An executor is someone named in a will as the person who will carry out the testator's formal wishes. Typical duties of an executor include paying outstanding taxes/debt and distributing any remaining assets among the testator's heirs.
The executor will then collect and distribute the estate property. This is almost always done with the help from an attorney. If there is no will, the personal representative is called an "administrator." If there is a will but the executor can't serve for any reason, the court will also appoint an administrator.
Probate timelines can vary significantly. 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.
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.
In Texas, the surviving spouse and children will usually inherit all probate assets. If there are no children or grandchildren, the property may pass to the spouse, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and/or other heirs, depending on the situation.
Any interested party can file a petition asking to be appointed executor of the estate if there is no will. The executor or administrator must inform all parties, including creditors and beneficiaries, of their appointment and advise them to direct all questions to him or her.
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.
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.
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 ...
If someone dies without a will, it doesn't mean that probate isn't required. Many estates will need estate administration, especially when dealing with large assets, numerous debts, or family disputes. Simpler procedures may be available for smaller and less complex estates.