A transfer on death deed (TODD) is a legal document that allows a person to transfer ownership of their property after they die. By using a TODD, a person can transfer the property directly without going through probate. This procedure can be used for real property like land, houses, buildings, etc.
An affidavit of heirship can be used to transfer title to real property when there are no debts of the estate and no administration is necessary. The affidavit must be signed by two disinterested witness who are familiar with the family history.
You May Remove a Texas Executor After Appointment, Misconduct, and Service. Interested persons must properly time their request to remove an executor. While it may seem obvious, you cannot remove an executor who hasn't been appointed by a Texas probate court.
If you don't have surviving parents, siblings (or their descendants) → Your estate is split equally between relatives on your mother's and father's side. If no relatives exist on either side → The estate escheats to the State of Texas, meaning the government takes ownership.
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.
Cons. Asset limitations: TOD deeds are only applicable to real estate and cannot include other assets such as stocks, savings accounts, or personal possessions. State restrictions: TOD deeds aren't available in every state. Additionally, TOD deeds must be established in the state where the property is located.
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.
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.
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.
If the beneficiary dies before meeting the terms of a survivorship requirement, it's treated as though they died before inheriting. The same rules apply, meaning that the assets would pass first to any alternates, then to any lapsed devise or residual heirs and finally through state inheritance law.