Closing a loved one’s Texas estate is a lengthy process. Probate administration can take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether any disputes arise. The executor has many duties to address, and one of those obligations is informing beneficiaries that probate of the estate has opened.
The executor must first file the will with the probate court. After the court confirms the validity of the document, the executor must notify the beneficiaries of the estate within three months after that validation has occurred. Of course, executors commonly take the time to notify beneficiaries before the three-month deadline approaches. Additionally, once the will has been validated by the court, it becomes a part of the public record, and any party who believes that he or she may have a stake in the estate can view the document.
In some cases, a person may have taken steps to avoid probate or may not have enough assets to warrant the probate process. These instances do not require a specific notification to potential beneficiaries. Because each estate is different, understanding when notifications are required is important.
Fortunately, executors or other estate representatives can obtain reliable information about when and how to notify beneficiaries and other parties about the closing of estates. Consulting with Texas attorneys could ensure that responsible individuals know the right time to contact the appropriate parties regarding probate administration. It is important that the law is followed during this time because mistakes could lead to conflict that may upset the entire process.