What happens next
- Confirm the appointment, qualification date and exact powers in the order or letters. Determine what requires prior approval, and separate estate money and receipts from personal finances.
- Prepare a calendar for notices and inventory. Record asset ownership and date-of-death values. Send counsel any creditor claim or tax correspondence as it arrives.
- Discuss the order of payments and a reserve before transferring assets. Keep proof of approved expenses and distributions and ask which court filings, releases or closing records apply.
Timing and deadlines
The Texas inventory is generally due before the 91st day after the representative qualifies. Exceptions and court extensions exist. Some independent executors qualify for an affidavit instead of a public inventory. Notices run on separate clocks, so calendar them as soon as you qualify.
Costs and payment
Estimate administration costs separately from opening probate. Ask about valuations, tax preparation, required notices, real estate work and the cost of resolving a disputed creditor claim.
How to prepare
- Bring the appointment order and letters, unpaid bills, tax notices, insurance records, deeds and account balances as of death.
- Record who is occupying any property, carrying expenses, valuables in storage and any distributions or reimbursements already made.
Questions and answers
Can I reimburse myself for repairs I paid for?
Keep invoices, receipts, proof of payment and your explanation of why the expense protected estate property. Ask which approval or documentation is required before transferring money to yourself.
Can beneficiaries take belongings from the house now?
Photograph and inventory the items first. Review the will, competing ownership claims, creditors and the representative’s authority before agreeing on a documented distribution. This can prevent later disagreements over missing property.
Why do I need values as of the date of death?
The estate inventory generally calls for date-of-death values. A current bank balance or online asking price may describe something different. Ask what statements or appraisals will support the value used for each item and keep your supporting records.
A creditor called and wants payment today. Should I pay it personally?
Ask for the claim, account information and deadline in writing. Preserve the request and send it to probate counsel before promising payment. The type of debt, available estate assets and notice procedures affect how a representative should respond.
I discovered an additional account after preparing the inventory. Now what?
Save the discovery date, institution’s ownership record and date-of-death balance. Inform counsel promptly so they can determine whether the account belongs to the estate and whether a supplemental inventory or other filing is required.
Let’s talk about your next step.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Talk with Angel’s office about your concerns, upcoming dates and how the team can help.