Here's a look at one of our local courts, the probate court.
- Click here for the article.
One of the sons of Houston Texans owner Janice McNair has asked a Harris County probate court to declare her incapacitated and appoint her a guardian, according to Harris County probate court records.
The McNairs’ lawyers on Tuesday were scheduled to be in a Harris County Probate Court No. 1 for a hearing to decide if records related to the probate case should be sealed. It was unclear Tuesday afternoon what the outcome of the hearing was.
In an affidavit submitted to the court in December, Janice McNair said Cary McNair was “seeking to limit or terminate my rights and appoint himself as guardian of my estate.”
The affidavit accused Cary McNair, the CEO of McNair Interests, of using his role as fiduciary in the family’s companies to obtain “confidential financial and personal information.” In asking for the records to be sealed, Janice McNair called the application part of a “family dispute” and said public disclosure of more details would have a “serious impact on the Texans.”
- What is a probate court?
Probate court is a segment of the judicial system that oversees the execution of wills as well as the handling of estates, conservatorships, and guardianships. Probate court also handles the commitment of a person with psychiatric disabilities to institutions designed to help them.
Probate court ensures that a will is executed according to the wishes of the individual who has passed away. It makes sure that all debts owed are paid and that assets are distributed properly. The court oversees and usually must approve the activities of the executor appointed to handle these matters.
- Click here for Probate Courts of Harris County, Texas.
- Click here for Harris County Probate Court No. 1.
