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.
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.
In Texas, an executor is given up to three years from their court appointment to distribute assets, excluding those allocated to creditors.
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.
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.
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.