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⭐TEXAS PROBATE CODE WITH COMMENTARY FINAL EDITION. Gerry W. Beyer
TEXAS PROBATE CODE WITH COMMENTARY FINAL EDITION. Gerry W. Beyer
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1 TEXAS PROBATE CODE WITH COMMENTARY FINAL EDITION Gerry W. Beyer Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law Texas Tech University School of Law Revised August 19, 20132 3 PREFACE Texas Probate Code Final Edition is the version of the Probate Code that ceased to be effective on January 1, 2014 and contains the changes made by the 2013 Legislature. I have included commentary entitled to many sections. These annotations provide background information, explanations, and citations to key cases which should assist you in identifying the significance of the statutes and how they operate. Most changes made by the 2013 Texas Legislature are shown in red-lined format to make the changes easy for the reader to locate. Despite my best efforts and those of the publisher, errors may have crept into the text or the. In addition, new cases and legislation make important changes to the law. You may access a list of updates to this work at Finally, I would like to express my appreciation for the tedious work of Ms. Michele Thaetig, Senior Business Assistant, Texas Tech University School of Law, for her excellent work on this volume. Good luck in your course and in your legal career. GERRY W. BEYER Texas Tech University School of Law August 2013 i4 5 Chapter I. General Provisions 1 Although called a Code, the Probate Code is not a true code because it was enacted in 1955 which was before the 1963 Legislature began the process of codifying Texas law into 27 codes. The 2009 Legislature began the process of codifying the current Probate Code into a real code, the Estates Code. The portion of the Estates Code passed by the 2009 Legislature focuses on intestacy, wills, and estate administration. The guardianship and durable power of attorney provisions were added in The 2011 Legislature also made changes to the previously enacted portions of the Estates Code to be consistent with Probate Code amendments. The 2013 Legislature will have the opportunity to make certain everything fits together nicely and that any substantive changes to the Probate Code are properly integrated into the Estates Code. The entire Estates Code is slated to become effective on January 1, Short Title This Act shall be known, and may be cited, as the Texas Probate Code. 2. Effective Date and Application (a) Effective Date. This Code shall take effect and be in force on and after January 1, The procedure herein prescribed shall govern all probate proceedings in county and probate courts brought after the effective date of this Act, and also all further procedure in proceedings in probate then pending, except to the extent that in the opinion of the court, with respect to proceedings in probate then pending, its application in particular proceedings or parts thereof would not be feasible or would work injustice, in which event the former procedure shall apply. (b) Rights Not Affected. No act done in any proceeding commenced before this Code takes effect, and no accrued right, shall be impaired by the provisions of this Code. When a right is acquired, extinguished, or barred upon the expiration of a prescribed period of time which has commenced to run by the provision of any statute in force before this Code takes effect, such provision shall remain in force and be deemed a part of this Code with respect to such right. All things properly done under any previously existing statute prior to the taking effect of this Code shall be treated as valid. Where citation or other process or notice is issued and served in compliance with existing statutes prior to the taking effect of this Code, the party upon whom such citation or other process has been served shall have the time provided for under such previously existing statutes in which to comply therewith. (c) Subdivisions Have No Legal Effect. The division of this Code into Chapters, Parts, Sections, Subsections, and Paragraphs is solely for convenience and shall have no legal effect. (d) Severability. If any provision of this Code, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Code which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Code are declared to be severable, and the Legislature hereby states that it would have enacted such portions of the Code which can lawfully be given effect regardless of the possible invalidity of other provisions of the Code. (e) Nature of Proceeding. The administration of the estate of a decedent, from the filing of the application for probate and administration, or for administration, until the decree of final distribution and the discharge of the last personal representative, shall be considered as one proceeding for purposes of jurisdiction. The entire proceeding is a proceeding in rem. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 2, eff. Sept. 1, Transferred to Estates Code by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2014 and amended to retain only existing subsection (e) by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 6, eff. Jan. 1, Subsection (e) transferred to Estates Code (d) by Acts 2013, 83 rd Leg., ch. 1136, 2, eff. Jan. 1, The definitions in 3 apply to the entire Probate Code except as otherwise provided by Chapter XIII which governs guardianships. Some terms are defined contrary to their traditional meanings. For example, the term devise, which usually refers to a gift of real property in a will, is defined to encompass gifts of both real and personal property in subsection (h). Likewise, legacy, which normally refers to a gift of money (personal property) in a will, is deemed 16 to include gifts of real property as well by subsection (s). Heirs include anyone who is entitled to property under intestate succession under subsection (o). The surviving spouse is considered an heir even though at common law, the surviving spouse was not an heir (not a blood relative). A person who takes under a will is not properly called an heir. The term will is defined in subsection (ff) to include a variety of testamentary instruments including codicils and instruments which do not actually make at-death distributions of property such as documents which merely appoint an executor or guardian, revoke another will, or direct how property may not be distributed. Courts will sometimes ignore the plain language of the definitions. For example, in Heien v. Crabtree, 369 S.W.2d 28 (Tex. 1963), the Texas Supreme Court refused to treat a child who was adopted by estoppel as a child under subsection (b) despite the language of the definition stating that the term includes a child adopted by acts of estoppel. The definitions apply to these terms as used in the Probate Code. The definitions do not necessarily apply when they are used in a will or other estate planning document. 3. Definitions and Use of Terms Except as otherwise provided by Chapter XIII of this Code, when used in this Code, unless otherwise apparent from the context: (a) Authorized corporate surety means a domestic or foreign corporation authorized to do business in the State of Texas for the purpose of issuing surety, guaranty or indemnity bonds guaranteeing the fidelity of executors and administrators. (b) Child includes an adopted child, whether adopted by any existing or former statutory procedure or by acts of estoppel, but, unless expressly so stated herein, does not include a child who has no presumed father. (c) Claims include liabilities of a decedent which survive, including taxes, whether arising in contract or in tort or otherwise, funeral expenses, the expense of a tombstone, expenses of administration, estate and inheritance taxes, and debts due such estates. (d) Corporate fiduciary means a financial institution as defined by Section , Finance Code, having trust powers, existing or doing business under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States, which is authorized by law to act under the order or appointment of any court of record, without giving bond, as receiver, trustee, executor, administrator, or, although without general depository powers, depository for any moneys paid into court, or to become sole guarantor or surety in or upon any bond required to be given under the laws of this state. (e) County Court and Probate Court are synonymous terms and denote county courts in the exercise of their probate jurisdiction, courts created by statute and authorized to exercise original probate jurisdiction, and district courts exercising probate jurisdiction in contested matters. (f) County Judge, Probate Judge, and Judge denote the presiding judge of any court having original jurisdiction over probate proceedings, whether it be a county court in the exercise of its probate jurisdiction, a court created by statute and authorized to exercise probate jurisdiction, or a district court exercising probate jurisdiction in contested matters. (g) Court denotes and includes both a county court in the exercise of its probate jurisdiction, a court created by statute and authorized to exercise original probate jurisdiction, or a district court exercising original probate jurisdiction in contested matters. (h) Devise, when used as a noun, includes a testamentary disposition of real or personal property, or of both. When used as a verb, devise means to dispose of real or personal property, or of both, by will. (i) Devisee includes legatee. (j) Distributee denotes a person entitled to the estate of a decedent under a lawful will, or under the statutes of descent and distribution. (k) Docket means the probate docket. (l) Estate denotes the real and personal property of a decedent, both as such property originally existed and as from time to time changed in form by sale, reinvestment, or otherwise, and as augmented by any accretions and additions thereto (including any property to be distributed to the representative of the decedent by the trustee of a trust which terminates upon the decedent s death) and substitutions therefor, and as diminished by any decreases therein and distributions therefrom. (m) Exempt property refers to that property of a decedent s estate which is exempt from execution or forced sale by the Constitution or laws of this State, and to the allowance in lieu thereof. (n) (repealed) (o) Heirs denote those persons, including the surviving spouse, who are entitled under the statutes of descent and distribution to the estate of a decedent who dies intestate. (p) Incapacitated or Incapacitated person means: (1) a minor; (2) an adult individual who, because of a physical or mental condition, is substantially unable to provide food, clothing, or shelter for himself or herself, to care for the individual s own physical health, or to manage the individual s own financial affairs; or (3) a person who must have a guardian appointed to receive funds due the person from any governmental source. 