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.
An affidavit of heirship can be used to transfer title to real property when there are no debts of the estate and no administration is necessary. The affidavit must be signed by two disinterested witness who are familiar with the family history.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Executors in Texas must be a state resident who is at least 18 years old with no criminal record. Posting an executor bond is a requirement for almost all executors. Its amount is tied to the value of the estate. Unlike many other states, requires executors to hire an attorney, in almost all cases.