What Happens in Probate When There Is No Estate Plan

By David Pannell

David Pannell is the Managing Broker and founder of Cities Real Estate, a forward-thinking brokerage based in Fort Worth, Texas. A licensed Realtor since 2005 and a broker since 2010, David is known for his expertise in helping families sell homes quickly, especially those navigating the complexities of probate and inherited property.

Nobody plans to die. But what many families don’t realize is that failing to plan can create conflict that never existed before.

I recently read a story about singer Kellie Pickler and the legal drama following her husband Jacob’s passing in 2023. It is a heartbreaking situation. They didn’t have a will or a trust, and that lack of a plan created massive issues for the family. Because there were no instructions for the court, Kelly faced a heavy emotional toll. She didn’t want to be the administrator of the estate; she likely just wanted to be left alone to grieve.

But when there is no plan, disputes happen. In this case, family members stepped in and wanted to start selling personal items like watches, the piano, and even vehicles. There was even talk about forcing a sale on the house she lived in.

The reality of probate. I see this happen to families all the time. They are already dealing with a loss, and then they start fighting over the small items because those things preserve memories. People clash over guns, guitars, jewelry, and tools.

If you don’t have an airtight estate plan, you are looking at:

● Family disputes - Arguments between kids and relatives.
● Time delays - Waiting for court hearings to be set.
● Extra costs - Higher attorney fees and court costs.
● Communication breakdowns - Information not being shared correctly.

How to protect your assets. It is rare for anyone to plan on passing away, but you still need a solid roadmap for what comes next. If you find yourself in a contested situation or you realize you need to start your own planning, I can help. I have amazing referrals for attorneys, depending on your specific needs and budget.

If there are assets involved, like a house, vehicles, or collectibles, everything needs to be inventoried and protected before a dispute starts. With the right support, you can move through this process with confidence.

What’s my role in your process? My goal is to simplify things for you. As a broker, I help families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area by:

• Securing the property. The first thing I recommend is changing the locks. We often pay for a locksmith upfront if we have a listing agreement.
• Organizing documents. I help you track down the will, property records, and HOA details.
• Researching liens. I look into mortgage details, solar panel liens, or even “hidden” reverse mortgages that parents might not have mentioned to the kids.
• Decluttering. I help you figure out what to keep and what to get rid of to prepare the home for its next chapter.

Probate does not have to turn into a drawn-out court fight. If you are currently in probate or want to put a plan in place before your family ever has to face it, I can help guide the process and protect what matters most. Click the link to schedule a strategy session, call (817) 797-9047, or email david@citiesrealestate.com, and we’ll talk through next steps together.