Without the legal validation of the will through probate, there is no official recognition of their right to inherit. Non-probated wills have no legal effect in Texas. This means that even if someone is named as a beneficiary in the will, they have no legal claim to the assets without going through the probate process.
An estate beneficiary has a right to sue the executor or administrator if they are not competently doing their job or are engaged in fiduciary misconduct.
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.
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.
Can I Get Letters Testamentary without a Will? The simple answer is no. Letters Testamentary is issued when a person dies with a Will. If a person dies without a Will (“Intestate”), it is necessary for an heir to bring application to receive Letters of Administration and for declaration of heirship.
Under Texas law, the paperwork to begin a probate, which includes applications and the will, must be filed in court within four years after the testator died.
If a creditor wishes to file a claim against the estate, they must do so in writing and provide documentation of the debt. The claim must be filed with the probate court and a copy must be sent to the executor or administrator of the estate.
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.
Where the defendant shall die, upon the suggestion of death being entered of record in open court, or upon petition of the plaintiff, the clerk shall issue a scire facias for the administrator or executor or heir requiring him to appear and defend the suit and upon the return of such service, the suit shall proceed ...
If the executor acts dishonestly or carelessly in managing and distributing the estate's property and you stand to inherit under the will, you may be able to bring legal action to have them removed.