Intestacy

How Property Distributed When Someone Dies Without A Will

What Happens If You Die Without A Will in Texas?

March 14, 2024 by Rania Combs

If you die intestate, or without a Will in Texas, your property will pass according to the intestacy statutes, a predetermined formula created by the state legislature that doesn’t take into account your wishes or unique circumstances.

Having a Will gives you the freedom to decide who receives your property after you die. But Texas’ inheritance laws, known as the intestacy statutes, are rigid. They are simply the legislature’s best guess about how an average deceased Texan would want to divide their property after they die. And sometimes they result in a distribution that is neither fair nor equitable.

Dying without a Will in Texas — What Happens if you Die without a Will in Texas

Below is a summary of the statutory rules that control who receives your property if you die without a Will in Texas, along with quick links to take you to the information you are seeking.

Who Inherits Property When a Single Person With No Children Dies Without a Will in Texas?

If a you are single and die without a will in Texas, your property will pass as follows:

Your property will pass equally to your parents if both are living. If one parent has died, and you don’t have any siblings, then your estate will pass to your surviving parent.
However if you do have siblings or descendants of siblings (nieces and nephews), then your surviving parent would receive only half of the estate. Your siblings and descendants of deceased siblings would share the remaining one-half.
All of your estate would pass to your siblings or their descendants if you have no surviving parents.
If you have no surviving parents, siblings, or descendants of siblings, then your estate will be divided into two halves. One half will pass to relatives on your mother’s side. The other half will pass to relatives on your father’s side.
If one side of the family has died out, the surviving side of the family would inherit your entire estate.
On rare occasions, when an unmarried person dies without any surviving heirs, his estate will pass to the State of Texas.

What happens when a single person dies without a Will in Texas.

For some, this manner of distribution listed in the Texas intestacy statutes may mimic what they would have chosen. But not always.

For example, I recently received a phone call from someone whose boyfriend had just died. They had purchased a home together. Since both their names were on the deed, they assumed the survivor would inherit their home if one died.

But in Texas, simply purchasing a home jointly, even between spouses, doesn’t create a right of survivorship unless the deed specifically says it does. Since they were not married and the deed did not create a right of survivorship, her boyfriend’s share of the home passed to his legal heirs, not her.

Who Inherits When a Single Person with Children Dies Without a Will?

If you are single, have children, and die without a Will, all your property will pass to your descendants. If your descendants are of the same degree of relationship, (meaning, for example, all are your children or all are your grandchildren), then they will each receive an equal share.

However, if your descendants are of different degrees of relationship, (meaning some of your children survive while others predecease you, leaving children or grandchildren of their own), then the younger generation will inherit only the share the older generation would have received had he or she survived.

For example, supposed you had three children. If all three survive you, then each will receive 1/3 of your estate. If one dies before you, but has two surviving children, then the two surviving children would inherit 1/3, but the children of the deceased child would split their parent’s share. However, suppose all the children predecease you, and 6 grandchildren in total survive you. In that case, each grandchild would receive 1/6 of your estate.

Who Inherits When A Married Person Dies Without a Will in Texas?

If you are married and you die without a Will in Texas, how much property your surviving spouse receives will depend on whether the property is community property or separate property.

Community Property

In Texas, there is a presumption that all property you acquire during a marriage is community property, unless you received it as a gift or inherited it.

The intestacy statutes provide that your surviving spouse will inherit all of your community property if you don’t have any children. However, if you die without a Will in Texas and your spouse and children survive you, then:

Your surviving spouse will inherit all your community property if all your children are also your surviving spouse’s children;
I you have children from another marriage, all your one-half interest in community property will pass to your children. Your spouse only keeps his or her one-half interest.

Dying without a Will in Texas can be problematic in blended families because it may result in the surviving spouse not having full ownership of the couple’s homestead.

Separate Property

Separate property is property that you owned before marriage, or acquired, even during a marriage, by gift or inheritance. The formula for who inherits the separate property of a married people who die without a Will in Texas depends whether on they had children and whether the property is real estate or personal property.

If your spouse and children survive you, your surviving spouse will receive one third of your separate personal property. However, your surviving spouse will only receive a life estate (the right to use the property until his or her death) in one-third of your separate real property. Your children would inherit the remaining interest outright.
If you are married, but don’t have descendants, your surviving spouse will receive your separate personal property. However, if you have surviving parents and siblings, your surviving spouse will receive only one-half of the separate real property. The other half will pass to your parents, siblings or descendants of siblings according to a statutory formula.

You can learn more about the requirements of a valid Will in Texas by clicking on the link.

Do Intestacy Laws Control All Property if You Die Without a Will in Texas?

Although Texas intestacy statutes play a crucial role in directing who will inherit your property if you die without a Will in Texas, they do not apply to non-probate assets.

Non-probate assets typically include:

Jointly Owned Property with Right of Survivorship: Real estate, bank accounts, and other assets owned jointly with another individual where the right of survivorship is explicitly stated. Upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner automatically assumes full ownership of the property.
Retirement Accounts: IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts that have designated beneficiaries will pass directly to those beneficiaries.
Life Insurance Policies: Named beneficiaries will receive the proceeds from life insurance policies regardless of whether a Will exists.
Payable-on-Death (POD) and Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Accounts: Certain financial accounts and securities allow the account holder to name a beneficiary who will receive the assets upon the account holder’s death.

These types of assets will pass to identified beneficiaries by operation of law, or by designation, regardless of whether a Will exists.

This post was originally published on October 18, 2010, and updated on March 15, 2024.

About Rania

Rania graduated magna cum laude from South Texas College of Law Houston and is the founder of Rania Combs Law, PLLC. She has been licensed to practice law since 1994 and enjoys helping clients in Texas and North Carolina create estate plans that give them peace of mind.

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Tweets that mention What Happens If You Die Without a Will – Texas Wills and Trusts Online -- Topsy.com

October 18, 2010 at 3:40pm

[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rania Combs, Daina L. Babin. Daina L. Babin said: RT @raniacombs: Dying Without A Will: The #Texas Intestacy Statutes https://bit.ly/ahw0qA […]
Twyla

April 19, 2012 at 6:14am

MY BROTHER HAS BEEN MARRIED AND HAS SOME SURVIVING STEPCHILDREN, BUT HE WISHES TO LEAVE HIS ESTATE TO HIS SIBLINGS, WOULD THOSE STEPCHILDREN HAVE ANY RIGHT TO THE ESTATE UNDER TEXAS LAW?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 19, 2012 at 1:17pm
  
  No. Stepchildren are not entitled to inherit from a stepparent’s estate under the Texas intestacy statutes.
  1. charlene
    
    April 8, 2016 at 2:13pm
    
    My uncle passed away no children and no spouse….
    He has a will…
    How can I get ownership of his house…
    Harris county, Texas
    1. Rania Combs
      
      June 16, 2016 at 8:53am
      
      Please accept my condolences for your loss. The following article may provide you with resources to answer your question: What To Do When Someone Dies In Texas.
Victoria

July 10, 2012 at 1:13am

My grandfather has been paying the taxes on an acre of land that belonged to his deseased wife. He has been paying the taxes for over 10 years. They have no children but she has children from a previous marriage. He has never had any problems with them wanting the land until recently when they wrote him a letter. She left no will. He has all the paperwork proving that he has paid the taxes on the land for the past 10 or more years. I know the land is classified as “homestead land.” Would this be considered community property or personal property?
1. Rania Combs
  
  July 12, 2012 at 1:00pm
  
  If property is acquired before marriage, or by gift, devise or descent, the property would be separate property.
Kelsi

July 11, 2012 at 9:44pm

My father passsed away without a will in Texas..I am wondering what will happen…my stepmom is still living and I have 2 grown stepsisters and 1 full brother. Will everything go to her? She also has cancer and she has a will leaving everything to my brother and I…not my stepsisters…she has been trying to sell some things and my brother and i are having to sign papers that we are not contesting the sale…what does that mean?
1. Rania Combs
  
  July 12, 2012 at 12:12pm
  
  Thanks for your question. The following article explains the intestate distribution scheme in situations involving blended families: The Complexities of Intestacy in Blended Families.
Daniel

August 6, 2012 at 10:18am

What happens if a couple dies, and one spouse has a will, but the other does not? They have surviving children, and no stepchildren.
Thanks.
dan
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 6, 2012 at 3:29pm
  
  The estate of the spouse who died testate will pass according to the terms of the will, while the estate of the spouse who died without a will would pass according to the intestacy statutes.
Bianca Delgado

December 22, 2012 at 5:39pm

Does the state automatically start the process on distributing the assets if there is not will? Or what do I have to do in order to get the process going on the distribution of assets?
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 2, 2013 at 10:51am
  
  It depends on what type of assets the estate contained. It may be that all the estate’s asset were non-probate assets, such as insurance policies and retirement plans. Those assets pass outside the will through beneficiary designation with no requirement of probate. If the estate contained assets that require probate, the type of proceeding will depend on the size of the estate. A small estate affidavit may be all that is required for small, uncomplicated estates, while a determination of heirship proceeding may be necessary for larger, more complicated estates.
2. Rania Combs
  
  January 2, 2013 at 2:56pm
  
  The state does not initiate any distributions. The process will depend on the size of the estate and the type of assets it contains.
Cory

December 24, 2012 at 6:45pm

My stepfather recently passed away without a will. The only assets are their home, purchased together, a death benefit from his employer equal to his salary during his last year of employment (approx 48K). I have 3 stepbrothers. Will they receive half of the death benefit from the employer? And if we sell the house, they will be entitled to half the proceeds? They have mentioned that they want my mother to have everything, but I assume we would need to get this in writing? Thanks for any help…
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 2, 2013 at 10:36am
  
  Thanks for your question, Cory. Please accept my condolences for your loss. The following article will discusses intestacy in blended family situations: The Complexities of Intestacy in Blended Families. Non-probate assets, such as 401Ks and insurance policies, pass by beneficiary designation rather than through the will.
Terry Lee

December 28, 2012 at 9:59am

My brother passed away last Sunday and left no will that I can find. He was living with his girlfriend for 13 years as husband and wife. He has two children from a former marriage which he has not seen for over 20 years and no one knows their whereabouts.
Who qualifies as executor and beneficiary of his estate?
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 2, 2013 at 10:24am
  
  Thanks for your question, Terry. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  Since your brother died without a will and did not name an executor, the court will appoint a personal representative of the estate. An application for the appointment of an administrator can be combined with an application for probate, and a person interested in either the probate of the will or the appointment of a personal representative can apply for both.
Rae

December 31, 2012 at 1:31pm

My husand passed away in October. We have one child. He has one child from a previous marriage. What is his child entitled to? What are his parents entitled to, as they are trying to take everything they can from me
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 2, 2013 at 10:15am
  
  Thanks for your question, Rae. Please accept my condolences for your loss. The following article will discusses intestacy in blended family situations: The Complexities of Intestacy in Blended Families.
James

January 9, 2013 at 10:58pm

Is there a statute or a part of the constitution that gives a surviving spouse a right to occupy homestead real property of the deceased.
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 9, 2013 at 11:21pm
  
  Article 16, Section 52 of the Texas Constitution gives the surviving spouse a life estate in the homestead.
Will The State Get All My Assets If I Die Without A Will?

