Texas Probate: The Basics
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UPDATED: Jun 19, 2018
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Death can take more than an emotional toll: for the family and heirs of a decedent, claiming the property of the estate can seem complex and daunting. Luckily, the Texas probate courts, which handle matters related to the collection and distribution of a deceased person’s assets and estate, are relatively easy to navigate for simple estate claims, and welcome do-it-yourselfers. Here’s what you need to know in Texas to handle a probate by yourself.
Bypassing Texas Probate
Texas probate laws determine the appropriateness of the probate process based on the estate’s size, value, and complexity. Some property can completely bypass the Texas probate system. For example, property that is held in joint tenancy by two or more owners, such as bank accounts, homes, or automobiles, is eligible to bypass Texas probate. In addition, property that is governed by a living trust can bypass Texas probate.
Additional Texas Probate Procedures
Texas County Probate Courts (choose County Probate Court in Court Type pull-down menu)
Texas Probate Code(find Probate Code under Texas Statutes menu)
Also, see our article on Texas Probate Procedure