An affidavit of heirship should be filed in the county where the decedent owned the property in question. Contact the county clerk in the relevant county for more information on filing fees and how to file the affidavit.
To probate a will, you'll need to file an application in a probate court. This is typically done in the county where the deceased had lived. Other rules will apply if the person lived out of state. The court will schedule a hearing to examine the will and listen to any objections.
Affidavit of Heirship: Filing this affidavit is a critical step. It's a sworn statement that outlines the deceased's heirs and their relation to the deceased, aiding in establishing a clear chain of title for the mineral rights.
Procedures: Please e-file all appropriate documents for your case with the Bexar County Probate Clerk's office, including Proposed Orders, Judgments, Affidavits of Heirship, and Proof of Death for review.
Texas probate law sets a strict statute of limitations of only four years for any heir or beneficiary to make a legal claim for inheritance. The four-year clock starts ticking as soon as the adoption is complete for adopted children. For other heirs or beneficiaries, it begins on the date of the parent's death.
If you need non-certified or certified copies, letters of testamentary or guardianship, or to check the status of an order please contact the Probate Department main line at (210) 335-2241. To search for court records please visit the Bexar County Odyssey Portal.
Procedure — An Application for Determination of Heirship is filed with the court. The court then appoints an attorney ad litem for unknown heirs who will investigate the heirship facts of the decedent. After a hearing, the court will issue a Judgment Declaring Heirship which names the heirs of the estate.
At the initial court hearing, the probate judge reviews the will to validate it. The judge then officially appoints the executor named in the will to oversee administering the estate.
How is an executor appointed? The person who wants to serve as an executor (or an administrator) must apply with the court for letters testamentary (or letters of administration). Even if the will nominates an executor, they must still apply and go through the approval process.