Texas Probate Timeline: What to Expect Month by Month
Probate is a journey. Mindset is key!
When you're appointed as an executor or administrator of an estate in Texas, one of the hardest parts is not knowing what comes next. The texas probate timeline can feel like a black box, and when you're already dealing with loss, that uncertainty makes everything harder. I've walked hundreds of executors through this process across Central Texas, and I want to lay out exactly what each month typically looks like so you can plan ahead.
Every estate is different, but the month-by-month timeline below reflects what I see most often in Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bexar Counties for a standard independent administration. If your situation involves dependent administration or contested issues, the timeline will be longer. How Long Does Probate Take in Texas?
Pre-Filing: The First Two Weeks After a Loved One Passes
Before probate officially begins, there are a few critical steps to take care of. This is the period between the death and filing the probate application with the court. Most executors spend this time obtaining death certificates (order at least 10 certified copies), securing the property, and locating the will.
If there's real estate involved, this is also when you should start thinking about property management. Make sure the homeowner's insurance is still active, utilities are running to prevent pipe damage, and the property is locked and secure. If you're out of state, ask a neighbor or family member to check on the property regularly.
During this time, I'd also recommend reaching out to a probate attorney and a probate real estate specialist. Even though you can't sell anything yet, getting your team in place early can save weeks down the road.
Month 1: Filing the Application and Getting Your Court Date
This is when probate officially starts. Your attorney files an Application to Probate the Will (or an Application for Administration if there's no will) with the county probate court. In most Central Texas counties, you'll get a hearing date within two to four weeks of filing.
While you wait for the hearing, use this time productively. Start compiling a list of all estate assets: real property, bank accounts, vehicles, investment accounts, and personal property. This information will be needed for the estate inventory later. If the estate includes a house, contact a certified probate real estate specialist to get a preliminary valuation so you know what you're working with.
One important note: Texas has a 4-year deadline to file probate after the date of death. While most people file within weeks, I've seen situations where families didn't know they needed to file and nearly missed the window.
Month 1 to 2: The Probate Hearing and Letters Testamentary
The probate hearing is the moment many executors dread, but it's usually the easiest part of the entire process. In most cases, the hearing lasts 10 to 15 minutes. The judge will verify the will, confirm your appointment, and issue Letters Testamentary (or Letters of Administration if there's no will).
Once you have your Letters Testamentary, you have legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. This is the document you'll need to access bank accounts, manage property, and eventually sell real estate. Get several certified copies from the court clerk because banks, title companies, and real estate agents will all need their own copy.
This is also when you'll publish a Notice to Creditors in a local newspaper. Texas law requires this, and it starts a clock for creditors to file claims against the estate. This notice period helps protect you as the executor.
Months 2 to 3: Inventory, Creditor Claims, and Property Preparation
During this phase, you're juggling several responsibilities at once. You need to file an estate inventory with the court within 90 days of your appointment. The inventory lists all estate assets and their estimated values, including the real property.
At the same time, creditors have a window to submit claims against the estate. Most legitimate claims come from mortgage companies, credit card companies, and medical providers. You'll need to review each claim and decide whether to approve, reject, or negotiate it.
On the real estate side, this is when things can really start moving. If you've already connected with a probate real estate specialist, they can prepare a market analysis, advise on pricing strategy, and get the property ready for listing. With the As-Is Market Strategy, there are no repairs to coordinate, so this preparation phase is measured in days, not weeks.
For executors managing a property in Austin, San Antonio, Round Rock, Georgetown, or anywhere in Central Texas, getting the property listed during this phase keeps the overall probate timeline on track. You don't have to wait until the inventory is filed to sell.
Once you have your Letters Testamentary, you have legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. This is the document you'll need to access bank accounts, manage property, and eventually sell real estate. Get several certified copies from the court clerk because banks, title companies, and real estate agents will all need their own copy.
This is also when you'll publish a Notice to Creditors in a local newspaper. Texas law requires this, and it starts a clock for creditors to file claims against the estate. This notice period helps protect you as the executor.
Months 2 to 3: Inventory, Creditor Claims, and Property Preparation
During this phase, you're juggling several responsibilities at once. You need to file an estate inventory with the court within 90 days of your appointment. The inventory lists all estate assets and their estimated values, including the real property.
At the same time, creditors have a window to submit claims against the estate. Most legitimate claims come from mortgage companies, credit card companies, and medical providers. You'll need to review each claim and decide whether to approve, reject, or negotiate it.
On the real estate side, this is when things can really start moving. If you've already connected with a probate real estate specialist, they can prepare a market analysis, advise on pricing strategy, and get the property ready for listing. With the As-Is Market Strategy, there are no repairs to coordinate, so this preparation phase is measured in days, not weeks.
For executors managing a property in Austin, San Antonio, Round Rock, Georgetown, or anywhere in Central Texas, getting the property listed during this phase keeps the overall probate timeline on track. You don't have to wait until the inventory is filed to sell.
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Months 8 to 12: Closing the Estate
The final phase of probate is closing the estate. With independent administration, this is relatively straightforward. You'll prepare a final accounting that shows all income received, debts paid, and distributions made. In most cases, you can close the estate informally by getting signed receipts from all beneficiaries acknowledging their distributions.
If the estate was under dependent administration, you'll need to file a formal accounting with the court and get the judge's approval before the estate can be officially closed. This adds time but provides an extra layer of protection for the executor.
Once the estate is closed, your duties as executor are complete. The whole process, from filing to closure, typically takes 6 to 12 months for a straightforward independent administration with real property.
What If Your Probate Timeline Is Taking Longer?
If you're past the timelines I've described and things feel stalled, you're not alone. The most common reasons probate drags on include disputes between heirs, complicated title issues, properties that haven't been listed for sale, and delays in filing required documents.
The property piece is often the biggest bottleneck. I've worked with executors who lost 6 months or more because they didn't know whether to repair the house, accept a lowball cash offer, or find a probate-savvy agent. The sooner you address the property question, the sooner the entire estate can close.
Need Help Moving Your Probate Timeline Forward?
If your probate timeline feels like it's stalled and you need help with the property, I'd love to help. Call or text me at 512.686.3076, or book a free, no-obligation consultation at texasprobaterealestate.com/contact. I'll give you an honest assessment of your property's value and walk you through all your options.
About the Author
Jeremy Kritt is a licensed Texas real estate broker and Certified Probate Expert specializing in probate real estate across Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bell, Bastrop, Comal, and Bexar Counties. With nearly a decade of experience helping executors and personal representatives sell inherited properties, Jeremy has developed the As-Is Market Strategy that consistently nets estates $40,000 to $80,000 more than off-market cash offers, without requiring any property repairs. Call or text 512.686.3076 or book a consultation at texasprobaterealestate.com/contact.
This article is for educational purposes and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult with a qualified attorney or CPA for guidance specific to your situation.