27 (q) Independent executor means the personal representative of an estate under independent administration as provided in Section 145 of this Code. The term independent executor includes the term independent administrator. (r) Interested persons or persons interested means heirs, devisees, spouses, creditors, or any others having a property right in, or claim against, the estate being administered; and anyone interested in the welfare of an incapacitated person including a minor. (s) Legacy includes any gift or devise by will, whether of personalty or realty. Legatee includes any person entitled to a legacy under a will. (t) Minors are all persons under eighteen years of age who have never been married or who have not had disabilities of minority removed for general purposes. (u) repealed (v) Mortgage or Lien includes deed of trust, vendor s lien, chattel mortgage, mechanic s, materialman s or laborer s lien, judgment, attachment or garnishment lien, pledge by hypothecation, and Federal or State tax liens. (w) Net estate means the real and personal property of a decedent, exclusive of homestead rights, exempt property, the family allowance and enforceable claims against the estate. (x) Person includes natural persons and corporations. (y) repealed (z) Personal property includes interests in goods, money, choses in action, evidence of debts, and chattels real. (aa) Personal representative or Representative includes executor, independent executor, administrator, independent administrator, temporary administrator, together with their successors. The inclusion of independent executors herein shall not be held to subject such representatives to control of the courts in probate matters with respect to settlement of estates except as expressly provided by law. (bb) Probate proceeding is synonymous with the terms Probate matter, Proceeding in probate, and Proceedings for probate. The term means a matter or proceeding related to the estate of a decedent and includes: (1) the probate of a will, with or without administration of the estate; (2) the issuance of letters testamentary and of administration; (3) an heirship determination or small estate affidavit, community property administration, and homestead and family allowances; (4) an application, petition, motion, or action regarding the probate of a will or an estate administration, including a claim for money owed by the decedent; (5) a claim arising from an estate administration and any action brought on the claim; (6) the settling of a personal representative s account of an estate and any other matter related to the settlement, partition, or distribution of an estate; and (7) a will construction suit. (cc) Property includes both real and personal property. (dd) Real property includes estates and interests in lands, corporeal or incorporeal, legal or equitable, other than chattels real. (ee) Surety includes both personal and corporate sureties. (ff) Will includes codicil; it also includes a testamentary instrument which merely: (1) appoints an executor or guardian; (2) directs how property may not be disposed of; or (3) revokes another will. (gg) The singular number includes the plural; the plural number includes the singular. (hh) The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter. (ii) Statutory probate court means a statutory court designated as a statutory probate court under Chapter 25, Government Code. A county court at law exercising probate jurisdiction is not a statutory probate court under this Code unless the court is designated a statutory probate court under Chapter 25, Government Code. (jj) Next of kin includes an adopted child or his or her descendents and the adoptive parent of the adopted child. (kk) Charitable organization means: (1) a nonprofit corporation, trust, community chest, fund, foundation, or other entity that is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of because the entity is organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, educational, or literary purposes, testing for public safety, prevention of cruelty to children or animals, or promotion of amateur sports competition; or (2) any other entity or organization that is organized and operated exclusively for the purposes listed in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of (ll) Governmental agency of the state means: (1) an incorporated city or town, a county, a public school district, a special-purpose district or authority, or a district, county, or justice of the peace court; (2) a board, commission, department, office, or other agency in the executive branch of state government, including an institution of higher education as defined by Section , Education Code; (3) the legislature or a legislative agency; and (4) the supreme court, the court of criminal appeals, a court of appeals, or the State Bar of 1 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) 38 Texas or another judicial agency having statewide jurisdiction. (mm) Ward is a person for whom a guardian has been appointed. Subsec. (n) amended by Acts 1985, 69 th Leg., ch. 591, 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985; Subsec. (p) amended by Acts 1985, 69 th Leg., ch. 159, 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985; Subsec. (y) amended by Acts 1985, 69 th Leg., ch. 159, 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1985; Subsec. (b) amended by Acts 1989, 71 st Leg., ch. 375, 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Subsecs. (kk), (ll) added by Acts 1989, 71 st Leg., ch. 1035, 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; subsec. (n) amended by Acts 1991, 72 nd Leg., ch. 14, 284(96), eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Subsec. (ff) amended by Acts 1991, 72 nd Leg., ch. 895, 1, eff. Sept. 1, Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Subsec. (n) repealed by Acts 1995, 74 th Leg., ch. 1039, 73(1), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (p) amended by Acts 1995, 74 th Leg., ch. 1039, 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (y) repealed by Acts 1995, 74 th Leg., ch. 1039, 73(1), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (mm) added by Acts 1995, 74 th Leg., ch. 1039, 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Subsec. (ii) amended by Acts 1997, 75 th Leg., ch. 52, 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Subsec. (d) amended by Acts 1999, 76 th Leg., ch. 344, 6.001, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Subsec. (p) amended by Acts 1999, 76 th Leg., ch. 379, 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Subsec. amended by Acts 2007, 80 th Leg., ch. 1170, 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, Subsec. (u) repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 602, (19)(2), eff. June 19, 2009; Subsec. (bb) amended by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(a), eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, A-4H Ascertaining which court has jurisdiction to hear matters relating to intestate succession, wills, and estate administration depends on the type of courts that exist in the county. There are three possibilities. First, if the county has only a constitutional county court (that is, no statutory probate court and no statutory court exercising probate jurisdiction) estate matters are filed in the constitutional county court. 4C(a). This situation is common in rural (low population) counties. Second, if the county has a statutory court exercising probate jurisdiction, but no statutory probate court, then the parties may file in either the constitutional county court or the statutory court with probate jurisdiction. 4C(b). Third, if the county has a statutory probate court, all probate proceedings are filed with the statutory probate court. 4C(c). Counties with statutory probate courts include Bexar (2), Collin, Dallas (3), Denton, El Paso (2), Galveston, Harris (4), Hidalgo, Tarrant (2), and Travis. A statutory probate court also has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in the situations listed in 4H which includes all actions involving inter vivos and testamentary trusts or in which a trustee is a plaintiff or defendant. Section 4G also describes additional actions over which a statutory probate court has jurisdiction such as those involving powers of attorney. If the action is brought in a constitutional county court in a county with no statutory probate court or statutory court exercising probate jurisdiction and a dispute arises, the parties may demand that the action be transferred to the district court or request the assignment of a statutory probate court judge. 4D. After resolving the specific dispute, the district court or the statutory probate court judge will normally return the case to the constitutional county court. The 2011 Legislature added 4D(b-1) to permit the statutory probate court to handle the entire case upon request of the parties or the constitutional county court judge. If the estate is probated in a constitutional county court in a county with a statutory court exercising probate jurisdiction (not a statutory probate court), then the parties may demand a transfer to the statutory court. 