Texas law allows executors to sell property without the beneficiaries' approval, which can be necessary to keep the estate solvent. However, this authority comes with the responsibility of ensuring that the sale is conducted in the best interest of the estate.
Standard Executor Compensation This is referred to as the five-and-five rule. However, there are limitations to this commission. It cannot exceed five percent of the gross fair market value of the estate being administered, and it is not applicable in certain situations.
In an independent administration under Texas Estates Code § 404.001, the independent executor is required to serve an estate accounting to any interested person within 60 days from demand.
Executor's Role and Timeline for Asset Distribution. In Texas, an executor is given up to three years from their court appointment to distribute assets, excluding those allocated to creditors.
An estate beneficiary has a right to sue the executor or administrator if they are not competently doing their job or are engaged in fiduciary misconduct.
If a creditor wishes to file a claim against the estate, they must do so in writing and provide documentation of the debt. The claim must be filed with the probate court and a copy must be sent to the executor or administrator of the estate.
No. In Texas, an estate is not a legal entity. Therefore, it cannot sue or be sued. A court will need to appoint a personal representative of an estate, acting in his or her capacity.
Texas Probate Timeline If the estate is small or simple, the probate court can often conclude the process within six months. However, there are many cases where probate can last for a year or longer. This is especially true where the original will is contested or is missing.
Liability when an executor makes a mistake Unfortunately, a genuine mistake can sometimes snowball into a much bigger and often expensive problem that can be very complicated to resolve. The executor of an estate can be held personally liable for a mistake that results in a loss to the estate.