May 29, 2013 at 12:43pm

[…] If you die without a Will, your assets will be distributed to your heirs according to a statutory formula. You can learn more about Texas’ rules of descent and distribution by reading Dying Without a Will: The Texas Intestacy Statutes. […]
Toni

December 1, 2014 at 6:55pm

My father just recently passed away, we can not find his handwritten will. My younger sister and I are his only biological children. He was not married. Do we have to go through probate?

Thank you.
1. Rania Combs
  
  December 8, 2014 at 12:28pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for the loss of your father.
  
  Whether or not you will need to go through some type of probate proceeding will depend on what type of property was in your father’s estate. For more information, read: Is Probate Always Necessary?
John

December 5, 2014 at 1:16am

My father died without a will in Texas. His children are spread out among the states; but one is still in Texas. He has no property, but he has money in a bank. We don’t know if he has debts.

If he does would his children be responsible for them?
1. Rania Combs
  
  December 8, 2014 at 12:35pm
  
  As long as none of the children are a party to the debt, the children will not be personally responsible for the debt. Generally, it is the deceased person’s estate that will be responsible to pay any outstanding debt.
Autumn

January 26, 2015 at 5:16pm

My father passed away three years ago without a will. I did not receive any money from either of his life insurance policies. My stepmother has all of his assets. Shouldn’t I have received 1/3 of his insurance policies?
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 31, 2015 at 3:25pm
  
  Insurance policies pass by contract to the person identified as the beneficiary of the policy.
  1. Steven Jimenez
    
    September 12, 2015 at 2:59pm
    
    Is there a way to find out who the beneficiary of the policy was? My father passed away a month ago and was going through a divorce with my step mom. Apparently she’s having trouble accessing the money. I appreciate you taking the time to respond to everyone questions Rania Combs.
    1. Rania Combs
      
      September 18, 2015 at 5:26pm
      
      You should probably start by contacting the insurance company who insured your father and informing the company that your father has died. The insurance company will then send a letter to the beneficiary with instructions explaining how to file a claim.
Nicole

January 30, 2015 at 5:47pm

My father just passed away in December and although we know there is a will, we can’t find it. How long can you wait to start the probate process? We’d like to give ourselves time to locate the will before we have to go through the process without one as he has children from a previous marriage and it is a more complicated probate procedure.

Thank you.
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 31, 2015 at 3:09pm
  
  I’m sorry for your loss, Nicole. The Texas Probate Code requires that a will be probated within 4 years of a testator’s death. For more information, read: When Should I Probate a Will?
Nancy

April 9, 2015 at 9:26pm

My father just passed away and I don’t think he had a will. My name is on his checking account but I’m not sure what rights that might give me. He was not married and I was the only child of his that spoke to him. How do I go about finding out if I were to able to take over his home or not?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 14, 2015 at 4:23pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss, Nancy.
  
  When someone dies without a Will, their assets are distributed according to a statutory formula, which I outline in this article.
  
  There are some assets, such as bank accounts with a pay on death designations, or insurance policies with beneficiary designations, that will pass to the beneficiaries identified. Additionally, accounts held as joint tenants with rights of survivorship will pass to the survivor of the account.
John

April 29, 2015 at 2:21pm

Hello. My mother passed away a month ago. I found a will that was made before she divorced. The will lists stepchildren that have no relation to her as beneficiaries. Do they have any claim on my mothers money?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 30, 2015 at 1:12pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. Section 123.001(b) of the Texas Estates Code specifically addresses this issue. It provides that if a testator divorces, the entire Will is read as though the former spouse, and relatives of the former spouse who are not relatives of the testator, predeceased the testator.
Alicia

May 6, 2015 at 5:11am

My mother recently passed away. I was told that she had a will, but I can’t find it for the life of me. My mom did NOT want my sister to get ANY money as all of her friends would agree. Is there any way to fight for more of her estate?
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 8, 2015 at 10:58am
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  Unfortunately, the intestacy statutes are rigid and inflexible. Without a Will, her assets will pass according to a statutory formula that doesn’t take into account her wishes.
Melissa

June 3, 2015 at 1:25pm

My father died 13 years ago without a will. My mother kept the home they purchased together during their marriage in both their names. She is no longer able to maintain the home and wants to move in with me (daughter). Does she need to have something in writing from all three of her children in order to do sell her home in Texas?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 3, 2015 at 3:59pm
  
  Your question depends on whether your father had children who were not also your mother’s children.
  
  In Texas, if someone dies without a Will and is married with children, the surviving spouse will inherit the deceased spouse’s one-half share in the community property if all the children of the deceased spouse are also the children of the surviving spouse. Otherwise, the deceased spouse’s one-half interest in the community estate will pass to his his or her children, with the surviving spouse keeping only his or her one-half interest.
  1. Sunnye loftin
    
    December 19, 2015 at 6:04pm
    
    Can the children of the deceased force the spouse to sell? Spouse was planning to sell until he found out he would only get half and his parents have paid their debt in order that he keep house proceeds from the deceased spouse’s children.
    1. Rania Combs
      
      December 31, 2015 at 6:47pm
      
      The following article may answer your question: Can Stepchildren Force a Surviving Spouse to Sell Homestead Property?
Jackie

June 3, 2015 at 3:41pm

My mother died in June of 2013 from cancer with no will. She was married, had two sons from previous marriage and a me with her current husband. No probate was filed. My dad died in December of 2014 unexpectedly with no will, widowed, two stepsons and me, his daughter. I’m trying to figure out the next steps. All they owned was a small piece of land and lots of bills (medical mostly). Where do I start and what do I need to do to get that small piece of land in my name? Also is there a time frame?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 3, 2015 at 3:47pm
  
  The Texas Young Laywers Association has an informative document titled “The Texas Probate Passport.” It may help answer many of your questions. You can read it by clicking on the link.
Myra Cosgrove

June 18, 2015 at 10:08pm

my husband and have, between us, five children. Do we need a lawyer to write a will or can we print one off Internet and do it ourselves if we have it notarized and stored safely? And if we don’t write a will would our estate be divided among the children.

If one of us dies before the other, will the surviving spouse inherit all. Or would the surviving spouse inherit 1/2 with the other half being divided among all five children?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 22, 2015 at 11:23am
  
  Hi Myra,
  
  Thanks for your question. You mention you and your husband have five children between you, which suggests you are part of a blended family. Based on that information, I think it is crucial that you engage an attorney to assist you with your estate planning.
  
  DIY planning is fraught with risk. The following articles explain some of the risks of DIY Estate Planning:
  The Problem with LegalZoom and Other Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Solutions
  LegalZoom vs. Lawyer: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
  Why Do People Use Lawyers To Prepare Their Wills?
  Do It Yourself Estate Planning Mistake Disinherits Child
  
  Attorneys don’t simply fill out forms. They analyse your circumstances, explain the ramifications of your choices and create documents that address your unique needs.
Rick anderson

August 6, 2015 at 11:14pm

My ex brother in law just died. He and my sister had 2 children during their marriage. They had been divorced about 2 years before his death. Neither one had remarried and we have found no will. Who would be entitled to his estate?
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 18, 2015 at 1:55pm
  
  The Texas Intestacy Statutes provide that if a single person dies without a Will and has children, then all property will pass to the deceased person’s descendants. If the descendants are of the same degree of relationship, then the assets will be divided equally between them.
Misty

August 12, 2015 at 8:50pm

Thank you so much for this webpage and your helpful answers to everyone. My mother is in hospice care with stage IV cervical cancer and never got around to writing her will. She is now almost bed-ridden, so it looks like she will probably end up dying without one. She is not married and I am her only child. Will it still be a lengthy hassle to have her home and vehicles put in my name? Will an heirship proceeding be necessary, since I am the only child? When the time comes, where should I start first–do I need to petition to administer her estate? I am aware of the existence of small estate affidavits, but I do not yet know if her estate is worth more than $50,000 once her bank account, vehicles, and jewelry are taken in account.
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 18, 2015 at 12:53pm
  
  Dear Misty,
  
  I’m sure this has been a very difficult time for you. The following article from the Texas Young Lawyers Association may answer many of your questions: The Texas Probate Passport.
  
  Rania
wanda

August 16, 2015 at 10:45pm

Hi My mother passed away sudden and was divorced but left no will or power of attorney. There are 4 of us adult kids and we are all on the same page of selling her car. How will we do this with out a sign title. We live in Texas. Thanks for your help
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 18, 2015 at 12:41pm
  
  The following article may help: Is Probate Necessary to Transfer Title to a Vehicle?
will

August 18, 2015 at 12:35am

My father died without a Will. He wasn’t married but had a minor child and an adult child. He had insurance. Are the children entitled to the proceeds of the insurance policy?
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 18, 2015 at 12:40pm
  
  Beneficiary designations control who will receive the proceeds of an insurance policy. However, if no beneficiaries are designated, then policy provisions will dictate how the benefits will be paid. Often, the benefits become part of the decedent’s estate and will be distributed according to the Texas Intestacy Statutes if there is no Will.
JR

August 24, 2015 at 2:43pm

Rania,

Thanks for having these questions. As I read them I could not help but wonder if there wasn’t a better way to dispose and protect property than get into these family squabiles and unpleasantness. Do you have any thoughts.

Thank you,

JR
1. Rania Combs
  
  September 18, 2015 at 5:42pm
  
  Hi JR,
  
  Obviously, having a properly drafted Will or Trust will allow you to dispose and protect your property. Also, the following article may address your question: Don’t Keep Your Heirs in the Dark.
  
  Thanks for your question.
  
  Rania
Vickie

September 18, 2015 at 4:43pm

My live-in boyfriend of 5 years just passed away and didn’t have a will. He lived with me in my home for a year before we got into the house we currently live in. My name isn’t on the deed/mortgage to the home and I’m worried that his family is now going to kick me out of our home. I have two kids from a previous marriage and don’t want to be surprised by anything. What rights if any do I have?
1. Rania Combs
  
  September 18, 2015 at 5:18pm
  
  Dear Vickie,
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. I’m sure this is a very difficult time for you.
  
