In Texas, if you are the executor or administrator of an estate, you are
required to be represented by a licensed lawyer. This is because the executor
not only represents her or his interests but also those of the heirs and
creditors. While Texas does allow individuals to represent themselves
in court (as "pro se" or self-help litigants), the state requires
that a licensed attorney represent all third-party interests. If a non-attorney
represented an estate before the courts, this would be considered the
unauthorized practice of law.