legal capacity and can agree on the process for probating the estate.

How to get started. There are many different ways to probate a decedent's estate. To learn about them, you can call the Firm at 469.708.6050 and we will walk you through the process. Most times we can also give you a quote on what you can expect to pay, subject to receiving the original will (if there is one) and a completed Client Information Worksheet.

You can also read about all of the different ways to probate an estate by clicking on the links below.

Learn about the different types: Probate with a Will
Get started: Probate of a Will
Fees: Collin County | Dallas County | Denton County | Tarrant County

Learn about the different types: Probate without a Will
Get started: Probate without a Will
Fees: Collin County | Dallas County | Denton County | Tarrant County

Other Practice Areas (click to discover):

Contested Probate

Effective January 1, 2024, the Duran Firm no longer handles contested matters. If your matter turns contested, we will refer you to new counsel and assist you in the transition to such counsel.

Willing Good: Goal-Driven Estate Planning

If you are researching drafting a will or estate plan, then you are probably a goal-driven person. Your Will, as part of a comprehensive estate plan, is your last chance to do something good for your family. Hence the term, "Willing Good." A person should have a Will that eliminates any questions as to who should inherit and control the estate after death. What if, however, you could go beyond that and draft a Will that helps you or your heirs achieve goals after you are gone? That's what goal-driven planning is about. The Duran Firm can assist you with the preparation of your Last Will and Testament as well as any ancillary estate planning documents such as a power of attorney or living will.

The Process. We know that getting an estate plan is a hassle, so we try to make the process easy by minimizing the paperwork and the office visits:

1. Complete a Worksheet below and submit it online
  - No need to print, fill in, and return via scan, fax or mail
2. Initial phone appointment to discuss your plan
  - No need to come into the attorney's office for an initial visit
3. Sign fee agreement and make payment online
  - No need to dig out the checkbook and a stamp
4. Review and make changes to your estate plan
5. Attend a formal execution ceremony, or we can send you instructions on how to execute the documents in your home.

So with one visit you can have an attorney-prepared estate plan for a reasonable fee.

Client Information Worksheets:

Couple | Single Person

Guardianship

Guardianship is the process where a court determines that a person is unable to make his or her own personal and financial decisions and appoints a guardian to make those decisions. Guardianship is often sought for seniors that are afflicted with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or some other affliction which compromises the senior's ability to make responsible decisions. Guardianship is also sought for persons with special needs that have reached the age of 18 years. If you have a loved one that you think needs a guardian, please call our office to schedule a consultation.

Guardianships for Seniors | Guardianships for Special Needs

What kind of probate do I need? Let our Probate Navigator suggest a probate that is right for you.

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The Duran Firm is open during COVID-19, but probate is different now

June 26, 2020

The Duran Firm is open and acccepting new clients in uncontested matters during COVID-19. There are a few differences in probate in light of COVID-19. In-person court hearings are suspended. The probate courts are now conducting hearings via telephone or Zoom video conference. Office visits to the Duran Firm by clients have also been minimized. Thus, you may never have to leave your home to complete your probate case.