  When someone is single and dies without a Will, assets they own will be distributed according to the intestacy statutes. The intestacy statutes are rigid and will not take into account the fact that you had been boyfriend and girlfriend for five years. While they may seem neither fair nor equitable, without a will, the intestacy laws control.
  
  Once again, I’m very sorry for your loss.
Erica

October 20, 2015 at 7:55pm

My mother and father both died without a Will. They owned a home. I had 4 siblings but one passed away recently. We want to sell our parents home. Will my deceased sibling’s children get her share of the house? Or is it split between the living siblings?
1. Rania Combs
  
  October 26, 2015 at 11:48am
  
  The descendants of the deceased child will inherit that portion of the property to which their parent would have been entitled if that parent were alive.
MM

October 20, 2015 at 10:53pm

What if a man and woman were legally married but they hadn’t lived together in years? Does that change the spouse’s legal rights if one spouse left years before and maintained another address?
1. Rania Combs
  
  October 26, 2015 at 11:46am
  
  No.
Em Riegel

October 21, 2015 at 7:49pm

My husband and I own our home, we both have two grown children we don’t have a will, who would get the house if one of us pass on
1. Rania Combs
  
  October 22, 2015 at 12:49pm
  
  If you are married and die without a Will, and you have children from another marriage, your spouse will keep his 50 percent interest in the community property, and your 50 percent community interest would pass to your children.
jerry

October 25, 2015 at 2:17am

My wife passed away and she has a son from another marriage. My home was a gift from my father in law. Just wondering what to expect if her son wants my home the deed is in my and my wife’s name and can I live in my home or do I have to sell ?
1. Rania Combs
  
  October 26, 2015 at 11:12am
  
  Dear Jerry,
  
  The following article may answer your questions: Can Stepchildren Force a Surviving Spouse to Sell Homestead Property in Texas?
2. jerry
  
  October 26, 2015 at 12:44pm
  
  Thank you very much.
Mary

October 26, 2015 at 10:55am

My ex mother in law passed away. I was married to her son, and he passed away. She is survived by one son, his two children, and my two children. Are my children entitled to her estate if she had no will?
1. Rania Combs
  
  October 26, 2015 at 11:07am
  
  If a single person dies without a Will and has children, the intestacy statutes dictate that property will pass to her children in equal shares. If one child is deceased leaving descendants of his own, then the descendants of the deceased child will inherit that portion of the property to which their parent would be entitled if that parent were alive.
Corey

October 26, 2015 at 9:50pm

My mother passed away 4 months ago suddenly. She had no will and was married, but separated (not legally). She had inheritance money from her parents trust in a saving account and unfortunately did not have a beneficiary to the account. The heirs are my brother, my father, and me. Would her inheritance money be considered separate property or community property? Also, is her all of her personal belonging considered community property even if some of them were also inherited? Thank you for your time!
1. Rania Combs
  
  October 27, 2015 at 8:46am
  
  Please accept my condolences for the loss of your mom, Corey. The following article may answer many of your questions: The Characterization of Property in Texas.
John Carter

November 16, 2015 at 4:10pm

If your father dies and has just recently married before he died and left no will.does that automatically give her the right to half of the property because she married him. He bought the property before they were married. There are two of its kids and her. Thank you
1. Rania Combs
  
  December 31, 2015 at 7:17pm
  
  The following article may answer your questions: The Characterization of Property in Texas.
liz Cab

November 18, 2015 at 3:44pm

My brother passed away and his wife as well. They didn’t have any children together. I was wondering if her children are entitled to everything my brother owed. I know the property is under both names, please advise.
1. Rania Combs
  
  December 31, 2015 at 7:14pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  When someone dies without a Will, their separate property and their share of the community property will pass according to the intestacy statutes.
Cathy

February 24, 2016 at 11:46pm

My husband passed away without a will. We have a mortgage that I am still making payments on. Are his children entitled to half of the house.
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 26, 2016 at 6:01pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. The following article explains how property is divided when a spouse in a blended family dies without a Will: The Complexities of Intestacy in Blended Families.
Ana Maria

March 22, 2016 at 1:23am

My father died, and his stepson sent a copy of my dad’s will dated 2007 saying that everything after his death is going to my father’s wife ( my mom died 11 years ago and dad remarried right away) . My siblings and I are not sure this is my dad’s last will. Is there any way to check on it? We live in TX
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 23, 2016 at 9:55am
  
  Probate is a court process by which a Will is proved to be valid or invalid. If you have reason to believe it is invalid, it is possible to contest the validity of the Will.
Debbie

April 5, 2016 at 3:24pm

Hi Rania,

My father passed away 2 months ago suddenly and without a will that we know of. He had recently remarried and bought a home with his new wife. The house is in both names. Am I understanding that she is entitled to live there as long as she likes but if she sells the house that my dad’s half of the profit from that sale with be divided between my sister and I? Does that also apply to a vehicle/boat? Thank you in advance for your help!
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 16, 2016 at 8:11am
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss, Debbie. Property acquired during a marriage is presumed to be community property. Under Texas intestacy laws, if the deceased person was married but had children from another relationship, the deceased person’s one half interest passes to his or her children from the prior marriage and the surviving spouse retains her own share. However, a surviving spouse is entitled to a life estate in the homestead, even if it is the separate property of the deceased spouse and it was left to someone else. For more information read: Can Stepchildren Force a Surviving Spouse to Sell Homestead Property?
Tina Davis

April 19, 2016 at 5:33pm

If the mother of the children pass away, but is married, has 5 children but only the 2 youngest are the husband kids, who gets guardianship of the other kids?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 16, 2016 at 8:16am
  
  If the three children are survived by their other parent, the other parent will be the natural guardian. If they are not survived by a parent, but the mother has signed an appointment of guardian, the person appointed will likely be the guardian, unless a court deems them unfit. Otherwise, a court will appoint a guardian for the children.
sylvia

May 10, 2016 at 6:03pm

My cousin passed away a month ago and left my mother a power of attorney for his stuff. Can she use the power of attorney to change the car title to her name in the state of Texas.
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 15, 2016 at 10:47pm
  
  A power of attorney expires when the person who created it dies. At that point, the executor or administrator takes over to settle the estate.
Mary

May 23, 2016 at 10:00am

My husband passed away 2 weeks ago. The company he worked for is asking for a letter of testamentary in order for me to receive his last check. He had a will drawn up years ago however he never signed it. Is there an easy and quick way to get that letter?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 15, 2016 at 10:37pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss, Mary. The following publication may answer many of your questions: The Texas Probate Passport.
Lisa Spinnati

May 29, 2016 at 10:18pm

My mom passed away Saturday morning. She has no will. It’s just me and my brother. I live in Ohio, and my brother in Indiana I don’t know what to do.
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 15, 2016 at 10:33pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. The following article may help: What To Do When Someone Dies in Texas.
Joan hughes

June 4, 2016 at 10:12am

My brother passed away with out a will. He was single, no children and no property, only a bank account. Do we still need to probate ? His sisters and brother agree to let it go to our mother. Are there any legal steps we need to take? Thank you.
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 15, 2016 at 10:24pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. The following article may answer your questions: Is Probate Always Necessary in Texas?
LRM

July 9, 2016 at 12:26am

My father passed away 7 years ago without a will but let family Know he wanted his home to go to me. My brother passed away before my father and his son (my nephew) signed away his rights to the house but my brothers daughter (my niece) passed away before she could (but after my father). She has 4 children who are minors. I want to sell the house, am I legally allowed to?
1. Rania Combs
  
  July 9, 2016 at 12:09pm
  
  Without a Will, the home will pass according to the intestacy statutes, which means that your niece’s children have an interest in the property. I recommend that you contact a probate attorney in your community for assistance with this matter.
Sarah

November 26, 2016 at 1:30pm

My husband died without a will because he assumed I would get everything. We have a house in both our names, two vehicles in both our names, one vehicle in only his name, and a lot of debt in his name only and in both our names.

Although when he applied for life insurance it said I was the beneficiary, when he made an alteration to the second beneficiary it appears there was a mix up and I was listed as executor and our five children, ages four through thirteen, were listed as as beneficiaries (5 children now ages 4-13.) What happens now?
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 30, 2016 at 3:30pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  If your husband died without a Will, your property will be distributed according to the statutory formula described above. Non probate assets, such as life insurance and retirement plans, will pass to those designated as beneficiary.
Peggy Camper

November 28, 2016 at 2:32pm

If I have a hand-written will that is notarized, is it legal in Houston, Texas and would my estate still go into probate?
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 30, 2016 at 3:23pm
  
  To be valid, a holographic will must be written completely in your own handwriting, and signed by you. There is no requirement that it be signed by any witnesses. Having a Will does not avoid probate.
Tony

January 27, 2017 at 11:39am

Hello. My dad’s spouse passed away and she didnt have a will. They bought a home together, but she had 2 kids from a first marriage. It is my understanding that the kids get 50% of the estate and he gets to keep his 50%. Does he have to move out of the home and sell or can he stay as long as he wants? Can he rent it? One son passed away, but he had a daughter and she wants her portion. The other son didnt know he got a portion but now wants his portion. My dad has been living at this home for probably 20+ years
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 27, 2017 at 11:55am
  
  The following article may answer your questions: Can Stepchildren Force a Surviving Spouse to Sell Homestead Property?
Are Stepchildren Heirs in Texas --Texas Wills and Trusts

February 10, 2017 at 1:11pm

[…] Texas Intestacy statutes exist because the state thinks it is important that property be transferred in an orderly way after […]
Melissa

February 15, 2017 at 3:58pm

My mother passed away and I will be closing her bank account. Will I be taxed on the money I move from her account to my account? Her money is in an IRA and I would like to move it to my savings account.
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 17, 2017 at 9:03am
  
  I recommend that you speak with a financial adviser before cashing out an inherited IRA because there are potential tax implications of doing so.
Adrianna

March 17, 2017 at 3:52pm

My dad passed away with no will and left my grandmother as a beneficiary to his life insurance. Will this help with processing of the rest of his assets?
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 23, 2017 at 4:04pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. Unfortunately, the beneficiary designation on the insurance policy will have no bearing on the distribution of the remainder of a deceased person’s assets.
Eddie

May 11, 2017 at 3:55pm

Hi, What are the obvious benefits of having a will versus not having one in the event one dies? If one has no will and the state has to manage your estate, what percent of your estate goes to the state? Thank you
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 17, 2017 at 8:58am
  
