In Texas, if an estate's value exceeds $75,000, it generally must go through probate because the law aims to ensure that significant assets are appropriately managed and distributed under court supervision. The reason an estate over $75,000 must go through probate is to protect the rights of heirs and creditors.
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.
If the judge declares the will valid, it will be admitted to probate. If an executor or administrator is appointed at the same hearing, they can now begin the administration process.
Texas law sets out the necessary procedures for obtaining letters testamentary. First, an executor must file an application at the county court with jurisdiction over the decedent's estate. The executor will need the original will and a certified copy of the decedent's death certificate to file an application.
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.
Formal probate proceedings are likely required if the estate (the amount of property the deceased person left behind) is more than $75,000, not counting certain types of exempt property. This is true whether the deceased person had a will or not.
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.
You can use the small estate affidavit to transfer real property to a surviving spouse and surviving minor children. If you only need to transfer real property to a surviving spouse, you can use an affidavit of heirship. An affidavit of heirship cannot be used to transfer other assets like cars or bank accounts.
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.
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)