To avoid your assets going to people you didn't intend them to and to prevent them from going through the probate process, you can set up a trust, joint ownership with a right of survivorship, transfer on death deeds, or beneficiary designations.
Understanding the Consequences of Not Probating a Will If you are unable to do so then you may as well have not even served as such. With that said, if you do not go through the probate process then the deceased person's assets will not legally be transferred over to the heirs or beneficiaries.
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.
A few examples of assets that are exempt from the probate requirement include: A home (when it is being transferred to the deceased's surviving spouse or children); Clothing; A certain amount of jewelry; One vehicle; Farming equipment; Two firearms; Books; and. Tools.
An estate may be exempt from the probate process in certain circumstances. Under Texas Estates Code, Title 2, Chapter 205, an estate need not pass through the probate process if there is no will and the total value of the estate (not counting any homestead real estate owned by the Decedent) is $75,000 or less.
Can a bank release funds without probate in Texas? If the deceased person was the sole owner of the bank account and named a beneficiary, then the bank can release the funds to the beneficiary without probate. If there is no named beneficiary, then the bank will require probate before releasing any funds.
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.
In Texas, the probate process generally takes between six months to a year. However, this timeline can vary based on the factors mentioned above. For uncomplicated estates with a valid will and cooperative beneficiaries, probate may conclude within a few months.
Each county has its own specific form for the small estate affidavit, so obtain the form from the website or office of the probate court in the county in which your loved one was a resident. Although each form is slightly different, they all require the following information: Name and address of decedent. Date of death.
If you are dealing with an estate where you are the only beneficiary or heir, you are not legally required to hire an attorney. If the estate has more than you as the beneficiary or heir, then you do have to hire a probate attorney.