  One of the biggest benefits of having a Will is that it allows you to choose how and to whom you want your assets distributed. If you don’t have a Will, your assets will be distributed according to a statutory formula. That does not mean, however, that the state will manage your assets or a percent of your estate goes to the state. It is only in rare circumstances when no heirs can be found that property will pass to the state.
Pam

May 16, 2017 at 5:17pm

My father-in-law has stage 4 cancer. My mother-in-law has been dead for 2 years. In his will, he left everything to her. He has never changed it. Will the 4 children get everything equally? And does the state get any of the assets? This is in Texas
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 30, 2017 at 4:07pm
  
  Wills usually identify contingent beneficiaries who will inherit if the primary beneficiary predeceases the testator. Those named as the contingent beneficiaries will inherit. The only time property escheats to the state is if a person dies intestate and has no heirs.
Shannon

June 17, 2017 at 9:48pm

My husband recently passed away. We own 2 homes, one we purchased together before we were married and the other one during our marriage. Is the house we bought before we were married community property or separate property? I am in Texas
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 26, 2017 at 1:48pm
  
  Texas subscribes to the inception of title rule, which bases the property’s character on the time and manner in which a person first acquires an interest in the property. If property is purchased before marriage, then it would be characterized at separate property. Property purchased during a marriage is presumed to be community property.
  1. shari Prouhet
    
    January 14, 2018 at 7:18pm
    
    In relation to this question, my husband and I purchased the home we have lived in all of our marriage 9 months before the marriage but both of our names are on the deed to the home. Is it community property or seperate property for each of us?
    1. Rania Combs
      
      January 15, 2018 at 2:31pm
      
      Property purchased before marriage is characterized as separate property.
Nancy

July 11, 2017 at 10:18pm

My brother recently passed away in Texas. He and his wife have been divorced for about a year. He has 4 siblings, no children and no will. Both of our parents are passed. If his ex wife is still the designated beneficiary on a savings account will she inherit the money?
1. Rania Combs
  
  July 17, 2017 at 2:08pm
  The Texas Estates Code provides that if after a decedent designates a spouse as a P.O.D. beneficiary on a P.O.D. account or other multiple-party account, the decedent’s marriage is dissolved by divorce, annulment, or a declaration that the marriage is void, the designation provision on the account is not effective as to the former spouse unless:
  1. the court decree dissolving the marriage designates the former spouse or the former spouse’s relative as the P.O.D. payee or beneficiary;
  2. the decedent redesignated the former spouse or the former spouse’s relative as the P.O.D payee or beneficiary after the marriage was dissolved; or
  3. the former spouse or the former spouse’s relative is designated to receive the proceeds or benefits in trust for, on behalf of, or for the benefit of a child or dependent of either the decedent or the former spouse.
William

August 1, 2017 at 10:39am

Hi I have a question. My dad recently passed away, and the land that his home is sitting on was purchased when he and my mom were together. His new wife and stepchildren not willing to share anything that he had with me or even allow me to have just a few things that belonged to him. Do I have any legal claim to what he had since the land was purchased before he’s married to his new wife? I don’t believe he left a will.
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 1, 2017 at 12:40pm
  
  Property purchased before marriage is classified as separate property. Under the Texas Intestacy Statutes, when a married person dies without a Will owning real property that is characterized as separate property, the surviving spouse is entitled to only a life estate (the right to use the property until his or her death) in one-third of that property. The rest would be inherited outright by the children of the deceased spouse.
  
  However, a surviving spouse has a constitutionally protected life estate in homestead property and cannot be forced to sell the property as long as he or she occupies and uses it.
Dolly

August 23, 2017 at 8:24pm

My husband and I have a two year old daughter, he also has a 28 year old daughter that is not mine, he is sick now with cancer and has not made a will, what will happen with all of our stuff
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 24, 2017 at 5:15pm
  
  The following article may answer your questions: The Complexity of Intestacy in Blended Families.
Lucy

August 23, 2017 at 8:28pm

In the state of Texas if a parent dies and has a child under age 18 and a child who is over the age of 18 and both have different mothers one whom has passed away do both children get the estate split equally or does everything go to the minor child
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 24, 2017 at 5:13pm
  
  When a single person dies without a Will and has children, all property will pass to his or her descendants. If all descendants are of the same degree of relationship, (meaning, for example, that all are the decedent’s children or all are his or her grandchildren), then the assets will be divided equally between them.
Paul

August 24, 2017 at 12:33pm

My brother passed away with no will (single, no children). My father passed away several years ago leaving just myself and my mother. However my father had children from a previous marriage that we have no contact with. Are my half siblings entitled to my brothers estate? What does the breakdown look like?
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 24, 2017 at 5:09pm
  
  The following article may answer your questions: What are the Inheritance Rights of Half Siblings When Someone Dies Without a Will?
Adam

August 24, 2017 at 2:47pm

Hi Rania,

Your site is full of great information!

My mother is an only child and her father passed away last year in Texas. His wife (my mother’s step mom) didn’t inform my mother until almost a full year later of his death. My mother and her father lost contact over the years.

What is my mother entitled too exactly? The stepmother had offered my mother $5,000 to take her name off some title so she can sell the home, but I feel my mother should be getting part of his personal property and part of the equity in their home. It was very strange, they only reached out to my mother when they needed something done, which I thought was very odd and a little fishy.

Again, thank you so much for your time.
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 24, 2017 at 5:03pm
  
  Hi Adam,
  
  I’m glad you’ve found my site helpful.
  
  When someone dies without a Will and has children from another marriage, one-half interest in the community estate will pass to the deceased person’s children, with the surviving spouse keeping only his or her one-half interest. With respect to separate property, the surviving spouse is entitled to one-third of the deceased spouse’s separate personal property and only a life estate (the right to use the property until his or her death) in one-third of the deceased spouse’s separate real property. The rest would be inherited outright by the children of the deceased spouse.
Dahlia

September 22, 2017 at 4:20pm

Hi Rania. My mother in law recently passed away. Right before her passing she and my husband had consulted a lawyer and were in the process of getting a p.o.a and will done, but she passed before anything was finalized. She did write down everything and signed it. What would be our best option to move forward knowing what she wanted done.
1. Rania Combs
  
  October 11, 2017 at 9:34am
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. I recommend you consult the attorney to determine whether the writing you mentioned would constitute a valid holographic Will. If not, the intestacy statutes would control the disposition of your mother in law’s property.
Jennifer

November 12, 2017 at 12:12am

My dad passed away two months ago and left a reasonable amount in the form of retirement and life insurance, but did not leave a will. Would my mom inherit all of the money or would my sister and I receive any? I only ask because she is not good with money and we want to set up a security account with our inheritance just in case she spends too much and needs emergency funds.
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 17, 2017 at 3:58pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  Assets such as retirement plans and life insurance policies typically pass by beneficiary designations. If a beneficiary is identified, the proceeds of the retirement plan and life insurance policy pass to the named beneficiary rather than through a Will.
  
  It’s always a good idea to consult a financial adviser after receiving an inheritance for sound financial advice.
Stephanie

November 15, 2017 at 6:37pm

Hi Rania. Thank you for this post and for very kindly assisting all of us trying to sort through the loss of a loved one. My father just recently passed away without a will in Texas. I am one of 4 siblings and my father is divorced. I understand that we, the heirs, are all entitled to 1/4 of his “estate” which only includes an old beater car and less than $5,000 in cash. Do we HAVE to file something? We are my father’s only 4 heirs and we are all united on how Dad’s assets will be divided so there won’t be any arguing between us over what remains. Should we file a Small Estate Affidavit? Or if we don’t file anything other than my father’s death certificate, is that enough?
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 17, 2017 at 3:49pm
  
  Dear Stephanie,
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  The following article discusses when a small estate affidavit can be used: When is it Proper to Use a Small Estate Affidavit? The article contains a flowchart to help you determine whether the small estate affidavit can be used in your situation.
David Lopez

December 28, 2017 at 6:24pm

Hello Rania, your website is so helpful. We live in Texas and this is our situation: my wife’s dad passed away 20 years ago and didn’t have a will. He owned several properties (one being his business shop) and a home which were all acquired while being married to my wife’s mom. Nothing was ever done about distributing his assets. Now we found out that her mom has given (as a gift) all properties, including the home, to my wife’s sister. Does my wife have a right to the properties and home? Can she claim that since their dad never had a will, she inherited part of the assets? Or were the assets all inherited by the mom and she is free to give them away? Thank you
1. Rania Combs
  
  December 31, 2017 at 2:28pm
  
  Thanks, David. I’m glad you find my website helpful.
  
  Under Section 201.003 of the Texas Estates Code, if a married person dies without a Will, the entire community estate of the deceased spouse passes to the surviving spouse, if the surviving spouse is also the parent of all the deceased spouse’s children.
Rene Wimmer

January 4, 2018 at 4:56pm

Hi Rania
My mother-in-law moved in with my wife and I 7 years ago. She moved here from VA and divided her belongings with her 3 daughters. My wife, one of the 3 siblings, was her POA. My mother-in-law recently passed leaving basically nothing except enough money to bury her and her clothing. She died intestate. Will we still need to file an SEA with the court?
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 11, 2018 at 2:10pm
  
  The following article may answer your questions: Is Probate Always Necessary?
Ted Brown

January 11, 2018 at 2:16am

In Texas, if my wife and I die, with no children, and both of our parents are alive, how are our assets handled if we don’t have a will?
I appreciate your help!!!!!
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 11, 2018 at 1:38pm
  
  When someone who dies without a Will is married but does not have any children, the surviving spouse will inherit all property classified as “community property.” With respect to property classified as “separate property,” the surviving spouse would be entitled to all the separate personal property; however, if the deceased person has surviving parents and siblings, the surviving spouse would only be entitled to one-half of the separate real property with the other half passing to the parents, siblings or descendants of siblings in a manner set forth by the statutes.
  1. Ruth A. McLaughlin
    
    February 15, 2018 at 12:47pm
    
    Hello Rania, I am in the situation that you note above, my dear husband of 26 years died a little over a year ago and he did not leave a will. It was just not a discussion that either of could have at the time. He did have a notarized POA naming me for all matters, medical, legal, assets, as well as, all financial concerns. We didn’t have alot but he had a truck, motorcycle, and minimal Texas oil rights, that should be dealt with. I am his only wife, no children of the marriage. He was an only child, even though his mother raised a 2nd cousin as her daughter. His mother and father are deceased. Is there a legal action (probate) that I must take to establish ownership of his property, or how do I get the items in my name? Thank you for any guidance that you might offer. Ruth
    1. Rania Combs
      
      February 23, 2018 at 7:03pm
      
      Hi Ruth. I’m sorry for your loss. The following publication from the Texas Young Lawyers Association may answer many of your questions about the probate process: The Texas Probate Passport.
Clay atkinson

January 12, 2018 at 2:39am

If my father went to a lawyer and made a will out, but he hasn’t finalized it. If something was to happen before he finalized it, what would happen to his belongings? He has remarried, has no separate property, and has three kids.
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 12, 2018 at 1:16pm
  
  When someone dies without having executed a valid Will, that person’s property will be distributed according to the intestacy statutes.
Jason

January 24, 2018 at 3:11pm

Thanks for this site. It cleared up some info for me. Here’s my situation.

