Suing An Estate Executor Without A Will In Travis
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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.
When Is Probate Necessary in Texas? It's necessary to probate an estate in Texas if a person dies owning assets solely in their name. Whether or not a will exists is irrelevant. In Texas, full probate is required if the estate's value is greater than $75,000.
Probate courts attempt to carry out this role while protecting the interests of the beneficiaries and creditors involved. This process can take between two months to as long as two years, depending on the complexity of the estate.
If you would like the court to appoint an administrator of the estate, that application must generally be brought within four years after the death of the decedent. The court will often ignore this rule if there is property due to the estate that needs to be collected by an administrator.
Severe legal and financial consequences result from failing to probate a will within 4 years of death in Texas. These consequences include: Loss of inheritance rights for named beneficiaries. Application of intestate succession laws.
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.
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.
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.
State Laws and Requirements For instance, Texas probate law has specific statutory timelines that must be adhered to, with potential extensions available under certain circumstances. Typically, probate courts prompt an estate to be settled within a year, but this can vary.
