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.
Cons. Asset limitations: TOD deeds are only applicable to real estate and cannot include other assets such as stocks, savings accounts, or personal possessions. State restrictions: TOD deeds aren't available in every state. Additionally, TOD deeds must be established in the state where the property is located.
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.
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.
If you don't have surviving parents, siblings (or their descendants) → Your estate is split equally between relatives on your mother's and father's side. If no relatives exist on either side → The estate escheats to the State of Texas, meaning the government takes ownership.
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.
Procedure — An Application for Determination of Heirship is filed with the court. The court then appoints an attorney ad litem for unknown heirs who will investigate the heirship facts of the decedent. After a hearing, the court will issue a Judgment Declaring Heirship which names the heirs of the estate.
Probate timelines can vary significantly. If the estate is small or simple, the probate court can often conclude the process within six months. However, there are many cases where probate can last for a year or longer.