Fixed-Fee Eligibility
- The decedent had a primary residence in Denton County or Collin County.
- No disputes among heirs, beneficiaries, or other interested individuals.
- No minor children who are direct heirs or will recipients.
Legal Services
& Pricing
Santilli Law will help you choose the asset transfer option that best fits your goals, the details of your situation, and the types of assets involved—whether that is a non-probate procedure or a court filing that gives you personal authority to access bank accounts and sign deeds to transfer real estate. The information below provides a general overview of common non-probate and probate transfer options to help introduce you to various options that may be available to you.
Non-Probate Administration Options
Non-administration options involve minimal court involvement and are typically used when a Decedent’s bank accounts and other financial assets list a Payable on Death beneficiary or had a joint account holder with a Right of Survivorship, which allows the assets to pass directly without probate.
| Type | Typical Use | Starting Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit of Heirship | Limited real estate transactions (Ex. house(s), land, mineral rights) | $800 |
| Small Estate Affidavit | Limited use for qualifying small estates | $1,500 |
| Muniment of Title | When there are no debts | $2,500 |
| Determination of Heirship | Upon request of a Title company | $2,500 + Court Heirship Fee |
| Deed | Transfer of real estate | $400 |
Probate Administration Options
Financial institutions often require Letters Testamentary to release bank funds or other assets when no beneficiary was listed on an account, as these court-issued documents formally appoint a personal representative who has the legal authority to access, manage, and distribute a decedent’s estate.
| Type | Typical Use | Starting Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Administration (Original Will) | The original will with wet signatures is available | $3,000 |
| Independent Administration (Copy of Will) | Only a copy of the original will is available | $3,500 |
| Independent Administration (No Will) | The court must determine heirs due to no will | $3,500 + Court Heirship Fee |
| Dependent Administration | Minors will receive distributions, or there is a dispute | Not currently accepting new cases |
IMPORTANT NOTE: Listed starting fees include most standard court filing fees, publication fees, and document ordering costs. The goal is to provide a transparent, simplified pricing structure and process for your planning. However, a specific fixed fee and attorney availability cannot be confirmed until after a consultation. Certain case-specific circumstances may require additional time, filings, and associated costs. For example, personally serving an uncooperative heir or locating a missing heir may increase the time and expense involved. Additionally, Santilli Law does not handle contested matters.
Not sure which path best fits your goals?
I can help!
- CALL OR TEXT: 940-268-4225
- Email: support@dentonprobatelaw.com
- Address: 1332 Teasley Ln. Denton, TX 76205 (by appointment only)
- 940-268-4225
- support@dentonprobatelaw.com
- 1332 Teasley Ln. Denton, TX 76205 (by appointment only)
Denton County
- Argyle
- Aubrey
- Bartonville
- Carrollton
- Celina
- Coppell
- Copper Canyon
- Corinth
- Cross Roads
- Dallas
- Denton
- Dish
- Double Oak
- Flower Mound
- Fort Worth
- Frisco
- Grapevine
- Hackberry
- Hickory Creek
- Highland Village
- Justin
- Krugerville
- Krum
- Lake Dallas
- Lakewood Village
- Lewisville
- Little Elm
- Northlake
- Oak Point
- Pilot Point
- Plano
- Ponder
- Prosper
- Providence Village
- Roanoke
- Sanger
- Shady Shores
- Southlake
- The Colony
- Trophy Club
- Westlake
Collin County
- Allen
- Anna
- Blue Ridge
- Carrollton
- Celina
- Copeville
- Dallas
- Fairview
- Farmersville
- Frisco
- Garland
- Josephine
- Lavon
- Lowry Crossing
- Lucas
- McKinney
- Melissa
- Murphy
- Nevada
- New Hope
- Parker
- Plano
- Princeton
- Prosper
- Richardson
- Royse City
- Sachse
- Saint Paul
- Van Alstyne
- Weston
- Wylie