My sister was married with 2 children (both from the same father). She died without a will. However, I have beed raising them since before my sister died. I have guardianship, but the father still has parental rights.

From your article above, it says that her husband should inherit all her community property. Does that apply if he has not attempted to ever make contact or support his children? They are both under the age of 18, and I hope that some of my sister’s property would go to her children.

Thanks for any guidance.
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 31, 2018 at 5:20pm
  
  The intestacy laws are rigid and inflexible. They don’t take into account your unique circumstances and may dictate that your assets should be distributed in a way you would not have chosen
Vanessa

January 29, 2018 at 5:24am

My dad is divorced and I am the only child. He tells me everything that is his will pass on down to me automatically. Is this true? He didn’t put my name as a beneficiary for this reason.
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 31, 2018 at 5:12pm
  
  Under the intestacy statute, if a single person dies and is survived by children, the children will be his heirs. However, title does not vest automatically in the heirs. For example, if a deceased person owned real property, probate would be required to transfer title to the heirs, unless the deceased person had previously executed a transfer on death deed. Assets such as life insurance proceeds, IRAs, retirement accounts pass outside of probate to the listed beneficiaries
Justin

February 5, 2018 at 5:21pm

My dad passed away with no will. He and my mom have a house in both their names, which they still owe. Me and my two sisters want her to keep the house. Because there is no will do we still have to probate? If yes, can we just go to the county clerk office a file for probate and let the judge give mom the house? None of us would contest it, we want her to have it. That’s the only estate he had. We live in Texas. Thanks!
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 7, 2018 at 4:14pm
  
  The following publication from the Texas Young Lawyers Association provides some information about how the probate process works, as well as some simplified methods of administering an estate: The Texas Probate Passport(pdf).
Diego Tarcisio

February 7, 2018 at 2:12pm

Hi Rania ! Congratulations for you website! Excellent work !

See if you can help me.

Me and my wife are Non-Resident Aliens. I opened an account in a U.S. Brokerage firm (Joint Tenant With Rights of Survivorship). If one of us die, Which laws would be applicable to the estate ?
When I opened the account I was forced to indicate one American state but it wasn´t clear why, and I think it´s because legal questions like this one I´m presenting. I indicated the Texas State.

Thank you very much
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 7, 2018 at 4:06pm
  
  When spouses own property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, a deceased spouse’s one-half interest automatically passes to a surviving spouse upon death, regardless of the intestacy statutes.
Bevelyn

February 9, 2018 at 11:13pm

Hi Rania I’m just reading all the comments to get some idea I love your site it will help me a lot.

My husband passed away recently. We don’t have a will our house is under our names. Do I need to probate it? We have 3 cars and 2 cars are under his name how can I sell the cars.

Hope you can help me thanks.
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 23, 2018 at 7:15pm
  
  I’m sorry for your loss, and I’m glad you find my website helpful. The following publication from the Texas Young Lawyers Association may answer many of your questions: The Texas Probate Passport.
Melinda Russell

February 16, 2018 at 10:40pm

My ex-husband died without a will. However, I have an old will from when we were married. Is this will still valid?
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 23, 2018 at 7:00pm
  
  Divorce does not invalidate a Will; however, the Texas statutes provide that if, after making a will, the testator’s marriage is dissolved, either by divorce, annulment or a declaration that the marriage is void, all the provisions in the will, including all fiduciary appointments, shall be read as if the former spouse predeceased the testator
Tonya

March 8, 2018 at 2:04am

Hi. Your website is very nice and has a lot of info. This is a great thing. My situation is my step mums only son died without a will. He has two children and his mum. She was there when he passed. She took care of him while he was sick money wise. Now that he’s passed, she’s saying that his children are entilted to all assets. Is the anything she can do? The children live in another state.
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 23, 2018 at 9:37am
  
  The Texas intestacy statutes dictate how property is to be distributed when someone dies without a Will. If a single person dies without a Will and is survived by children, then all property will pass to the descendants.
Jr

March 12, 2018 at 1:52pm

Hi Rania, I came across your page and you have very helpful information. I have a question, I got married to my spouse in 2005 and purchased a home in 2007 but my name is the only one on the deed. 2 years ago we separated and I was recently awarded full custody of my children. I plan on getting divorced but do not have all the money at this time. I would like to write a will stating if anything should happen to me I would like for my children to keep the home and anything else that is under my name. When their mother left the home 2 years ago she took everything in the home and sold it including the things that belong to our children. This is the only reason I would like to insure that my children inherit whatever I leave to them. Thank You for your time and response in advance.
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 23, 2018 at 9:30am
  
  A Will allows you to dictate how your property will be distributed after you die.
Stacy Francois

March 21, 2018 at 3:32pm

My step father passed away recently without a will. He has 1 daughter prior to marriage and 2 step children from his current marriage. His birth daughter is wanting her half of all his stuff, even though they didn’t have a relationship. Is she actually entitled to half or because of the other 2 children is his half divided into 3 parts one for each child?
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 23, 2018 at 8:58am
  
  When someone dies without a Will, the intestacy statutes dictate how their assets will be distributed. According to the intestacy statutes, stepchildren are not heirs. The following article explains: Are Stepchildren Legal Heirs in the State of Texas?
clifton

March 26, 2018 at 3:30pm

if your adopted by your step dad 40 years ago, can you still receive half of your biological fathers estate after he has been deceased for 13 years?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 9, 2018 at 10:22am
  
  The following article may answer your question: Can An Adopted Child Inherit From His Biological Parents?
Dave

April 15, 2018 at 5:54pm

Thanks for the help Rania!

Wife of 32 years expired with no will in Texas. Most accounts have POD which is good. One decades-old at little local branch of small bank seems to be a problem. Account opened after marriage, several bank changes ago. No children. Seems obvious to me, but bank wants “Letters of Testamentary”. Do I have to go get court to declare it is community property?
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 30, 2018 at 12:11pm
  
  Pleas accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  Community property does not automatically pass to the surviving spouse at death, which is why the bank is asking for verification that you have the authority to collect the funds on behalf of the estate.
Michelle

April 19, 2018 at 9:50am

I moved from ND and live in Texas currently. I am a resident of Texas and had my will done in ND. Do I need to redo my will?
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 30, 2018 at 11:55am
  
  The following article may answer your question: Is the Will I Signed In Another State Valid in Texas?
Noah

May 5, 2018 at 11:12pm

My husband passed away without a will. He has 2 sons and I have 2 daughters before marriage. Can I make a will and entile all of the properties to my childrend only? I want to ensure that my children inherit whatever I leave to them.
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 29, 2018 at 5:23pm
  
  A Will gives you the right to distribute of your separate property and your share of community property to anyone of your choice.
2. Amber U.
  
  June 14, 2020 at 2:39am
  
  I do hope you consider HIS children in your will if you make one. After all sounds like the property you own may have come partly from him to begin with, therefore the right thing to do would be distribute some of the property you received from his death to his children. I understand that they received a portion when he passed but you also received from him. Just a thought.
Amy

May 19, 2018 at 11:21am

Hi Rania, Three months after I married my husband his ex-wife died and his three children came to live with us. Six years later I adopted them and we added four children of our own. If he dies before me, will my adopted children have the same status as our children together or will they be considered my step-children? We do not have a will.
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 29, 2018 at 5:15pm
  
  Hi Amy. The Texas Estates Code provides that for purposes of inheritance under the laws of descent and distribution, an adopted child is regarded as the child of the adoptive parent or parents, and the adopted child and the adopted child’s descendants inherit from and through the adoptive parent or parents and their kindred as if the adopted child were the natural child of the adoptive parent or parents.
Lyn

June 21, 2018 at 4:31pm

Hi Rania, I am a second wife in Texas,and my husband has a child. He will give me no idea what is in his will. I am not sure if he even changed his will. I am concerned about my future if he dies. What are my rights as a second wife and what’s happens if his child dies before I do? Sorry I can’t give more information but I am unable to get it. Thanks for your assistance.
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 26, 2018 at 11:29am
  
  The following article may answer your question: Can I Disinherit My Spouse in Texas?
LULU

August 1, 2018 at 9:41am

My mom passed away suddenly and left no will, She is legally married but separated for the last 54 years she has 5 children. Will her Property go to her children?

Can any of her Children try selling property with no ones consent?

In Texas
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 10, 2018 at 6:12pm
  
  When someone dies without a Will, property is distributed according to the statutory formula. The statute does not make special provisions for married people who are separated. For purposes of the statute, they are married.
John Juanopulos

August 27, 2018 at 6:47pm

My father in law passed away without a will and has separate property. Is my mother in law entitled to all his property which is only one house?
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 28, 2018 at 9:49am
  
  When someone dies without a will, his separate property will be distributed according to the terms of the intestacy statutes.
Diana

December 21, 2018 at 2:29am

Hi my father in law just passed away a month ago. My husband was his only child. He was married to a woman who is not my husband’s mother. Who gets his stuff? They live in Texas and have no will!
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 2, 2019 at 5:23pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. The following article describes how property is distributed when someone dies without a Will in Texas: Dying Without a Will in Texas.
  
