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.
The person who wants to serve as an executor (or an administrator) must apply with the court for letters testamentary (or letters of administration). Even if the will nominates an executor, they must still apply and go through the approval process.
Section 304.003 - Persons Disqualified To Serve As Executor Or Administrator (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person is not qualified to serve as an executor or administrator if the person is: (1) incapacitated; (2) a felon convicted under the laws of the United States or of any state of the United States ...
LETTERS TESTAMENTARY: You may order your letters testamentary after you have taken the oath and executed the bond, if a bond is required. These letters will serve as evidence of your appointment when dealing with third persons concerning the affairs of the estate.
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.
A transfer on death deed (TODD) is a legal document that allows a person to transfer ownership of their property after they die. By using a TODD, a person can transfer the property directly without going through probate. This procedure can be used for real property like land, houses, buildings, etc.
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.
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.
Following approval by the court, heirs can use this affidavit to acquire property from the estate. Estates with no will or a will that has not been probated by the Texas courts within four years of the deceased's death can be inherited via the use of an affidavit of heirship.