Fort Bend County probate court heard testimony from family members and neighbors in the estate matter of Alvin Hanley Dugan and found the heirs identified in the judgment of heirship, the judge said on the record in case 25 CPR 042198. The court discharged attorney ad litem Michael Engelhoff and awarded him a fee of $650.

During the hearing the court took testimony from Darlene Bastille, Jennifer Gilmore and neighbor Mark Lowick establishing family relationships and the absence of children born or adopted after the will’s date. The court then accepted testimony for the administration phase: Laurie A. Flynn and Joseph A. Bastille testified about domicile, the will dated Jan. 19, 1995, and that the named executor either declined or was unable to serve. Laurie Flynn testified a co-executor (Sheila Costeras) had declined to serve and had filed a waiver in favor of Flynn.

The judge found a necessity for administration and appointed Joseph A. Bastille as independent administrator with letters to issue; appraisers were waived. The judge expressed condolences to the family and stated the order would be signed shortly after docket.

Why it matters: The ruling identifies the estate’s legally recognized heirs and installs an independent administrator, enabling the estate to be administered under the terms of the decedent’s will and allowing property transfers and creditor claims to be handled in accordance with probate rules.