4E. If the entire action is transferred, then the statutory court hears the rest of the case. However, if only the contested matter is transferred, then upon resolution of the contested matter, the county court at law returns the case to the constitutional county court. If the estate is probated in a statutory probate court, all estate matters remain with that court; transfer is not available. A final order (but not an interlocutory order) of any court exercising probate jurisdiction is appealable to the court of appeals. 4A(c). In Crowson v. Wakeham, 897 S.W.2d 779 (Tex. 1995), the Supreme Court of Texas held that an order in a probate case is final for appellate purposes when (1) a statute declares that a specified phase of the probate proceedings are final and appealable, (2) the order disposes of all issues in the phase of the proceeding for which it was brought, or (3) a particular order is made final by a severance order meeting the usual severance criteria. 4A. General Probate Court Jurisdiction; Appeals (a) All probate proceedings must be filed and heard in a court exercising original probate jurisdiction. The court exercising original probate jurisdiction also has jurisdiction of all matters related to the probate proceeding as specified in Section 4B of this code for that type of court. 49 (b) A probate court may exercise pendent and ancillary jurisdiction as necessary to promote judicial efficiency and economy. (c) A final order issued by a probate court is appealable to the court of appeals. Added by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(b), eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 13(b), eff. Jan. 1, B. Matters Related to Probate Proceeding (a) For purposes of this code, in a county in which there is no statutory probate court or county court at law exercising original probate jurisdiction, a matter related to a probate proceeding includes: (1) an action against a personal representative or former personal representative arising out of the representative s performance of the duties of a personal representative; (2) an action against a surety of a personal representative or former personal representative; (3) a claim brought by a personal representative on behalf of an estate; (4) an action brought against a personal representative in the representative s capacity as personal representative; (5) an action for trial of title to real property that is estate property, including the enforcement of a lien against the property; and (6) an action for trial of the right of property that is estate property. (b) For purposes of this code, in a county in which there is no statutory probate court, but in which there is a county court at law exercising original probate jurisdiction, a matter related to a probate proceeding includes: (1) all matters and actions described in Subsection (a) of this section; (2) the interpretation and administration of a testamentary trust if the will creating the trust has been admitted to probate in the court; and (3) the interpretation and administration of an inter vivos trust created by a decedent whose will has been admitted to probate in the court. (c) For purposes of this code, in a county in which there is a statutory probate court, a matter related to a probate proceeding includes: (1) all matters and actions described in Subsections (a) and (b) of this section; and (2) any cause of action in which a personal representative of an estate pending in the statutory probate court is a party in the representative s capacity as personal representative. Added by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(b), eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 13(b), eff. Jan. 1, C. Original Jurisdiction for Probate Proceedings (a) In a county in which there is no statutory probate court or county court at law exercising original probate jurisdiction, the county court has original jurisdiction of probate proceedings. (b) In a county in which there is no statutory probate court, but in which there is a county court at law exercising original probate jurisdiction, the county court at law exercising original probate jurisdiction and the county court have concurrent original jurisdiction of probate proceedings, unless otherwise provided by law. The judge of a county court may hear probate proceedings while sitting for the judge of any other county court. (c) In a county in which there is a statutory probate court, the statutory probate court has original jurisdiction of probate proceedings. Added by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(b), eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 13(b), eff. Jan. 1, D. Jurisdiction of Contested Probate Proceeding in County with No Statutory Probate Court or Statutory County Court (a) In a county in which there is no statutory probate court or county court at law exercising original probate jurisdiction, when a matter in a probate proceeding is contested, the judge of the county court may, on the judge s own motion, or shall, on the motion of any party to the proceeding, according to the motion: (1) request the assignment of a statutory probate court judge to hear the contested matter, as provided by Section , Government Code; or (2) transfer the contested matter to the district court, which may then hear the contested matter as if originally filed in the district court. (b) If a party to a probate proceeding files a motion for the assignment of a statutory probate court judge to hear a contested matter in the proceeding before the judge of the county court transfers the contested matter to a district court under this section, the county judge shall grant the motion for the assignment of a statutory probate court judge and may not transfer the matter to the district court unless the party withdraws the motion. (b-1) If a judge of a county court requests the assignment of a statutory probate court judge to hear a contested matter in a probate proceeding on the judge s own motion or on the motion of a party to the proceeding as provided by this section, the judge may request that the statutory probate court judge be assigned to the entire proceeding on the judge s own motion or on the motion of a party. (c) A party to a probate proceeding may file a motion for the assignment of a statutory probate court judge under this section before a matter in the proceeding becomes contested, and the motion is given effect as a motion for assignment of a statutory probate court judge under Subsection (a) of this section if the matter later becomes contested. (d) Notwithstanding any other law, a transfer of a contested matter in a probate proceeding to a district 510 court under any authority other than the authority provided by this section: (1) is disregarded for purposes of this section; and (2) does not defeat the right of a party to the proceeding to have the matter assigned to a statutory probate court judge in accordance with this section. (e) A statutory probate court judge assigned to a contested matter in a probate proceeding or to the entire proceeding under this section has the jurisdiction and authority granted to a statutory probate court by this code. A statutory probate court judge assigned to hear only the contested matter in a probate proceeding shall, on resolution of the matter, including any appeal of the matter, return the matter to the county court for further proceedings not inconsistent with the orders of the statutory probate court or court of appeals, as applicable. A statutory probate court judge assigned to the entire probate proceeding as provided by Subsection (b-1) of this section shall, on resolution of the contested matter in the proceeding, including any appeal of the matter, return the entire proceeding to the county court for further proceedings not inconsistent with the orders of the statutory probate court or court of appeals, as applicable. (f) A district court to which a contested matter is transferred under this section has the jurisdiction and authority granted to a statutory probate court by this code. On resolution of a contested matter transferred to the district court under this section, including any appeal of the matter, the district court shall return the matter to the county court for further proceedings not inconsistent with the orders of the district court or court of appeals, as applicable. (g) If only the contested matter in a probate proceeding is assigned to a statutory probate court judge under this section, or if the contested matter in a probate proceeding is transferred to a district court under this section, the county court shall continue to exercise jurisdiction over the management of the estate, other than a contested matter, until final disposition of the contested matter is made in accordance with this section. Any matter related to a probate proceeding in which a contested matter is transferred to a district court may be brought in the district court. The district court in which a matter related to the proceeding is filed may, on its own motion or on the motion of any party, find that the matter is not a contested matter and transfer the matter to the county court with jurisdiction of the management of the estate. (h) If a contested matter in a probate proceeding is transferred to a district court under this section, the district court has jurisdiction of any contested matter in the proceeding that is subsequently filed, and the county court shall transfer those contested matters to the district court. If a statutory probate court judge is assigned under this section to hear a contested matter in a probate proceeding, the statutory probate court judge shall be assigned to hear any contested matter in the proceeding that is subsequently filed. (i) The clerk of a district court to which a contested matter in a probate proceeding is transferred under this section may perform in relation to the contested matter any function a county clerk may perform with respect to that type of matter. Added by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(b), eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 13(b), eff. Jan. 1, Amended by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, E. Jurisdiction of Consented Probate Proceeding in County with No Statutory Probate Court (a) In a county in which there is no statutory probate court, but in which there is a county court at law exercising original