Texas Estate Administration

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Prof. Gerry W. Beyer Fall 2013. Texas Estate Administration. Estate Administration Reasons. 1. Title Transfer Alternatives to Probate Determination of heirship, if intestate. Probate will as muniment of title, if testate. Estate Administration Reasons. 2 . Creditor Payment. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Texas Estate Administration

Prof. Gerry W. Beyer

Fall 2013

Estate Administration Reasons1. Title Transfer

Alternatives to Probate▪ Determination of heirship, if intestate.▪ Probate will as muniment of title, if

testate.

Estate Administration Reasons2. Creditor Payment

Who Performs Administration?Personal representative:

Executor = will Administrator = intestate

Must be appointed by a court.

Who Performs Administration?Legal Requirements

Not incapacitated

Who Performs Administration?Legal Requirements

Not incapacitated Not a convicted felon

Who Performs Administration?Legal Requirements

Not incapacitated Not a convicted felon Not a non-resident of Texas

Who Performs Administration?Legal Requirements

Not incapacitated Not a convicted felon Not a non-resident of Texas Not a corporation not authorized to

be a fiduciary in Texas

Who Performs Administration?Legal Requirements

Not incapacitated Not a convicted felon Not a non-resident of Texas Not a corporation not authorized to

be a fiduciary in Texas Not a person the court finds

“unsuitable”

Who Performs Administration?Practical Concerns

Honest

Who Performs Administration?Practical Concerns

Honest Common sense and good judgment

Who Performs Administration?Practical Concerns

Honest Common sense and good judgment Financial responsibility

Who Performs Administration?Practical Concerns

Honest Common sense and good judgment Financial responsibility Investment experience and skills

Who Performs Administration?Practical Concerns

Honest Common sense and good judgment Financial responsibility Investment experience and skills Awareness of legal issues

Who Performs Administration?Practical Concerns

Honest Common sense and good judgment Financial responsibility Investment experience and skills Awareness of legal issues Fiduciary personality

Who Performs Administration?Practical Concerns

Honest Common sense and good judgment Financial responsibility Investment experience and skills Awareness of legal issues Fiduciary personality Longevity

Who Performs Administration?Practical Concerns

Honest Common sense and good judgment Financial responsibility Investment experience and skills Awareness of legal issues Fiduciary personality Longevity Lack of distractions

Who Performs Administration?Practical Concerns

Honest Common sense and good judgment Financial responsibility Investment experience and skills Awareness of legal issues Fiduciary personality Longevity Lack of distractions Prior approval

Who Performs Administration? Practical Concerns

Honest Common sense and good judgment Financial responsibility Investment experience and skills Awareness of legal issues Fiduciary personality Longevity Lack of distractions Prior approval Successors

Who Performs Administration? Individual or Corporate?

Benefits of individual

Benefits of corporate

Who Performs Administration?Single or co-executors?

Benefits of single

Benefits of multiple

Overview of Administration Process1. Determine if Decedent Left a

Will

Home and office Safe deposit box Significant individuals Clerk of the court

Overview of Administration Process2. Proper Applicant

Prepares and files application Pays filing fee

Overview of Administration Process3. Proper Notice

Clerk of Court gives notice according to applicable law.

Overview of Administration Process4. Hearing

Court conducts hearing on application.

Court appoints personal representative.

Court determines type of administration▪ Dependent▪ Independent▪ Abbreviated

Overview of Administration Process5. Personal representative

qualifies

Takes oath of oath.

Posts bond, unless testator waived it or PR is a corporation.

Obtains letters testamentary (if will) or letters of administration (if intestate).

Overview of Administration Process6. Personal representative gives

notices

To will beneficiaries.

To creditors.

Overview of Administration Process7. Collect and preserve the

decedent’s probate property

Overview of Administration Process8. Prepare inventory,

appraisement, and list of claims

Overview of Administration Process9. Manage decedent’s property

Overview of Administration Process10. Protect certain property

from creditors

Homestead Exempt personal property Family allowance

Overview of Administration Process11. Pay claims

Overview of Administration Process12. If property remains after

paying creditors, distribute to heirs or beneficiaries.

The Pro Se Issue

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