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)
You can E-File using this link: eFileTexas | Official E-Filing System for Texas, mail to Travis County District Clerk, PO Box 679003, Austin, TX 78767 or hand deliver documents to us by appointment only. Call (512) 854-9457 or send an email to District.eFile@traviscountytx for any questions.
In Texas, probate is required if an estate's total value exceeds $75,000, excluding non-probate assets like life insurance payouts and retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries. Estates under this threshold may qualify for simplified procedures such as small estate affidavits or a muniment of title.
No. You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a Small Estate Affidavit in Texas. Many probate courts offer downloadable forms and clear instructions for filing.
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.
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.
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.