probate jurisdiction, when a matter in a probate proceeding is contested, the judge of the county court may, on the judge s own motion, or shall, on the motion of any party to the proceeding, transfer the contested matter to the county court at law. In addition, the judge of the county court, on the judge s own motion or on the motion of a party to the proceeding, may transfer the entire proceeding to the county court at law. (b) A county court at law to which a proceeding is transferred under this section may hear the proceeding as if originally filed in that court. If only a contested matter in the proceeding is transferred, on the resolution of the matter, the matter shall be returned to the county court for further proceedings not inconsistent with the orders of the county court at law. Added by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(b), eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 13(b), eff. Jan. 1, F. Exclusive Jurisdiction of Probate Proceeding in County with Statutory Probate Court (a) In a county in which there is a statutory probate court, the statutory probate court has exclusive jurisdiction of all probate proceedings, regardless of whether contested or uncontested. A cause of action related to the probate proceeding must be brought in a statutory probate court unless the jurisdiction of the statutory probate court is concurrent with the jurisdiction of a district court as provided by Section 4H of this code or with the jurisdiction of any other court. (b) This section shall be construed in conjunction and in harmony with Section 145 of this code and all other sections of this code relating to independent executors, but may not be construed to expand the court s control over an independent executor. Added by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(b), eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 13(b), eff. Jan. 1,11 4G. Jurisdiction of Statutory Probate Court With Respect to Trusts and Powers of Attorney In a county in which there is a statutory probate court, the statutory probate court has jurisdiction of: (1) an action by or against a trustee; (2) an action involving an inter vivos trust, testamentary trust, or charitable trust; (3) an action against an agent or former agent under a power of attorney arising out of the agent s performance of the duties of an agent; and (4) an action to determine the validity of a power of attorney or to determine an agent s rights, powers, or duties under a power of attorney. Added by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(b), eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 13(b), eff. Jan. 1, H. Concurrent Jurisdiction with District Court A statutory probate court has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in: (1) a personal injury, survival, or wrongful death action by or against a person in the person s capacity as a personal representative; (2) an action by or against a trustee; (3) an action involving an inter vivos trust, testamentary trust, or charitable trust, including a charitable trust as defined by Section , Property Code; (4) an action involving a personal representative of an estate in which each other party aligned with the personal representative is not an interested person in that estate; (5) an action against an agent or former agent under a power of attorney arising out of the agent s performance of the duties of an agent; and (6) an action to determine the validity of a power of attorney or to determine an agent s rights, powers, or duties under a power of attorney. Added by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(b), eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 13(b), eff. Jan. 1, Amended by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.02, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, B A statutory probate court judge may transfer a case pending in a district, county, or statutory court to the statutory probate court if it is related to a probate proceeding already pending in the statutory probate court as defined in 4B. The judge is not, however, obligated to make the transfer; it is discretionary. In re Azle Manor, Inc., 83 S.W.3d 410 (Tex. App. Fort Worth 2002, no pet.). 5B. Transfer to Statutory Probate Court of Proceeding Related to Probate Proceeding (a) A judge of a statutory probate court, on the motion of a party to the action or on the motion of a person interested in an estate, may transfer to the judge s court from a district, county, or statutory court a cause of action related to a probate proceeding pending in the statutory probate court or a cause of action in which a personal representative of an estate pending in the statutory probate court is a party and may consolidate the transferred cause of action with the other proceedings in the statutory probate court relating to that estate. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the proper venue for an action by or against a personal representative for personal injury, death, or property damages is determined under Section , Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Added by Acts 1983, 68 th Leg., p. 5228, ch. 958, 1, eff. Sept. 1, Amended by Acts 1999, 76 th Leg., ch. 1431, 1, eff. Sept. 1, Amended by Acts 2003, 78 th Leg., ch. 204, 3.06, eff. Sept. 1, Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 1351, 12(c), eff. Sept. 1, Transferred to Estates Code by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 2, eff. Jan. 1, Amended by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.03, eff. Sept. 1, C. Actions to Collect Delinquent Property Taxes (a) This section applies only to a decedent s estate that: (1) is being administered in a pending probate proceeding; (2) owns or claims an interest in property against which a taxing unit has imposed ad valorem taxes that are delinquent; and (3) is not being administered as an independent administration under Section 145 of this code. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, if the probate proceedings are pending in a foreign jurisdiction or in a county other than the county in which the taxes were imposed, a suit to foreclose the lien securing payment of the taxes or to enforce personal liability for the taxes must be brought under Section 33.41, Tax Code, in a court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the taxes were imposed. (c) If the probate proceedings have been pending for four years or less in the county in which the taxes were imposed, the taxing unit may present a claim for the delinquent taxes against the estate to the personal representative of the estate in the probate proceedings. (d) If the taxing unit presents a claim against the estate under Subsection (c) of this section: (1) the claim of the taxing unit is subject to each applicable provision in Parts 4 and 5, Chapter VIII, 1 1 V.A.T.S. Probate Code, 294 et seq. or 331 et seq. 712 of this code that relates to a claim or the enforcement of a claim in a probate proceeding; and (2) the taxing unit may not bring a suit in any other court to foreclose the lien securing payment of the taxes or to enforce personal liability for the delinquent taxes before the first day after the fourth anniversary of the date the application for the probate proceeding was filed. (e) To foreclose the lien securing payment of the delinquent taxes, the taxing unit must bring a suit under Section 33.41, Tax Code, in a court of competent jurisdiction for the county in which the taxes were imposed if: (1) the probate proceedings have been pending in that county for more than four years; and (2) the taxing unit did not present a delinquent tax claim under Subsection (c) of this section against the estate in the probate proceeding. (f) In a suit brought under Subsection (e) of this section, the taxing unit: (1) shall make the personal representative of the decedent s estate a party to the suit; and (2) may not seek to enforce personal liability for the taxes against the estate of the decedent. Added by Acts 1999, 76 th Leg., ch. 1481, 36, eff. Sept. 1, Transferred to Estates Code by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 2, eff. Jan. 1, & 8 The venue rules provided in 6, as applied to probating wills and opening testate and intestate administrations, trump the normal venue rules found in the Rules of Civil Procedure. Proper venue is based on the decedent s domicile at death. If the decedent was domiciled or had a fixed place of residence in Texas, the appropriate venue is the county of the decedent s domicile or residence at the time of death. It is not relevant where the decedent died, where the decedent s heirs or beneficiaries live, or where the decedent s real or personal property is located. If the decedent dies in Texas but has no place of residence in Texas, then the appropriate venue is either in the county (1) where the decedent s principal property is located, or (2) where the decedent died. The county in which the application for probate is filed first has priority under Probate Code 8. If the decedent did not die in Texas and did not reside in Texas, the appropriate venue is in the county where the nearest next of kin reside. If the decedent has no next of kin in Texas, then the appropriate venue is the county in which the decedent s principal estate is located. The typical reason for probate proceedings in Texas for a person who did not reside or die in Texas is because the decedent owned real property located in Texas. Section 6C, enacted in 2011, governs venue in heirship proceedings. 