Is It Always Necessary to Probate a Will?

A person who dies typically has two classes of assets: probate assets and non-probate assets.

Probate assets are property titled in the deceased person’s name. For example, if the decedent owned a house in his name alone, that would be a probate asset.

Non-probate assets are assets that pass to beneficiaries pursuant to contract. One example of a non-probate asset is an insurance policy. If the decedent designates a beneficiary, the proceeds of the insurance policy will pass to the beneficiary outside of probate.

Why is it Necessary to Probate a Will?

It is necessary to probate a Will when if there are non-probate assets in the decedent’s estate.

The Texas Estates Code specifically says that Will is not effective to prove title to or the right to possession of any property disposed of by the Will until the Will is admitted to probate.

Having a Will that has not been probated will not give beneficiaries the right to access the decedent’s accounts, or sell the decedent’s property. Institutions where the decedent held accounts, and individuals who may want to purchase the decedent’s property want assurances that the Will is valid. They will not release accounts or purchase property without these assurances.

What is Probate?

Probate is the process of validating a Will in order to make it effective.

The probate process starts when an executor files an application to probate the Will. A judge will evaluate whether the Will is valid under state law. If the judge determines that the document meets the requirements of a valid Will, the judge will enter an order admitting the Will to probate. The Will then becomes part of the public record so that all who need to know have assurances that the decedent died leaving a valid Will.

The judge will also authorize the executor to act on behalf of the estate. The executor will then be able to gather assets, pay off legally enforceable debt, and distribute the assets as specified in the Will.

Can You Transfer Property Without Probate in Texas?

Probate is not necessary for some types of property. For example:

1. Life insurance proceeds, IRAs, pension plans and retirement accounts that pass outside of probate to beneficiaries named by the decedent.
2. Additionally, property held by the decedent and others as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, such as bank accounts and certificates of deposit, pass outside the will directly to the survivor.
3. Property held in trust will pass under the terms of the trust rather than the terms of a the decedent’s will.
4. Transfer on Death Deeds and/or Lady Bird Deeds transfer title to real property outside of probate.

However, when ownership of the decedent’s property is evidenced by title, that property cannot be sold or transferred until the decedent’s name is removed from the title. Probate records become a link in the chain of title, demonstrating that the decedent’s property has passed to someone else.

This article was initially published on July 19, 2010 and updated on January 19, 2022.

The post Is It Always Necessary to Probate a Will? appeared first on Rania Combs Law, PLLC.

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