Tools for Estate Executors in Texas

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Texas costs an estimated $27,634. Attorney fees run 2.2% to 3.5% of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.

All Planning ahead Settling an estate

14 tools for Texas

How Much Does Probate Cost?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Texas costs an estimated $27,634. Attorney fees run 2.2% to 3.5% of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.

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How Much Can an Executor Charge?

Texas pays executors reasonable compensation, typically 2.2% to 3.8% of the estate.

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Do I Need Probate?

In Texas, estates valued at $75,000 or less use the Small Estate Affidavit, 30 days after death, a court filing short of full probate.

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What Are the Estate Laws in My State?

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Texas costs an estimated $27,634 and takes 4 months to 6 months for a simple estate, with attorney fees of typically 2.2% to 3.5% of the estate. Estates under $75,000 can use a small-estate procedure instead.

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What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?

Texas allows you to name your own agent in a signed, written document, and that designation takes priority over the statutory order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.

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How Do I Sign Estate Documents?

Find witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.

Check Requirements

Will My Estate Documents Transfer?

Check if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.

Check Portability

Can I Self-File Probate?

Texas requires an attorney of record to open formal probate, and informal probate is not available; a qualifying small estate can still be collected without one.

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How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?

In Texas, the probate court appoints the personal representative and the County clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the court.

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What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?

In Texas, the 4 months a creditor has to present a claim run only from receipt of the written notice the personal representative mails; without notice, a claim can be presented until the estate closes.

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What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?

When an estate owes more than it holds, Texas pays the claims in 8 classes in statutory order, beginning with funeral expenses (up to $15,000) and last illness expenses (up to $15,000).

Check the Payment Order

How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?

Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.

See Bank Requirements

Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?

Texas has no state income tax, so only the federal final Form 1040 is due for the decedent; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,000.

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What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?

Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.

Estimate Value

Probate costs in Texas typically include attorney fees of typically 2.2% to 3.5% of the estate, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $27,634, roughly 6% of estate value, varying with complexity. Estimate executor compensation separately with the Texas executor fee calculator.

Texas has no single statewide fill-in petition; the opening document is prepared to statute and filed with the probate court. County clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration after the court grants the petition.

Texas sets no fixed claim period: creditors can present claims any time before the estate closes, and a creditor's own deadline starts only if the personal representative sends that creditor the optional written notice. Distributing assets before the period has run can leave the executor personally liable for a claim that arrives later.

Texas allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules pay. Courts consider the size and complexity of the estate, the time spent, and the executor's skill and experience. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.

No. Texas requires an attorney of record to open formal probate, so a self-represented person cannot apply for letters on their own. A qualifying small estate is the exception: a small-estate affidavit can still be completed without an attorney.