Estate administration in Texas can be complicated.  However, the probate process is necessary and important for ensuring that an estate is distributed according to the wishes of the deceased.  Texas is unique in the way probate cases are handled.  The probate process depends on whether there is a will, whether the will names an executor, and other circumstances. 

Deceased Leaves No Will

When someone dies without leaving a will, the estate of the deceased is subject to dependent probate administration.  Dependent probate administration requires the appointment of a dependent probate administrator or executor.  The term “dependent” means that the administrator is required to seek the court's approval for many transactions that are a normal part of the probate process, including the sale of real estate or personal property.  Attorney’s fees and other professional fees must be approved in advance.

The dependent administrator may be required to post a bond with a bonding company that ensures the administrator's proper and ethical performance. In order to protect the value of the estate, this bond may be as much as the entire value of the estate. The administrator must also file a sworn accounting for each year and at the conclusion of the probate administration.

A dependent estate administration must remain open for at least 6 months so that all creditors have time to present their potential claims.  Six months is the minimum time required for dependent probate administration; it is often a much lengthier process.  It is possible for a dependent executor to become an independent executor if all the possible heirs and beneficiaries under the will agree to allow the executor to serve as an independent executor.

Deceased Leaves A Will 

If the deceased leaves a will and the will names an estate executor, the estate is subject to independent probate administration. Like a dependent probate administrator, an independent probate administrator must collect assets, pay off debts and distribute assets according to the wishes expressed in the last will and testament of the deceased.  However, once an executor is declared independent, the court no longer has jurisdiction over estate administration unless there are problems.  An independent executor does not have to post bond and does not have to obtain the court’s approval in order to fulfill his duties.  This can speed up the probate process and save both time and money.
 
If the will does not specify an executor, the will is subject to dependent probate administration unless the will specifically state that the executor should be independent
Dependent probate administration requires:

 

  • Appointment of a dependent probate administrator or executor.
  • Courts approval for many transactions that are a normal part of the probate process, including the sale of real estate or personal property.
  • Advance approval for attorneys and other professional fees.
  • Sworn accounting from the administrator for each year and at the conclusion of the probate administration.
  • The estate administration must remain open for a minimum of six months to allow creditors to present their potential claims.


The dependent administrator may be required to post a bond with a bonding company in order to ensure administrator’s proper and ethical performance. This bond may be as much as the entire value of the estate.

It is possible for a dependent executor to become an independent executor if all the heirs and beneficiaries under the will agree to allow the executor to serve as an independent executor.

Which type of administration is the best?

While an independent probate administration is faster, there are situations where a dependent probate administration is a better option.  If an estate has a high amount of debt, dependent probate administration limits the time that creditors have to make a claim against the estate.  Dependent probate administration is a good option if there are or may be disputes among the heirs or if someone may contest the will.

Do You Need To Speak With An Experienced Probate Lawyer In The Dallas Area?

If you need to speak to an experienced probate lawyer please contact us online or call our Dallas office directly at 214.559.7202. We help clients throughout the Dallas area with all of their probate needs and look forward to helping you.

Gary Ashmore
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Helping Dallas & Highland Park, Texas area families with Family Law, Probate & Estate Planning needs.