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.
CLOSING PROCEDURES NOT REQUIRED. An independent executor is not required to close the independent administration of an estate under Section 405.003 or Sections 405.004 through 405.007.
General Deadline For Probate Under Texas Law Is Four Years Texas law sets a definite time limit on probate of a will brought to court by interested parties. 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.
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.
Intestate Succession: Dying Without a Will in Texas The statutory timelines for intestate succession are as follows: 4 years from the date of death to determine heirs and distribute property. Exceptions allow more time in certain cases involving legal disability, litigation, or efforts to locate missing heirs.
In Texas, the executor of an estate has four years to file an application for probate after the deceased's death. Failing to file for probate within this timeframe can result in complications, such as the inability to enforce the will and potential legal disputes among heirs.
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.
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.
How can an executor be removed? executor not meeting required qualifications; out-of-state executor not having a Texas resident agent; inability to find the executor; embezzlement or misuse of estate funds; gross misconduct or mismanagement of the executor's duties; failure to file required documents;
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.