6. Venue: Probate of Wills and Granting of Letters Testamentary and of Administration Wills shall be admitted to probate, and letters testamentary or of administration shall be granted: (1) in the county where the decedent resided, if the decedent had a domicile or fixed place of residence in this State; (2) if the decedent had no domicile or fixed place of residence in this State but died in this State, then either in the county where the decedent s principal estate was at the time of the decedent s death, or in the county where the decedent died; or (3) if the decedent had no domicile or fixed place of residence in this State, and died outside the limits of this State: (A) in any county in this State where the decedent s nearest of kin reside; or (B) if there are no kindred of the decedent in this State, then in the county where the decedent s principal estate was situated at the time of the decedent s death. Transferred to Estates Code by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 2, eff. Jan. 1, Amended by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.04, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, A. Venue: Action Related to Probate Proceeding in Statutory Probate Court Except as provided by Section 6B of this code, venue for any cause of action related to a probate proceeding pending in a statutory probate court is proper in the statutory probate court in which the decedent s estate is pending. Added by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.05, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, B. Venue: Certain Actions Involving Personal Representative Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the proper venue for an action by or against a personal representative for personal injury, death, or property damages is determined under Section , Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Added by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.05, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, C. Venue: Heirship Proceedings (a) Venue for a proceeding to determine a decedent s heirs is in: 813 (1) the court of the county in which a proceeding admitting the decedent s will to probate or administering the decedent s estate was most recently pending; or (2) the court of the county in which venue would be proper for commencement of an administration of the decedent s estate under Section 6 of this code if: (A) no will of the decedent has been admitted to probate in this state and no administration of the decedent s estate has been granted in this state; or (B) the proceeding is commenced by the trustee of a trust holding assets for the benefit of the decedent. (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this section and Section 6 of this code, if there is no administration pending of the estate of a deceased ward who died intestate, venue for a proceeding to determine the deceased ward s heirs is in the probate court in which the guardianship proceedings with respect to the ward s estate were pending on the date of the ward s death. A proceeding described by this subsection may not be brought as part of the guardianship proceedings with respect to the ward s estate, but rather must be filed as a separate cause in which the court may determine the heirs respective shares and interests in the estate as provided by the laws of this state. Added by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.05, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, D. Venue: Certain Actions Involving Breach of Fiduciary Duty Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, venue for a proceeding brought by the attorney general alleging breach of a fiduciary duty by a charitable entity or a fiduciary or managerial agent of a charitable trust is determined under Section , Property Code. Added by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.05, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, Concurrent Venue in Probate Proceeding (a) Concurrent Venue. When two or more courts have concurrent venue of a probate proceeding, the court in which the application for the proceeding is first filed shall have and retain jurisdiction of the proceeding to the exclusion of the other court or courts. The proceeding shall be deemed commenced by the filing of an application averring facts sufficient to confer venue; and the proceeding first legally commenced shall extend to all of the property of the decedent or the decedent s estate. Provided, however, that a bona fide purchaser of real property in reliance on any such subsequent proceeding, without knowledge of its invalidity, shall be protected in such purchase unless before the purchase the decree admitting the will to probate, determining heirship, or granting administration in the prior proceeding is recorded in the office of the county clerk of the county in which such property is located. (b) Proceedings in More Than One County. Probate Proceedings in More Than One County. If probate proceedings involving the same estate are commenced in more than one county, each proceeding commenced in a county other than the county in which a proceeding was first commenced is stayed until final determination of venue by the court in the county where first commenced. If the proper venue is finally determined to be in another county, the clerk, after making and retaining a true copy of the entire file in the case, shall transmit the original file to the proper county, and the proceeding shall thereupon be had in the proper county in the same manner as if the proceeding had originally been instituted therein. (c) Jurisdiction to Determine Venue. Subject to Subsections (a) and (b) of this section, a court in which an application for a probate proceeding is filed has jurisdiction to determine venue for the proceeding and for any matter related to the proceeding. A court s determination under this subsection is not subject to collateral attack. Subsec. (c)(2) amended by Acts 1983, 68 th Leg., p. 4754, ch. 833, 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1983; Acts 1987, 70 th Leg., ch. 786, 1, eff. Aug. 31, Amended by Acts 2003, 78 th Leg., ch. 1060, 5, eff. Sept. 1, Subsecs (a), (b), (c), & (e) amended by 80 th Leg., ch. 1170, 2.01, eff. Sept. 1, Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 602, 1, eff. June 19, Transferred to Estates Code by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 2, eff. Jan. 1, Amended by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.06, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, A. Transfer of Venue in Probate Proceeding (a) Transfer for Want of Venue. If it appears to the court at any time before the final decree in a probate proceeding that the proceeding was commenced in a court which did not have priority of venue over such proceeding, the court shall, on the application of any interested person, transfer the proceeding to the proper county by transmitting to the proper court in such county the original file in such case, together with certified copies of all entries in the judge s probate docket theretofore made, and the proceeding in such county shall be completed in the same manner as if the proceeding had originally been instituted therein; but, if the question as to priority of venue is not raised before final decree in the proceedings is announced, the finality of such decree shall not be affected by any error in venue. (b) Transfer for Convenience. If it appears to the court at any time before a probate proceeding is concluded that it would be in the best interest of the estate or, if there is no administration of the estate, that it would be in the best interest of the heirs or 914 beneficiaries of the decedent s will, the court, in its discretion, may order the proceeding transferred to the proper court in any other county in this State. The clerk of the court from which the proceeding is transferred shall transmit to the court to which the proceeding is transferred the original file in the proceeding and a certified copy of the index. Amended by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.06, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, B. Validation of Prior Proceedings When a probate proceeding is transferred to another county under any provision of Section 8 or 8A of this Code, all orders entered in connection with the proceeding shall be valid and shall be recognized in the second court, provided such orders were made and entered in conformance with the procedure prescribed by this Code. Amended by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.06, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 2.54, eff. Sept. 1, Defects in Pleading No defect of form or substance in any pleading in probate shall be held by any court to invalidate such pleading, or any order based upon such pleading, unless the defect has been timely objected to and called to the attention of the court in which such proceedings were or are pending. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, An individual may have a strong motivation to have a testator s will deemed invalid and ineffective to dispose of the testator s property. First, this person could be an heir who would receive more under intestacy than the will. Or, second, this person could be a beneficiary of a prior will who would receive a smaller gift under the more recent will. A person must have a pecuniary interest in the estate to contest the proceedings. Logan v. Thomason, 202 S.W.2d 212, 215 (Tex. 1947) ( An interest resting on sentiment or sympathy, or any other basis other than gain or loss of money or its equivalent, is insufficient. ). See also Probate Code 3 defining person interested. The timing of a will contest is of particular importance. First, the timing determines which party has the burden of proof. If the contest action is brought before the probate of the will, then the party admitting the will to probate has the burden to prove that the will is valid. On the other hand, if the contest action is brought after the will has been admitted to probate, the party contesting the will has the burden to prove that there is a deficiency in the will. Second, will contests are subject to the statute of limitations set forth in Probate Code Persons Entitled to Contest Proceedings Any person interested in an estate may, at any time before any issue in any proceeding is decided upon by the court, file opposition thereto in writing and shall be entitled to process for witnesses and evidence, and to be heard upon such opposition, as in other suits. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, A Unlike many states, Texas law does not expressly require that the beneficiaries of a will be given notice or made a party to a will contest action except for certain schools and charities as provided in 10A. See Wojcik v. Wesolick, 97 S.W.3d 335 (Tex. App. Houston [14 th Dist.] 2003, no pet.), but see, Kotz v. Kotz, 613 S.W.2d 760, 761 (Tex. Civ. App. Beaumont 1981, no writ), and Jennings v. Srp, 521 S.W.2d 326, (Tex. Civ. App. Corpus Christi 1975, no writ). 