  The intestacy statutes apply to probate assets. Assets that have beneficiary designations or POD/TOD designations pass to the designated beneficiary. Likewise, assets held with rights of survivorship pass to the surviving joint owner.
Kim

December 25, 2018 at 4:42pm

My husband of 5 years owned a house prior to our marriage which I understand makes it separate real property even though we used community funds to pay the mortgage. No children. I understand I receive 1/2 and his parents receive half. However, they want to evict me…do I have life estate use?
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 1, 2019 at 10:35pm
  
  Certain constitutional protections are available for surviving spouses in Texas. A surviving spouse is entitled to a life estate in the homestead and cannot be forced to sell the property as long as he or she occupies and uses it.
Diana

January 14, 2019 at 11:40pm

My dad did not leave a will. However, he got married to my mom 5 years after buying the house. We are a total of 5 children. Will i be able to transfer the house to my mom?
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 16, 2019 at 11:15am
  
  Property purchased before marriage is characterized as separate property. If someone dies without a Will, the deceased person’s estate will be distributed according to the intestacy statutes as outlined in this article.
2. Christine Ellis Mills
  
  June 3, 2019 at 4:42pm
  
  I am an only child from my Dad’s 1st marriage to my mother who is deceased. My dad died without a will. Am I entitled to 50 percent of his estate same as the suriving spouse?
  1. Rania Combs
    
    December 2, 2019 at 2:38pm
    
    When someone dies without a Will leaving a surviving spouse who is not the parent of all the deceased spouse’s children, the deceased spouse’s 50% interest in community property passes to the children of the deceased spouse, and the surviving spouse retains his or her 50% interest in the community property.
Rose

January 25, 2019 at 2:16pm

Hi and good day,
My father passed away with no will in Texas and my younger brother and I are to be his beneficiarie. What do we need to do, paperwork that is , in order to have 80% of the benifits to go to my brother. Thank you so kuch for your help.
1. Rania Combs
  
  December 2, 2019 at 2:42pm
  
  The intestacy statutes provide that if an unmarried person dies without a Will in Texas and is survived by children, the children will inherit in equal shares. Heirs of an estate can disclaim their interest in property, or can gift the inherited property in any way they choose.
Pedro

April 21, 2019 at 12:02am

Main question “How is property divided in Texas?” My mom and dad are considered common-law married; my mom passed 8 years ago and my dad passed 2 years ago and they purchase a home together. Now that they are both deceased how is property divided between and my 3 half-sisters all who are from my mom’s first marriage and me (the only child from my parents?? please provide insight in known. thx.
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 24, 2019 at 4:05pm
  
  In Texas, when a married person dies owning community property, the surviving spouse will inherit all community property if the children are also the children of the surviving spouse. Otherwise, the deceased spouse’s one-half interest in the community estate will pass to deceased spouse’s children in equal shares, with the surviving spouse keeping only his or her one-half interest.
  
  When a single person dies leaving children, then all property passes to his children.
  1. Reema McMullen
    
    May 17, 2020 at 10:26pm
    
    My husband and I have one child together and He has two kids from a previous marriage. I understand that in Texas, if he passes then I get 1/2 and all three kids get 1/2 divided equally. What I don’t understand is what happens if I die first without a will? Does he get to keep 1/2 and then other 1/2 goes to child we have together or does it go to all three of his kids or he gets to keep it all as all three kids are his biological kids?
    1. Rania Combs
      
      May 18, 2020 at 12:11pm
      
      If a married person dies intestate, and all the deceased spouse’s children are also the children of the surviving spouse, then the deceased spouse’s share will all pass to the surviving spouse.
Brandy Clanton

August 21, 2019 at 3:18pm

I have a question. My husband died a few years ago, I didn’t know about the laws of intestate succession until now. We were from NY. We lived and he died in Texas. He didn’t get along with his kids nor talked to them in over 20 years. Is there a statute of limitations for them to claim an inheritance? They lived in a state where the spouse receives everything so they do not know he did not have a will at passing. Please advise.
1. Rania Combs
  
  December 2, 2019 at 2:36pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. There is no statute of limitations for them to claim an inheritance.
Lala King

October 2, 2019 at 8:37pm

Hello, my father recently passed away without a will. He had a bank account and did not leave anyone for pay on death. He is currently married to my mom and had only one child in the marriage (me). However, he was in a previous relationship before her and had two children with a different woman but the previous relationship did not end in marriage. They are not around and are even in a different state than what he passed away. They were not around for years but are now asking about a will now that he has passed away. I’m just wondering because they are children not from his current marriage; does the intestate divide differently or can all of it goes towards my mother considering I am the only child of their marriage?
1. Rania Combs
  
  October 14, 2019 at 10:37am
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  Under Texas laws, if the deceased person is survived by a spouse and children from another relationship, all the deceased spouse’s one-half interest in the community estate will pass to the deceased spouse’s children, with the deceased spouse keeping only his or her one-half interest.
THELMA MEERHEIM

November 24, 2019 at 6:52pm

I am the power of attorney over my oldest brother and I was wondering if I should get him to get a Will made before he passes. He has no kids.
1. Rania Combs
  
  December 2, 2019 at 2:34pm
  
  A will can help him dictate how he wishes his property to be distributed after he dies. Without a Will, the Texas Intestacy Statutes will control how the property will be distributed.
greg

January 27, 2020 at 5:04pm

My wife has four daughters from another relationship and passed away June 8 2018 with no will.We have a house worth about 200k and owe 55k on the house. I tried to sell the house and found out about some Texas law that her children get half of the house…even though I’m the one that has paid on it. Somebody else told me they get half of the house but only if they help pay the Tax, insurance, and part of the house payment from the day she died. I’m confused. Why should give away half of some they paid zero into? Two if her kids I get along with and two we dont speak….
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 1, 2020 at 8:37pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  When a married person dies without a Will, the Texas intestacy statutes control how their property will be distributed. Under Texas laws, if you are married and are survived by a spouse and children who are not also yours, you get to keep your one-half interest in the property, with the deceased spouse’s share of the property passing to her children.
  
  A surviving spouse also has a constitutional right to reside in the homestead for the term of his life, despite the children’s remainder interest in half the property. The following article discusses the rights and responsibilities of life tenants in Texas: What are the Rights and Responsibilities of a Life Tenant in Texas?
Bob

February 20, 2020 at 10:19am

Hello, and thank you for your this excellent article. My divorced sister recently passed away in Texas. She did not leave a will. Our parents are deceased, as well as one other of our sisters. There is just my one sister and I left. She has three adult children, and the other deceased sister has two adult children. Will the estate be divided equally between myself and my remaining sister, or will it be divided with the 5 nieces and nephews? My widowed brother in law from my deceased sister seems to believe he will receive 1/3 of the estate.
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 20, 2020 at 4:55pm
  
  If an individual dies unmarried leaving no children and has no surviving parents, then the estate is distributed to that individual’s siblings, with a deceased sibling’s share passing to the deceased sibling’s descendants, if any.
MYRNA GASC

March 9, 2020 at 11:02pm

My brother passed away without a will, my mom was the administrator and she is a widow. She signed an affidavit saying my brother had no siblings. Now the property is entirely in my mom’s name in Harris county, Texas. Is there a way I can stop her from selling it or someone else inheriting it and make my 50 percent valid?
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 13, 2020 at 11:12am
  
  An affidavit is a sworn statement. The legal consequences of lying in a sworn statement can be significant. I recommend that you engage a lawyer with physical offices in Harris county who can meet with you in person to discuss the best course of action in light of the circumstances.
Bob

April 8, 2020 at 11:25pm

My sister passed away in 2018 and did not have a will. She has four siblings one of which she gave a power of attorney. The sibling with the power of attorney transferred all of her assets into his name and has taken possession of them without conferring with the other siblings. In Texas is there a requirement for a probate hearing to determine how her assets be distributed?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 9, 2020 at 3:00pm
  
  The power of an agent under a power of attorney expires when the principal dies. The estate of a person who dies without a will is distributed according to the Texas Intestacy Statutes.
Rachael F.

April 20, 2020 at 2:20am

I have a question about legal rights on a broke down vehicle and general personal goods. My mother’s best friend whom was in our lives and lived with out family off and on for almost 40 yrs, died . He was a estranged from his children and x wife. They never divorced though.nonetheless , do they have right to any of his stuff even though they were estranged and they are just being vultures? He truly wanted none of his things to even be given to them and everything stay with the people he lived with. Do the people he lived with have legal right to his things then?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 20, 2020 at 10:47am
  
  The intestacy statutes are rigid and inflexible. They don’t take into account a deceased person’s unique circumstances and may dictate that assets be distributed in a manner the deceased person would have never intended.
Allison Miesner

April 25, 2020 at 12:16pm

Hi. My mother passed away two years ago. She bought a house with my father over 19 years ago and didn’t leave a will. Her name is still on the mortgage and my father is in the process of selling the house. I was wondering if my brother and i have any rights to the house. We live in texas and my brother i still live in the house at the moment.
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 13, 2020 at 11:37am
  
  Under Texas statutes, if a deceased person was married and is survived by a spouse and children, the surviving spouse will inherit all community property if all the children are also the children of the surviving spouse.
Amber

April 28, 2020 at 12:29pm

Hello, my ex-husband and I are still very good friends. We have 3 minor children together. He does not have a will. He does have a girlfriend but they are not married. He owns a home which is not fully paid off. My question is if he passes away, what would happen to his home? I believe his property would all go to the 3 children, correct? But how would this work since they’re all minors and the house isn’t paid off? Would it be possible for me to buy the house from them and put the equity that they earn from the sale in a trust of some sort that they would get when they turn 18?…not sure if that would work since they’re currently minors and I’m not sure if minors can sell a house…
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 13, 2020 at 11:35am
  
  Under the Texas intestacy statutes, if a single person dies and has children, his estate will pass to his children. If the children are minors, a guardian will be appointed to act on behalf of minor beneficiaries.
  1. JJ Jones
    
    May 24, 2020 at 3:00pm
    
    I have a question. My dad’s mother passed away. My dad is deceased, but I have a living uncle. She has property. Will it be divided between us or will he automatically get it? We are in Texas.
    1. Rania Combs
      
      May 27, 2020 at 11:26am
      
      Under the intestacy statutes, the children of a deceased child would inherit the deceased child’s share.
Christina Whitworth

May 26, 2020 at 10:33am

Thank you for your website…I have found it very informative. I purchased a house in 2003 as a divorced mother of two. In 2004 I executed a will leaving everything to my children. In 2011 I remarried. My husband and I have always keep our finances separate. Mine is the only name on the deed and I alone have paid the mortgage. He has always maintained that the children should have the house even if I die first. We have discussed the life estate as long as he can afford the upkeep of the home. My question is since I purchased the home before we married, is it considered community property?
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 27, 2020 at 11:27am
  
  Property acquired before marriage is separate property.
Loren

June 14, 2020 at 5:02pm

Thank you for all the information! It is so helpful, I have a very tricky situation and don’t know what the next step is. Both my parents passed away and my mom left me everything in her possession in her will. The lawyer that was supposed to probate the will had all the paperwork and (unbeknownst to me) he ended up being a drug addict and went to jail and got his license revoked. I have tried everything to get my moms will back, but it is believed to be gone now. I have a copy of the will, but no original. Is there anyway to get my moms will probated? It’s such unfortunate circumstances that we’re beyond my control. I’m not sure where to go from here.
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 15, 2020 at 10:44am
  
  You’re welcome, Loren. I’m glad you find the information on my site helpful.
  
