A small estate affidavit can avoid a lot of the probate costs for the survivor handling the deceased person's estate. The small estate affidavit must show that the deceased's estate is worth $75,000 or less, the estate's assets cover any outstanding debts, and a few other requirements.
The Texas affidavit of heirship form must be filled out and filed on behalf of a decedent's heir and can not be completed by the heir. Instead, two disinterested parties who know the necessary details about a decedent's family life need to fill out the form.
No. You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a Small Estate Affidavit in Texas. Many probate courts offer downloadable forms and clear instructions for filing.
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.
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.
The form must include: The witnesses' names and addresses. Relationships to the decedent. Decedent's date of death. Decedent's marital history. Decedent's family history (children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces/nephews)
In Texas, the small estate affidavit must be filed with the court and the court must approve the affidavit. After the court has approved the affidavit, it can be presented to a bank, organization or person, which then has to release the assets to the person with the affidavit.
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.
Title Transfer The original title assigned from the seller to the buyer. An Application for Texas Title (130-U) completed by buyer(s), buyer(s) signature must be original. Government issued photo ID for buyer. Proof of Texas liability insurance. Supporting documents for example:
Transfers of real property must be in writing and notarized. Deeds should be recorded in the county where the property is located. To ensure a legal change to the property title, you'll want the services of an attorney. A qualified attorney will prepare and file the real estate transfer deed.