Texas probate law sets a strict statute of limitations of only four years for any heir or beneficiary to make a legal claim for inheritance. The four-year clock starts ticking as soon as the adoption is complete for adopted children. For other heirs or beneficiaries, it begins on the date of the parent's death.
Probate is the legal proceeding by which the court determines the validity of a will, creates an administration in cases where the deceased did not leave a will, and/or determines the legal heirs of a deceased person.
The affidavit of heirship is used when the decedent had no unpaid debts and there was no other requirement that probate be filed. It is often used when there is a third party who requires the affidavit before transacting business with the heir as owner of the property.
Under Texas law, the affidavit must be filled out by two disinterested parties—individuals who have no financial interest in the estate and are not heirs. These individuals must know the decedent's family structure and history well enough to verify the heir's relationship to the decedent.
The state of Texas has only 24 probate courts in 12 of its largest counties, with five located in Harris County.
Once the affidavit has been recorded, the heirs are identified in the property records as the new owners of the property. Thereafter, the heir or heirs may transfer or sell the property if they choose to do so. At that point, the deed most commonly used to transfer the property is a General Warranty Deed.
There are currently 18 statutory probate courts established in 10 counties across Texas that are limited primarily to probate matters.
To probate a will, you'll need to file an application in a probate court. This is typically done in the county where the deceased had lived. Other rules will apply if the person lived out of state. The court will schedule a hearing to examine the will and listen to any objections.
A response and brief to an opposed motion must be filed within 21 days from the date the motion is filed. Time for Reply Briefs. Unless otherwise directed by the presiding judge, a party who has filed an opposed motion may file a reply brief within 14 days from the date the response is filed.