What If the Executor Does Not Probate the Will?
When someone dies in Texas, the executor named in their will, if they have one, is responsible for initiating the probate process. But what if the executor does not probate the will?
Serious delays, or complete inaction, can prevent heirs from receiving property, cause legal disputes among beneficiaries, and even make the will unenforceable. Fortunately, Texas law gives family members and others with a potential interest in the estate the right to step in and initiate probate when the named executor fails to act.
At Lewis Law Firm, PLLC, we help families across Texas understand their options when an executor delays or refuses to probate a will. Our firm focuses on estate and legacy planning with an approach grounded in empathy, clarity, and strategic solutions. We know how confusing and emotional this situation can be, and are here to simplify the process.
The Role of the Executor
When a person creates a will, they can name an executor to fulfill their wishes after they die. Under Texas law, the executor’s role comes with legal duties and responsibilities, including the duty to initiate probate in a timely manner.
The executor’s job includes:
- Locating the original will and filing it with the probate court,
- Notifying those named in the will and the estate’s creditors about probate,
- Inventorying the deceased person’s assets and debts,
- Managing or preserving estate property during the probate process,
- Paying valid debts and taxes, and
- Distributing property according to the will.
Executors are the estate’s fiduciaries, meaning they must act in its best interests and the interests of its beneficiaries. When they fail to act, they can cause serious harm.
How the Probate Process Is Supposed to Work
In Texas, probate typically involves the:
- Executor applying to probate the will in the county where the deceased lived;
- Court posting notice to allow others to contest the will or probate application;
- Court holding a hearing to determine the will’s validity;
- Court issuing letters of testamentary, if it approves the will, which gives the executor formal authority to manage the estate;
- Executor gathering and inventories assets; and
- Executor paying debts, files taxes, and distributes assets.
Generally, someone must file a will for probate within four years of the person’s death. Yet, waiting years before initiating probate without a good reason may be an unreasonable delay, despite the deadline. In some cases, these delays can spark disputes among heirs, making it important to consult a contested probate lawyer early on.
On the other hand, Texas courts allow probate beyond the four-year deadline in limited situations, such as when the person seeking probate:
- Did not know about the death or the existence of a will,
- Acted in good faith based on informal family arrangements, or
- Acted based on one or more misunderstandings about their role or responsibilities.
Yet, probate cannot begin until someone, usually the executor, files the initial application. So, what if the executor does not probate the will?
Probate Delays Can Put Your Inheritance at Risk
That silence can create confusion, stress, and tension among family members. We’ll walk you through the legal options to replace or motivate the executor, so the estate is managed fairly and efficiently.
What to Do If the Executor Refuses to Act
When an executor fails to probate the will, others are not powerless. Anyone with a valid legal interest in the estate may raise issues with the executor.
Particularly, individuals who have a right to some portion of the estate — including surviving spouses who may be asking does a surviving spouse need probate in Texas — and other interested parties may have the right to work directly with the court. Interested parties typically include:
- Beneficiaries named in the will,
- Heirs under Texas intestacy laws, and
- Creditors of the estate.
Even if the executor fails to comply with their responsibilities, these other parties may move probate forward.
1. Talk to the Executor
Before escalating the situation, try reaching out to the executor directly. They may be overwhelmed, grieving, or confused about their responsibilities. Suggesting they speak with a probate attorney may resolve the issue without legal action.
2. Send a Formal Request
If outreach does not help, consider sending a formal written request asking the executor to begin the probate process. A lawyer can help you decide what to include.
3. File a Probate Application Yourself
If the executor still does not act, you can file the will for probate even if you are not the named executor if you are an interested party. The judge may then appoint an administrator, who serves in the same role as the executor, to handle the estate.
4. Ask the Court to Remove the Executor
If the court has already appointed the executor but that person neglects their duties, you may formally request that the court remove them. Under Texas law, the court may remove an executor if they:
- Fail to file for probate within a reasonable time, often considered a delay of several months or more;
- Mismanage estate property;
- Ignore court orders; or
- Commit fraud or other misconduct.
Generally, if you ask the court to remove the executor, it will schedule a hearing. If the court agrees to remove the executor, it will appoint a replacement to complete the probate process.
5. Seek Legal Guidance from a Probate Attorney
Probate issues can quickly become complex and emotionally burdensome. A probate attorney can help you:
- Evaluate your right to file requests with the court,
- Prepare and file court documents,
- Communicate with the court and other parties,
- Request removal or replacement of an executor who is unable or unwilling to perform their obligations, and
- Resolve disputes through mediation or court hearings.
Legal guidance is especially important if the estate includes real property, business interests, or conflicts among heirs or beneficiaries.
What Happens If a Will Is Not Probated?
If neither the executor nor anyone probates the will, the court cannot enforce its terms. That means:
- Assets may not be distributed;
- The court may distribute assets under Texas intestacy laws, not the will;
- Creditors may not receive proper notice or payment;
- Title to property may be clouded or unusable;
- Beneficiaries may lose their inheritance; and
- Family disputes may escalate.
A valid will becomes meaningless unless the court admits it to probate, which is why knowing when probate is necessary is so important for protecting assets and beneficiaries. Taking action when an executor fails to act can protect your inheritance and honor your loved one’s final wishes.
Take the Next Step with Lewis Law Firm, PLLC
At Lewis Law Firm, PLLC, we guide clients through the probate process with legal experience, economic insight, and personal understanding. We are here to simplify the process and give you peace of mind. Estate planning is one of the kindest things you can do for your family, and making sure they can properly probate your will is an essential part of that legacy.
Contact Lewis Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule a consultation.
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