Changing the executor of an existing will should be undertaken with care. Always consider seeking legal guidance, especially if your changes are complex or if you need more clarification about the process. The key is to make sure that your will is still legally valid after making any amendments.
If you weren't named executor in a will, you'd need to file a Letter of Administration with your state's probate court. The court will ask questions about you and your relationship with the deceased. The court will either appoint you as executor or appoint someone else.
Executors are bound to the terms of the will, which means they are not permitted to change beneficiaries. The beneficiaries who were named by the decedent will remain beneficiaries so long as the portions of the will in which they appear are not invalidated through a successful will contest.
Using a codicil or writing a new will to change your executor are both acceptable under California state law. Codicils are a better choice if you are changing only a small section of your will. If changing your executor will lead to your will requiring extensive rewrites, it's best to rewrite the entire document.
Add a Codicil In California, an executor can be anyone, including family members, who is over 18-years-old and of sound mind. You must then write the codicil that declares the new executor and the date the change takes effect.
Once you're ready to do so, there are two options to choose from: add a codicil to an existing will or draft a brand-new will. It's also important to note that the beneficiaries of a will can petition a court or file a lawsuit to remove an executor who is failing to fulfill their duties.
Contact the Harris County Clerk's Office: You can contact the Harris County Clerk's Office by phone, email, or in person to request a certified copy of a Letter of Testamentary. The contact information for the Harris County Clerk's Office is as follows: Harris County Clerk's Office 201 Caroline St.
The state of Texas has only 24 probate courts in 12 of its largest counties, with five located in Harris County.
To probate a will, you'll need to file an application in a probate court. This is typically done in the county where the deceased had lived. Other rules will apply if the person lived out of state. The court will schedule a hearing to examine the will and listen to any objections.
For smaller, uncontested estates, the probate process in Texas can typically be completed within six months to a year. Texas offers an independent administration option, which allows executors to handle much of the process without ongoing court supervision.