10A. Necessary Party (a) An institution of higher education as defined by Section , Education Code, a private institution of higher education, or a charitable organization is a necessary party to a will contest or will construction suit involving a will in which the institution or organization is a distributee. (b) If an institution or organization is a necessary party under Subsection (a) of this section, the court shall serve the institution or organization in the manner provided for service on other parties by this code. Added by Acts 1989, 71 st Leg., ch. 1035, 4, eff. Sept. 1, Amended by Acts 1991, 72 nd Leg., ch. 675, 1, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, B The ability of litigants to obtain evidence of a decedent s testamentary capacity was greatly enhanced by the legislature s enactment of Probate Code 10B in This section provides that a party to a will contest, or a proceeding in which a party relies on the mental or testamentary capacity of a decedent as part of the party s claim or defense, is entitled to production of all 1015 communications or records that are relevant to the decedent s condition. 10B. Communications or Records Relating to Decedent s Condition Before Death Notwithstanding the Medical Practice Act (Article 4495b, Vernon s Texas Civil Statutes), a person who is a party to a will contest or a proceeding in which a party relies on the mental or testamentary capacity of a decedent before the decedent s death as part of the party s claim or defense is entitled to production of all communications or records relevant to the decedent s condition before the decedent s death. On receipt of a subpoena of communications or records under this section and proof of filing of the will contest or proceeding, by file-stamped copy, the appropriate physician, hospital, medical facility, custodian of records, or other person in possession of the communications or records shall release the communications or records to the party requesting the records without further authorization. Added by Acts 1997, 75 th Leg., ch. 1302, 2, eff. Sept. 1, Amended by Acts 1999, 76 th Leg., ch. 855, 1, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, C The lower courts of Texas have recognized the tort of tortious interference with inheritance rights. See King v. Acker, 725 S.W.2d 750 (Tex. App. Houston [1 st Dist.] 1987, no writ). However, the courts have not delineated exactly what actions would constitute tortious interference. Taking an opposite approach, the 2003 Legislature enacted 10C which declares that certain specified actions may not be considered tortious interference, that is, the filing or contesting in probate court of any pleading relating to a decedent s estate will not constitute tortious interference. 10C. Effect of Filing or Contesting Pleading (a) The filing or contesting in probate court of any pleading relating to a decedent s estate does not constitute tortious interference with inheritance of the estate. (b) This section does not abrogate any rights of a person under Rule 13, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, or Chapter 10, Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Added by Acts 2003, 78 th Leg., ch. 1060, 6, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Applications and Other Papers to be Filed With Clerk All applications for probate proceedings, complaints, petitions and all other papers permitted or required by law to be filed in the court in probate matters, shall be filed with the county clerk of the proper county who shall file the same and endorse on each paper the date filed and the docket number, and his official signature. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, A. Exemption from Probate Fees for Estates of Certain Military Servicemembers (a) In this section, combat zone means an area that the president of the United States by executive order designates for purposes of 26 U.S.C. Section 112 as an area in which armed forces of the United States are or have engaged in combat. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, the clerk of a county court may not charge, or collect from, the estate of a decedent any of the following fees if the decedent died while in active service as a member of the armed forces of the United States in a combat zone: (1) a fee for or associated with the filing of the decedent s will for probate; and (2) a fee for any service rendered by the probate court regarding the administration of the decedent s estate. Added by Acts 2007, 80 th Leg., ch. 940, 1, eff. June. 15, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, B. Exemption from Probate Fees for Estates of Certain Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and Others (a) In this section: (1) Eligible decedent means an individual listed in Section , Government Code. (2) Line of duty and personal injury have the meanings assigned by Section (e), Government Code. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, the clerk of a court may not charge, or collect from, the estate of an eligible decedent any of the following fees if the decedent died as a result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty in the individual s position as described by Section , Government Code: (1) a fee for or associated with the filing of the decedent s will for probate; and (2) a fee for any service rendered by the court regarding the administration of the decedent s estate. Added by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 614, 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 614, 2.02, eff. Jan. 1, Costs and Security (a) Applicability of Laws Regulating Costs. The provisions of law regulating costs in ordinary civil cases shall apply to all matters in probate when not expressly provided for in this Code. 1116 (b) Security for Costs Required. When. When any person other than the personal representative of an estate files an application, complaint, or opposition in relation to the estate, he may be required by the clerk to give security for the probable cost of such proceeding before filing the same; or any one interested in the estate, or any officer of the court, may, at any time before the trial of such application, complaint, or opposition, obtain from the court, upon written motion, an order requiring such party to give security for the probable costs of such proceeding. The rules governing civil suits in the county court respecting this subject shall control in such cases. (c) Suit for Fiduciary. No security for costs shall be required of an executor or administrator appointed by a court of this state in any suit brought by him in his fiduciary character. Subsec. (c) added by Acts 1985, 69 th Leg., ch. 959, 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1985; amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 7, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Judge s Probate Docket The county clerk shall keep a record book to be styled Judge s Probate Docket, and shall enter therein: (a) The name of each person upon whose person or estate proceedings are had or sought to be had. (b) The name of the executor or administrator or of the applicant for letters. (c) The date of the filing of the original application for probate proceedings. (d) A notation of each order, judgment, decree, and proceeding had in each estate, with the date thereof. (e) A number for each estate upon the docket in the order in which proceedings are commenced, and each paper filed in an estate shall be given the corresponding docket number of the estate. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 8, eff. Sept. 1, Subsec. (d) amended by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 602, 2, eff. June 19, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Claim Docket The county clerk shall also keep a record book to be styled Claim Docket, and shall enter therein all claims presented against an estate for approval by the court. This docket shall be ruled in sixteen columns at proper intervals from top to bottom, with a short note of the contents at the top of each column. One or more pages shall be assigned to each estate. The following information shall be entered in the respective columns beginning with the first or marginal column: The names of claimants in the order in which their claims are filed; the amount of the claim; its date; the date of filing; when due; the date from which it bears interest; the rate of interest; when allowed by the executor or administrator; the amount allowed; the date of rejection; when approved; the amount approved; when disapproved; the class to which the claim belongs; when established by judgment of a court; the amount of such judgment. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 9, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Case Files The county clerk shall maintain a case file for each decedent s estate in which a probate proceeding has been filed. The case file must contain all orders, judgments, and proceedings of the court and any other probate filing with the court, including all: (1) applications for the probate of wills and for the granting of administration; (2) citations and notices, whether published or posted, with the returns thereon; (3) wills and the testimony upon which the same are admitted to probate, provided that the substance only of depositions shall be recorded; (4) bonds and official oaths; (5) inventories, appraisements, and lists of claims; (5-a) affidavits in lieu of inventories, appraisements, and lists of claims; (6) exhibits and accounts; (7) reports of hiring, renting, or sale; (8) applications for sale or partition of real estate and reports of sale and of commissioners of partition; (9) applications for authority to execute leases for mineral development, or for pooling or unitization of lands, royalty, or other interest in minerals, or to lend or invest money; and (10) reports of lending or investing money. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1999, 76 th Leg., ch. 67, 1, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Amended by Acts 2011, 82 nd Leg., ch. 1338, 1.07, eff. Sept. 1, Probate Fee Book The county clerk shall keep a record book styled Probate Fee Book, and shall enter therein each item of costs which accrues to the officers of the court, together with witness fees, if any, showing the party to whom the costs or fees are due, the date of the accrual of the same, the estate or party liable therefor, and the date on which any such costs or fees are paid. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1,17 17. Maintaining Records in Lieu of Record Books In lieu of keeping the record books described by Sections 13, 14, and 16 of this code, the county clerk may maintain the information relating to a person s or estate s probate proceedings maintained in those record books on a computer file, on microfilm, in the form of a digitized optical image, or in another similar form of data compilation. Added by Acts 1999, 76 th Leg., ch. 67, 1, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, A. Index The county clerk shall properly index each record book, and shall keep it open for public inspection, but shall not let it out of his custody. Renumbered from V.A.T.S. Probate Code, 17 and amended by Acts 1999, 76 th Leg., ch. 67, 1, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Use of Records as Evidence The record books or individual case files, including records on a computer file, on microfilm, in the form of a digitized optical image, or in another similar form of data compilation described in preceding sections of this code, or certified copies or reproductions of the records, shall be evidence in any court of this state. Amended by Acts 1999, 76 th Leg., ch. 67, 1, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Call of the Dockets The judge of the court in which probate proceedings are pending, at such times as he shall determine, shall call the estates of decedents in their regular order upon both the probate and claim dockets and make such orders as shall be necessary. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 11, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Clerk May Set Hearings Whenever, on account of the county judge s absence from the county seat, or his being on vacation, disqualified, ill, or deceased, such judge is unable to designate the time and place for hearing a probate matter pending in his court, authority is hereby vested in the county clerk of the county in which such matter is pending to designate such time and place, entering such setting on the judge s docket and certifying thereupon why such judge is not acting by himself. If, after service of such notices and citations as required by law with reference to such time and place of hearing has been perfected, no qualified judge is present for the hearing, the same shall automatically be continued from day to day until a qualified judge is present to hear and determine the matter. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Any party has the right to a jury trial in a contested probate action under Trial by Jury In all contested probate and mental illness proceedings in the district court or in the county court or statutory probate court, county court at law or other statutory court exercising probate jurisdiction, the parties shall be entitled to trial by jury as in other civil actions. Amended by Acts 1973, 63 rd Leg., p. 1685, ch. 610, 2. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Evidence In proceedings arising under the provisions of this Code, the rules relating to witnesses and evidence that govern in the District Court shall apply so far as practicable except that where a will is to be probated, and in other probate matters where there is no opposing party or attorney of record upon whom notice and copies of interrogatories may be served, service may be had by posting notice of intention to take depositions for a period of ten days as provided in this Code governing posting of notices. When such notice is filed with the clerk, a copy of the interrogatories shall also be filed, and at the expiration of ten days, commission may issue for taking the depositions, and the judge may file cross-interrogatories where no one appears, if he so desires. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Decrees All decisions, orders, decrees, and judgments of the county court in probate matters shall be rendered in open court except in cases where it is otherwise specially provided. Amended by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 602, 3, eff. June 19, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Enforcement of Orders The county or probate judge may enforce obedience to all his lawful orders against executors and 1318 administrators by attachment and imprisonment, but no such imprisonment shall exceed three days for any one offense, unless otherwise expressly so provided in this Code. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 12, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Executions Executions in probate matters shall be directed to any sheriff or any constable within the State of Texas, made returnable in sixty days, and shall be attested and signed by the clerk officially under the seal of the court. All proceedings under such executions shall be governed by the laws regulating proceedings under executions issued from the District Court so far as applicable. Provided, however, that no execution directed to the sheriff or any constable of a specific county within this State shall be held defective if such execution was properly executed within such county by such officer. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Attachments for Property Whenever complaint in writing, under oath, shall be made to the county or probate judge by any person interested in the estate of a decedent that the executor or administrator is about to remove said estate, or any part thereof, beyond the limits of the State, such judge may order a writ to issue, directed to any sheriff or any constable within the State of Texas, commanding him to seize such estate, or any part thereof, and hold the same subject to such further orders as such judge shall make on such complaint. No such writ shall issue unless the complainant shall give bond, in such sum as the judge shall require, payable to the executor or administrator of such estate, conditioned for the payment of all damages and costs that shall be recovered for the wrongful suing out of such writ. Provided, however, that no writ of attachment directed to the sheriff or any constable of a specific county within this State shall be held defective if such writ was properly executed within such county by such officer. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 13, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Enforcement of Specific Performance When any person shall sell property and enter into bond or other written agreement to make title thereto, and shall depart this life without having made such title, the owner of such bond or written agreement or his legal representatives, may file a complaint in writing in the court of the county where the letters testamentary or of administration on the estate of the deceased obligor were granted, and cause the personal representative of such estate to be cited to appear at a date stated in the citation and show cause why specific performance of such bond or written agreement should not be decreed. Such bond or other written agreement shall be filed with such complaint, or good cause shown under oath why the same cannot be filed; and if it cannot be so filed, the same or the substance thereof shall be set forth in the complaint. After the service of the citation, the court shall hear such complaint and the evidence thereon, and, if satisfied from the proof that such bond or written agreement was legally executed by the testator or intestate, and that the complainant has a right to demand specific performance thereof, a decree shall be made ordering the personal representative to make title to the property, according to the tenor of the obligation, fully describing the property in such decree. When a conveyance is made under the provisions of this Section, it shall refer to and identify the decree of the court authorizing it, and, when delivered, shall vest in the person to whom made all the right and title which the testator or intestate had to the property conveyed; and such conveyance shall be prima facie evidence that all requirements of the law have been complied with in obtaining the same. Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Personal Representative to Serve Pending Appeal of Appointment Pending appeals from orders or judgments appointing administrators or temporary administrators, the appointees shall continue to act as such and shall continue the prosecution of any suits then pending in favor of the estate. Amended by Acts 1975, 64 th Leg., p. 2196, ch. 701, 3, eff. June 21, Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 14, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, While appeal bonds are normally required, no bond is required when an appeal is made by the personal representative unless the appeal personally concerns the personal representative. 29. Appeal Bonds of Personal Representatives When an appeal is taken by an executor or administrator, no bond shall be required, unless such appeal personally concerns him, in which case he must give the bond. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 15, eff. 1419 Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, A bill of review is filed for the purpose of getting a decision revised or corrected upon a showing of error. It may be filed by an interested party and is filed in the court where the estate was administered. A bill of review may be filed within two years of the date of the decision. Thus, a bill of review may be filed even though it is too late to appeal. 