The Texas Probate Timeline

The usual order of events in a Dallas County estate, from the first filing to closing it out. Your attorney sets your exact dates, but most estates follow this path.

When	What happens	Who handles it
Day 1	The application to probate the will, or to appoint an administrator, is filed with the probate court.	Attorney
10+ days	The clerk posts notice of the application at the courthouse. It must stay up at least 10 days before the court can act. Tex. Est. Code §258.001	Court clerk
About 2–4 weeks	A short hearing. The judge admits the will and names you executor or administrator.	You and your attorney
Within 20 days of the order	You take the oath, and post a bond if the court requires one. The clerk then issues your letters testamentary or letters of administration. §305.003	You
Within 1 month of letters	Notice to creditors is published once in a local newspaper. §308.051	Attorney
Within 2 months of letters	Secured creditors, like a mortgage lender, get notice by certified mail. §308.053	Attorney
Within 60 days of the order	Beneficiaries named in the will are notified, and a sworn affidavit of that notice is filed within 90 days. §§308.002, 308.004	Attorney
Within 90 days of qualifying	The inventory, appraisement and list of claims is filed. It lists what the estate owns and what each item was worth on the date of death, including the house. Some independent executors file an affidavit in its place. §§309.051, 309.056	You, with your attorney and a real estate professional for the house value
Months 3–9	Valid debts and expenses are paid. The house and other property are kept up, then sold or distributed.	You
6 months to a year+	Final accounting, distribution to beneficiaries and closing the estate.	You and your attorney

The deadline that catches most people: the 90-day inventory. It needs a value for the house as of the date of death, and that number often becomes the heirs' starting cost basis for taxes later. Get it early, from someone who works from real nearby sales.

Independent administration, the most common kind in Texas, follows this outline. A dependent administration adds court approvals and annual accountings. Statute references are to the Texas Estates Code (statutes.capitol.texas.gov). This guide is general information, not legal advice.

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