  Texas has a process for probating a lost Will. You can read more about it in the following article: Is It Possible to Probate a Lost Will?
Maria

June 16, 2020 at 2:39am

My brother passed away almost 4 years ago. He had a surviving spouse and 1 child. He had a house he purchased before he was married and it is still not paid off. My parents had been living in the house and paying mortgage and taxes on the home as my brother and his wife bought a new home together. After his death I moved into the home to continue paying on the mortgage. His wife does not really care or want the responsibility of this house. All mortgage statements are under the “Estate” of my brother. I’d like to know what is going to happen to this home since his surviving spouse has not done anything to claim it and doesnt seem to have interest in it. Is there anything that we can do? Parents or sisters?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 16, 2020 at 4:07pm
  
  Property owned before marriage is separate property. Under the intestacy statutes, a surviving spouse will only receive a life estate (the right to use the property until his or her death) in one-third of separate real property. The deceased spouse’s child or children would inherit the remainder. After proceeding to clear title to the property, the property could be deeded to someone else.
Israel Garcia

June 17, 2020 at 10:35pm

My Parents are both still alive and my mom acquired a piece of land a few years ago. If she passes as it is only in her name, does my dad get the rights too the house? Do we need a will for this or is he ok assuming he automatically inherit rights to this property?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 22, 2020 at 6:11pm
  
  If a real estate is characterized as separate property, a surviving spouse will only receive a life estate (the right to use the property until his or her death) in one-third of the property. The deceased spouse’s children would inherit the remaining interest outright. I recommend your parents talk to an estate planning lawyer to ensure their property passes as they wish.
Veronica

June 29, 2020 at 2:39pm

My father passed away recently and I was wondering if and how I can go about renting his house out since it’s still under his name. Not sure what the first step to do is to be able to do that. The property is here in Texas.
1. Rania Combs
  
  July 3, 2020 at 2:12pm
  
  Title can be transferred to your father’s heirs through probate.
Shelbie

July 16, 2020 at 10:51am

Grandfather passed away and left everything to grandmother in the will. Their house title is in both their names. 2 daughter belong to the both of them. IF there was not will (dont want to have to go through probate court to sell the house) the home now belongs to the wife correct?
1. Rania Combs
  
  July 17, 2020 at 3:49pm
  
  The following article may answer your question: Is Probate Always Necessary?
Miki

August 4, 2020 at 7:09pm

So – House was given to my mom by her parents after she was married to my stepfather. His name was never put on the deed. He had a child from a previous marriage.
He passed in the 90s with no will. Mother was told (by who, we don’t recall) that since he had no real property, it didn’t need to go into Probate. Now she is trying to sell her house and we are having an issue with title because of this community property law.
The child hates us but now we have to contact them to see if they have any interest in a house that he (step father) never owned and the child never lived in. The child never contested the fact that there was no will etc and it’s been over 20 yrs.

Do we have any recourse are does this child now get to take half the proceeds of my mother’s home – which was a gift to her????
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 5, 2020 at 1:40pm
  
  Property acquired by gift or inheritance, even during a marriage, is by definition separate property.
Mati

August 11, 2020 at 10:57pm

My uncle died and did not have a will. He lived in Texas. He did not list anyone on his bank account and has money left in the bank – not sure how much. Can his daughter be given his money from the bank to help pay the cemetery for the burial cost (funeral cost was already paid)?
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 12, 2020 at 9:05pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss.
  
  Generally, banks will not release funds in a deceased person’s account to people who inherit it until the estate is probated.
  
  Depending on the size of the probate estate, a full probate proceeding may not be necessary. A small estate affidavit can sometimes be used to transfer property to heirs without a formal probate. You can find out more information about when it is possible to use a small estate affidavit by reading the following article: When is it Proper to Use a Small Estate Affidavit?
Paula L

August 12, 2020 at 7:05pm

Sister died. No will, no spouse, no children. Parents both dead. As I read above estate goes to siblings divided in half or their children. Do we have to go to court to get Affivat of heirship for motor vehicle? how about to sell her house? She had a housemate but they were not married. She had told me want everything to go to him. Would it be better if went to him or siblings? Would it be better to go through attorney? There is just house and car maybe bank account.
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 12, 2020 at 8:55pm
  
  A determination of heirship proceeding is a court proceeding to declare the identity the decedent’s heirs administer the decedent’s estate if necessary.
Yvonne

August 22, 2020 at 10:04am

If a person dies without a will but with a spouse and adult children from a previous marriage, do the adult children need to hire their own attorney for probate? How do they know that the probate court will even know they exist?
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 27, 2020 at 1:24pm
  
  A court in a determination of heirship proceeding will appoint an independent attorney to discover the identity of any unknown heirs.
Jean

August 23, 2020 at 12:15pm

Parents deceased without will, 6 children – 1 proceeded them in death and had wife and 3 children. From my reading, the deceased children will get the 1/6 of their grandparents property, not the wife – is this correct?
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 27, 2020 at 1:21pm
  
  The wife of a deceased child would not be the parents’ heirs.
Claudia Rodriguez

August 24, 2020 at 6:51pm

My widowed mother passed away in her apartment. She did not have a will. The property management changed the lock to her apartment and will not release her belongings to me and my brother. We are her only children and her spouse died over 10 years ago. They will not accept a death certificate. They will only accept a will or an order that says my brother and I are authorized representatives of her estate. What do I have to do?
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 27, 2020 at 1:20pm
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. It is possible to file a small estate affidavit in some cases when someone dies without a Will. That would give the deceased person’s heirs that authority to collect assets owned by the estate. For more information read: When is it Property to Use a Small Estate Affidavit?
Jose S Frias

August 25, 2020 at 11:16pm

My mother died left a house no will. She had 7 children. Some of us want to sell some don’t. How can we settled this?
1. Rania Combs
  
  August 27, 2020 at 1:16pm
  
  One possibility would be for the children who want to keep the house to buy out the shares of those who want to sell it.
Sandy Wilson

October 2, 2020 at 9:13pm

Please answer question. My husband died in 2015 he did not put me on as beneficiary on ameritrade stocks. No will either. The stocks are only worth $1288 so what I have learned is it goes to the state probate. If I go to probate I will eat up the $1288 on his stocks. Is there anyway to do this without using up my money on probate fees attorney fees. thanks!
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 9, 2021 at 5:30pm
  
  The following article may answer your question: When is it proper to use a Small Estate Affidavit?
Erika Deinbeck

January 15, 2021 at 10:09pm

How can you draw a will for someone that is in the hospital and nonresponsive.
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 9, 2021 at 3:26pm
  
  You cannot.
MISTY MORENO

January 30, 2021 at 5:41pm

My grandmother passed away with no will. She doesn’t have many assets other than personal items (jewelry, furniture and car), she is not married but has 3 biological children. My uncle, my aunt and my dad. All of them have stated they want nothing and that I could have whatever I wanted. My question is, how do I go about obtaining her car and putting the title in my name? Thank you.
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 9, 2021 at 3:16pm
  
  When someone dies without a Will, the intestacy statute controls. If the deceased person was not married and had three children who survive, the children would be the heirs. The Texas DMV has an Affidavit of Heirship for Motor Vehicles form that can be used to transfer title of a vehicle to the heirs. Heirs could then transfer title to the vehicle to whomever they choose.
Maricel Banks

January 30, 2021 at 7:38pm

My ex died. We have a 13-year-old daughter. What will happen? He got life insurance, but his brother was named as the beneficiary.
1. Rania Combs
  
  February 9, 2021 at 3:13pm
  
  Death benefits from a life insurance policy pass to the designated beneficiary rather than according to the intestacy statutes. The person named as the beneficiary of the policy is entitled to the proceeds.
Candice taylor

February 22, 2021 at 12:47pm

My mother died wednesday i don’t know if she has a will I am her only child and she has told me everything she has go to me. There is not a lot of money but how do i gain control if I can find a will or if it wasn’t signed. I’m the sole heir of whatever she has which isn’t much.
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 4, 2021 at 11:36am
  
  I’m so sorry for your loss. The following publication from the Texas Young Lawyer’s Association contains some tips on how to proceed after someone dies in Texas: The Texas Probate Passport.
Question

March 2, 2021 at 7:40pm

If one out of the four siblings uses the POA after the death of the last parent, does the oldest surviving child have rights?
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 4, 2021 at 11:26am
  
  A power of attorney expires when the person who signs the power of attorney dies. An agent has no power to act after that person’s death.
Rose Marie Smith

March 3, 2021 at 12:55am

Am “I” able to address an intestate estate in Probate Court (alone), with the Probate Judge?
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 4, 2021 at 11:17am
  
  Most counties do not allow a personal representative, which includes an independent executor, dependent executor, independent administrator, temporary administrator, or dependent administrator, of a decedent’s estate to be appointed unless represented by an attorney who is licensed to practice law in Texas.
Alberth

March 3, 2021 at 10:50pm

My parents both died with no will, my mother had only me and my younger brother but my dad has children in a foreign country that he had before meeting my mother. Are they entitled to claim anything? Or is their anyway for just my brother and I to be able to claim their estate?
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 4, 2021 at 11:15am
  
  I’m sorry for your loss.
  
  According to the intestacy statutes, if a married person dies without a Will, and all the deceased spouse’s children are also the children of the surviving spouse, then the deceased spouse’s interest in community property would all pass to the surviving spouse.
  
  If a married person dies without a Will but the deceased spouse had children from another relationship, then the deceased spouse’s interest in community property would pass to the children of the deceased spouse equally.
  