31. Bill of Review Any person interested may, by a bill of review filed in the court in which the probate proceedings were had, have any decision, order, or judgment rendered by the court, or by the judge thereof, revised and corrected on showing error therein; but no process or action under such decision, order or judgment shall be stayed except by writ of injunction, and no bill of review shall be filed after two years have elapsed from the date of such decision, order, or judgment. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 16, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Common Law Applicable The rights, powers and duties of executors and administrators shall be governed by the principles of the common law, when the same do not conflict with the provisions of the statutes of this State. Amended by Acts 1993, 73 rd Leg., ch. 957, 17, eff. Sept. 1, Repealed by Acts 2009, 81 st Leg., ch. 680, 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, Section 33 provides extensive instructions on how notice and citations are to be given using a variety of delivery methods including personal service, posting, publication, and mailing. 33. Issuance, Contents, Service, and Return of Citation, Notices, and Writs in Probate Matters (a) When Citation or Notice Necessary. No person need be cited or otherwise given notice except in situations in which this Code expressly provides for citation or the giving of notice; provided, however, that even though this Code does not expressly provide for citation, or the issuance or return of notice in any probate matter, the court may, in its discretion, require that notice be given, and prescribe the form and manner of service and return thereof. (b) Issuance by the Clerk or by Personal Representative. The county clerk shall issue necessary citations, writs, and process in probate matters, and all notices not required to be issued by personal representatives, without any order from the court, unless such order is required by a provision of this Code. (c) Contents of Citation, Writ, and Notice. Citation and notices issued by the clerk shall be signed and sealed by him, and shall be styled The State of Texas. Notices required to be given by a personal representative shall be in writing and shall be signed by the representative in his official capacity. All citations and notices shall be directed to the person or persons to be cited or notified, shall be dated, and shall state the style and number of the proceeding, the court in which it is pending, and shall describe generally the nature of the proceeding or matter to which the citation or notice relates. No precept directed to an officer is necessary. A citation or notice shall direct the person or persons cited or notified to appear by filing a written contest or answer, or to perform other acts required of him or them and shall state when and where such appearance or performance is required. No citation or notice shall be held to be defective because it contains a precept directed to an officer authorized to serve it. All writs and other process except citations and notices shall be directed To any sheriff or constable within the State of Texas, but shall not be held defective because directed to the sheriff or any constable of a specific county if properly served within the named county by such officer. (d) Where No Specific Form of Notice, Service, or Return is Prescribed, or When Provisions Are Insufficient or Inadequate. In all situations in which this Code requires that notice be given, or that a person be cited, and in which a specific method of giving such notice or of citing such person, or a specific method of service and return of such citation or notice is not given, or an insufficient or inadequate provision appears with respect to any of such matters, or when any interested person so requests, such notice or citation shall be issued, served, and returned in such manner as the court, by written order, shall direct in accordance with this Code and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and shall have the same force and effect as if the manner of service and return had been specified in this Code. (e) Service of Citation or Notice Upon Personal Representatives. Except in instances in which this Code expressly provides another method of service, any notice or citation required to be served upon any personal representative or receiver shall be served by the clerk issuing such citation or notice. The clerk shall serve the same by sending the original thereof by registered or certified mail to the attorney of record for the personal representative or receiver, but if there is no attorney of record, to the personal representative or receiver. (f) Methods of Serving Citations and Notices. 1520 (1) Personal Service. Where it is provided that personal service shall be had with respect to a citation or notice, any such citation or notice must be served upon the attorney of record for the person to be cited. Notwithstanding the requirement of personal service, service may be made upon such attorney by any of the methods hereinafter specified for service upon an attorney. If there is no attorney of record in the proceeding for such person, or if an attempt to make service upon the attorney was unsuccessful, a citation or notice directed to a person within this State must be served by the sheriff or constable upon the person to be cited or notified, in person, by delivering to him a true copy of such citation or notice at least ten (10) days before the return day thereof, exclusive of the date of service. Where the person to be cited or notified is absent from the State, or is a nonresident, such citation or notice may be served by any disinterested person competent to make oath of the fact. Said citation or notice shall be returnable at least ten (10) days after the date of service, exclusive of the date of service. The return of the person serving the citation or notice shall be endorsed on or attached to same; it shall show the time and place of service, certify that a true copy of the citation or notice was delivered to the person directed to be served, be subscribed and sworn to before some officer authorized by the laws of this State to take affidavits, under the hand and official seal of such officer, and returned to the county clerk who issued same. If in either case such citation or notice is returned with the notation that the person sought to be served, whether within or without this State, cannot be found, the clerk shall issue a new citation or notice directed to the person or persons sought to be served and service shall be by publication. (2) Posting. When citation or notice is required to be posted, it shall be posted by the sheriff or constable at the courthouse door of the county in which the proceedings are pending, or at the place in or near the courthouse where public notices customarily are posted, for not less than ten (10) days before the return day thereof, exclusive of the date of posting. The clerk shall deliver the original and a copy of such citation or notice to the sheriff or any constable of the proper county, who shall post said copy as herein prescribed and return the original to the clerk, stating in a written return thereon the time when and the place where he posted such copy. The date of posting shall be the date of service. When posting of notice by a personal representative is authorized or required, the method herein prescribed shall be followed, such notices to be issued in the name of the representative, addressed and delivered to, posted and returned by, the proper officer, and filed with the clerk. (3) Publication. When a person is to be cited or notified by publication, the citation or notice shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the proceedings are pending, and said publication shall be not less than ten (10) days before the return day thereof, exclusive of the date of publication. The date of publication which said newspaper bears shall be the date of service. If no newspaper is published, printed, or of general circulation, in the county where citation or notice is to be had, service of such citation or notice shall be by posting. (4) Mailing. (A) When any citation or notice is required or permitted to be served by registered or certified mail, other than notices required to be given by personal representatives, the clerk shall issue such citation or notice and shall serve the same by sending the original thereof by registered or certified mail. Any notice required to be given by a personal representative by registered or certified mail shall be issued by him, and he shall serve the same by sending the original thereof by registered or certified mail. In either case the citation or notice shall be mailed with instructions to deliver to the addressee only, and with return receipt requested. The envelope containing such citation or notice shall be addressed to the attorney of record in the proceeding for the person to be cited or notified, but if there is none, or if returned undelivered, then to the person to be cited or notified. A copy of such citation or notice, together with the certificate of the clerk, or of the personal representative, as the case may be, showing the fact and date of mailing, shall be filed and recorded. If a receipt is returned, it shall be attached to the certificate. (B) When any citation or notice is required or permitted to be served by ordinary mail, the clerk, or the personal representative when required by statute or by order of the court, shall serve the same by mailing the original to the person to be cited or notified. A copy of such citation or notice, together with a certificate of the person serving the same showing the fact and time of mailing, shall be filed and recorded. (C) When service is made by mail, the date of mailing shall be the date of service. Service by mail shall be made not less than twenty (20) days before the return day thereof, exclusive of the date of service. (D) If a citation or notice served by mailing is returned undelivered, a new citation or notice shall be issued, and such citation or notice shall be served by posting. (g) Return of Citation or Notice. All citations and notices issued by the clerk and served by personal service, by mail, by posting, or by publication, shall be 16 View more
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