Probate

The Process Of Probate In The State Of Texas

The following article will cover:

• What the Texas probate process entails.
• The different factors that trigger probate in Texas.
• Strategies to help you keep your estate out of probate.

What Is Probate And What Triggers Probate In Texas?

Probate refers to the legal process that ensues upon someone's death. It includes:

• Verifying the validity of the deceased's will in court (usually a standard procedure).
• Enumerating and inventorying the deceased's assets.
• Appraising the value of those assets.
• Clearing any debts and taxes.
• Allocating the leftover assets as per the will or, if there isn't a will, as per Texas state law.

In Texas, various circumstances can initiate the probate process:

• Death With a Will (Testate): When someone passes away with a valid will in Texas, the named executor in the will usually initiates the probate by presenting the will to the probate court.
• Death Without a Will (Intestate): Without a will, the deceased's assets are distributed based on Texas's intestacy laws. The probate court then designates an administrator to supervise the process.
• Specific Assets: Typically, only assets that are solely owned by the deceased with no designated beneficiary, undergo probate in Texas. For instance, real estate properties or bank accounts solely in the deceased's name would enter probate.
• Small Estate Affidavits: In Texas, if an estate's worth is $75,000 or less and lacks real property, heirs might bypass the formal probate using a Small Estate Affidavit.
• Affidavit of Heirship for Real Property: This affidavit helps establish property ownership – especially when an estate consists mainly of real estate, when no will is present, or when the existing will isn't undergoing probate. The Affidavit of Heirship doesn't replace probate but clarifies property ownership in its absence.

Certain assets, like life insurance proceeds, retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries, and jointly held properties, generally circumvent the probate process.

Can I Avoid Probate Of My Estate After Death?

Various strategies can help you to avoid probate, such as:

• Revocable living trusts.
• Joint ownership with the right of survivorship.
• Payable on death (POD) and transfer on death (TOD) designations.
• Life insurance policies.
• Gifting assets.
• Small estate exemptions.
• Community property with the right of survivorship.
• Lady Bird deeds.

If you are curious about what strategies will best suit your situation, it’s helpful to speak with an attorney who can help you create a plan tailored directly to your needs.

Can Someone Realistically Navigate The Probate Process Independently, Without An Expert Probate Attorney?

While an individual can theoretically learn the intricacies of the probate process, it remains a multifaceted domain. Should you decide to file probate in court on behalf of a loved one, the court mandates an attorney's representation if you aim to be appointed as the executor. This is due to the executor's fiduciary responsibilities towards the estate and its beneficiaries. For more information on The Process Of Probate In The State Of Texas, an initial consultation is your next best step.

More Information:

• Closing Probate And Navigating Probate Disputes In Texas
  
• Understanding Probate Contests And How To Resolve Them Through Mediation
  
• The Executor And Attorney Roles In The Probate Process
  
• Probate Basics In Texas: What You Need To Know
  
• Truth And Fiction: Common Misconceptions About The Texas Probate Process