  Property classified as separate property passes differently as outlined in this article.
Paula

March 21, 2021 at 2:53pm

Hello,
My Dad is the only living child of 10 who inherited homestead property. He has many nieces and nephews and greats as well. If he should pass without a will. What rights does my mom have? Can I buy my Dad out of his inheritance to keep the property in the family? I’m afraid his greedy family is going to try to sell the property that’s been in our family for 75yrs.
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 29, 2021 at 11:27am
  
  Property that is inherited outright by one person belongs exclusively to that person. As such, it passes according to the terms of that person’s Will, or if there is no Will, according to the intestacy statutes.
Laura

March 22, 2021 at 7:51am

My husband died intestate. We have 2 grown children. Do I need to hire an attorney to change the house and cars to my name? Our sons inherit everything when I die.
1. Rania Combs
  
  March 29, 2021 at 11:22am
  
  Please accept my condolences for your loss. Depending on the value of the estate and the types of assets in it, some expedited procedures may be available to you to transfer title to your home. If those are not an option, a probate proceeding can transfer title. Please schedule a call with an attorney to discuss your options.
Tonya Brown

April 19, 2021 at 1:42pm

My brother died. He is survived by our mother, me, and his three children. How would his estate be divided?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 19, 2021 at 5:27pm
  
  If he is unmarried, is survived by children, and died without a Will, the intestacy statutes dictate that his property will be divided equally among his children.
Jane

April 27, 2021 at 12:02pm

Father in law passed and had remarried several years ago. He didn’t have a beneficiary on his 401k. How do we handle this and he also didn’t have a will. Does the step mom now have to handle it all or can my father in laws children take care of it?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 30, 2021 at 12:02pm
  
  401(k) plans or insurance policies obtained through work are governed by The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Under ERISA, a participant’s spouse is automatically the beneficiary of the participant’s 401K, unless their spouse has a signed and notarized a waiver permitting the spouse to name someone else as the beneficiary.
Sheri

April 28, 2021 at 10:42pm

My brother passed away last month in Oklahoma. He was an Oklahoma resident. He left no will, but has a lot in Texas. My mother this week received a court appointed POA to access, sell any/all of his belongings. There is my mother, and 3 of us sisters remaining. Can my mother hold on to the Texas property? Can she sell it? Or does it need to be distributed even though there was no written instructions? Thanks you….Sheri
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 30, 2021 at 11:57am
  
  The law of the state in which the real estate is located determines how it will be distributed at death if there is no Will. In Texas, when a single person dies without a Will, the estate passes equally to the decedent’s parents if both are living. If one parent has died, then the surviving parent gets one-half of the property and the other half is distributed to siblings, or descendants of siblings (nieces and nephews) if a sibling has died.
Lin Hayes

May 1, 2021 at 8:18pm

We are in Florida right now and my husband is thinking to move back to Texas. If we make a will here in Florida, should we change the will once we move to texas or just leave it? Thank you.
1. Rania Combs
  
  May 5, 2021 at 11:27am
  
  The following article may answer your questions: Is the Will I Signed in Another State Valid in Texas?
Jeaninne

September 28, 2021 at 4:13pm

Rania, I understand from your website that my siblings and cousins are heirs to a house my uncle left when he died, since his wife, parents and siblings are all dead, but does that mean we now own the house if the deed is still in my Uncle’s name? Also, how can one of my siblings living in the house become the sole owner?
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 2, 2021 at 11:01am
  
  A probate proceeding can establish the heirs and will serve as a link in the chain of title to show the property has passed to the heirs. An affidavit of heirship can also be used to identify heirs to real estate. You can read more about affidavits of heirship by clicking on the link.
Ernestine Zawitkowski

September 30, 2021 at 9:08pm

My brother passed away and there is no will; he was living with a common law wife of 3 years but there 5 children who want to take everything from her house that my brother and her lived. Does the common law wife any rights? and does his estate has to be probate?
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 2, 2021 at 10:52am
  
  Common-law marriage is a legal marriage and, once established, is treated the same as if it were a ceremonial marriage.
Shan

May 11, 2022 at 12:19pm

My mom husband passed away without a will. It states his children are entitled to half but they never visited the whole time he was sick. Can she contest to get 100%?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 6, 2022 at 5:01pm
  
  I do not believe that would be a valid reason to contest the Will; however, if you have questions you should contact an attorney who handles Will contests for advice.
Bette Fleming

May 26, 2022 at 6:35pm

My single older sister died without a will and I just received a check for some stock shares sold. The check is made out to my dead sister. How can I cash the check and share it with my other living sister?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 6, 2022 at 4:58pm
  
  A small estate affidavit may be an option if the estate qualifies. Otherwise, a determination of heirship proceeding may be necessary.
Sandra Simo

October 5, 2022 at 6:38pm

My mothers will names her 3 living children as beneficiaries, however my brother died 5 days prior to her passing. He was married and has no children. Title company says his wife is entitled to a portion of the sale of her home. Not my mother’s wishes. Is the accurate. Lapse, residuary can anything apply to eliminate her from receiving his portion. Thank you very much.
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 9, 2022 at 6:19pm
  
  The answer depends on the language of the Will; for example, is the spouse listed as a contingent beneficiary? Most Wills include a survivorship clause that requires a beneficiary to survive the testator for a period of time; otherwise, the beneficiary will be deemed to have predeceased the testator.
Renee Rodriguez

October 22, 2022 at 11:06pm

My Mom has passed and had no will. We recently got contacted by insurance company stating she had a policy still active to send in documents so we did , but my stepdad, her husband, was named the benificiary, well he has also passed. He passed 20 years ago, and left her as a widow, therefore these assets go to the estate of my mother. So where do we go from here? How to get appointed to her estate?
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 9, 2022 at 6:14pm
  
  It will likely be necessary for you to go through probate. The following publication may help answer many of your questions: Texas Probate Passport.
Suzan Huang

November 8, 2022 at 9:52pm

My question, from this phase below
“Your surviving spouse will inherit all your community property if all your children are also the children of your surviving spouse;
Otherwise, all your one-half interest in the community estate will pass to your children, with your spouse keeping only his or her one-half interest.”

My question: for the community property, if you have two children, one is with your survived spouse, another from previous marriage. So without will ， 50% if property to survived spouse, another 50% passed to two your children, or passed to only one from your previous marriage?

I’m so confused.
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 9, 2022 at 6:10pm
  
  If a deceased spouse has two children (one from the marriage and one from outside the marriage) the deceased spouse’s share of community property will pass to both children in equal shares.
Barbara Randle

December 18, 2022 at 6:50pm

Mom died with no Will. Dad died from dementia and willed home to one son. I have one other brother and myself. Do my other brother and myself have ant rights. We live in Texas
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 2, 2023 at 4:21pm
  
  The intestacy statutes apply only when a testator dies without a Will. If a testator has a valid Will, the terms of that Will apply.
Brian Harbin

December 23, 2022 at 3:59pm

My aunt passed away and owned property in Texas. The family “agreed” to assume ownership of the land. However, at the time all persons except me, my dad, and my brother said they want nothing to do with the property. The three of us have paid the taxes every year since her death (2007). I pay the taxes now since my dad and my brother have both passed away (2020 & 2021 respectively). My aunt according to the “head” person supposedly does not have a will although I remember her having one. My question is this, how can I legally obtain a deed to this property and put it in my name? I understand me paying the taxes doesn’t guarantee me the land. Or will I have to take the executor to court to get it?
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 2, 2023 at 4:13pm
  
  If the other family members do not wish to retain their interest in the property, they could convey their interest in the property to you.
Cheryl Delarosa

January 1, 2023 at 3:51am

My husband and I have a mortgage on our home in Texas. We are joint tenants. If he passes away the mortgage company says they just need a death certificate if I sell the property. Is this true?
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 2, 2023 at 12:25pm
  
  Property held between spouses as tenants in common does not automatically pass to the survivor when one spouse dies. The result is different if the property is held as joint tenants with rights of survivorship.
Sonya Fontenot

January 24, 2023 at 10:43am

My grandfather passed. He had two children with my grandmother. My mother being one of the children, passed. My uncle sold the property and kept all of the proceeds. My mother had five children and grandchildren. Should we have received anything. My uncle took everything. Is there something that I can do?
1. Rania Combs
  
  January 24, 2023 at 1:53pm
  
  Before a property is sold, a title company typically conducts research to determine who the owners of the property are. If the property belonged to someone who has died, they will investigate who inherited the property. For example, if someone dies without a Will, the title company will determine who the decedent’s legal heirs are based on the intestacy statutes. If the decedent was a single person and had children, or descendants of children surviving, the title company would not issue a check to simply one heir and exclude other heirs who have an interest in the property. Additionally, a person who inherited only a partial interest in the property would not be permitted to sell the property without the joinder of the other heirs of the property.
Joe

January 30, 2023 at 8:32pm

My mother-in-law died on 1/27/2023 without a will. My wife being the oldest daughter and she has 2 younger sister’s, her younger sister is trying to take everything without giving her other 2 sister’s anything that involves property,vehicle and money in bank account. What type of lawyer do we need to stop her from taking everything.
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 18, 2023 at 2:55pm
  
  I recommend hiring a probate lawyer in the community where your mother-in-law resided before her death for assistance with his matter.
Tommy

February 13, 2023 at 11:48am

Have got a car that is community property here in Texas, and is in my name only. What needs to be done to put the car in wife’s name only?
Also have a car in Texas that is in my name and sons name. What needs to be done to put that car in son:s name only?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 18, 2023 at 2:50pm
  
  The Texas DMV has forms to transfer title of vehicles.
Pier walter

March 25, 2023 at 6:38pm

My husband purchased a home before we got married. We had been married for twelve years before he passed away. What rights do I have? He has two sons. We have no kids together.
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 18, 2023 at 2:45pm
  
  The following article may answer your question: Can My Husband Give His Children Our Homestead If He Owned It Before We Were Married?
Danielle Lawrence

April 6, 2023 at 10:24pm

Hello. My dad has been married to this lady for two years. She is not on the deed of his house and the property was bought before they got married. Would his children get the house or would his wife??
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 18, 2023 at 2:34pm
  
  The following article may answer your question: Can My Husband Give His Children Our Homestead If He Owned It Before We Were Married?
Candace

April 14, 2023 at 2:44am

I have a friend that died without a will. She was not married, one child died as well, her other children had been adopted out years before. I am listed as next of kin on her death certificate can I get any inheritance?
1. Rania Combs
  
  April 18, 2023 at 2:31pm
  
  If she is just your friend, as you have indicated, and you are not biologically related to her in any way, you would not be entitled to any portion of her estate under the intestacy statutes.
Evelyn

June 22, 2023 at 6:15pm

My husband bought our house 1 week before we were married but have paid every payment since our marriage. Would I be entitled to the house or income paid on the house?
1. Rania Combs
  
  June 22, 2023 at 9:20pm
  
  In Texas, whether property is characterized as separate or community property is fixed at the “inception of title.” Property acquired before marriage is separate property. Depending on the types of expenditures made, a spouse may be entitled to reimbursement for contributions that enhance the value of the separate estate.
Dj

November 10, 2023 at 5:12pm

My husband passed away in 2022. Our home was in his name only. He did a deed on death but did not have a will. No child. Do his siblings have rights to my home?
1. Rania Combs
  
  November 10, 2023 at 5:39pm
  
  A transfer on death deed that has been signed, notarized, and recorded before the homeowner’s death as required by statute transfers property to the listed beneficiary without probate. The intestacy statutes would not control property subject to a valid transfer on death deed.

What Happens If You Die Without A Will in Texas?

Who Inherits Property When a Single Person With No Children Dies Without a Will in Texas?

Who Inherits When a Single Person with Children Dies Without a Will?

Who Inherits When A Married Person Dies Without a Will in Texas?

Community Property

Separate Property

Do Intestacy Laws Control All Property if You Die Without a Will in Texas?

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