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.
Section 304.003 - Persons Disqualified To Serve As Executor Or Administrator (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person is not qualified to serve as an executor or administrator if the person is: (1) incapacitated; (2) a felon convicted under the laws of the United States or of any state of the United States ...
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.
Executors in Texas must be a state resident who is at least 18 years old with no criminal record. Posting an executor bond is a requirement for almost all executors. Its amount is tied to the value of the estate. Unlike many other states, requires executors to hire an attorney, in almost all cases.
LETTERS TESTAMENTARY: You may order your letters testamentary after you have taken the oath and executed the bond, if a bond is required. These letters will serve as evidence of your appointment when dealing with third persons concerning the affairs of the estate.
Ordinarily, an application to probate a will must be filed within four (4) years of the date of death of the decedent. Also, under normal circumstances, letters testamentary or letters of administration cannot be authorized more than four (4) years after the date of death of the decedent.
An executor is the person designated in the will to carry out the deceased person's wishes. This is often a close family member or another trusted individual. In estate administration, the court must first approve the executor. The executor will then collect and distribute the estate property.
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.
In Texas, an executor can sell a property without all beneficiaries' approval if the will explicitly grants them such authority, if it's necessary for estate administration, or with court approval.