Free Texas Probate Checklist
The Texas Probate Starter Kit
A practical checklist for families trying to settle an estate without making costly mistakes.
When someone dies, families are suddenly expected to handle wills, bank accounts, houses, bills, court filings, heirs, creditors, and legal authority, often while grieving.
Most families do not need a lecture about probate. They need to know what to do next.
Inside the starter kit
What to do in the first 7 days after a loved one dies
How to know whether probate may be required
What documents to gather before calling an attorney
Common probate mistakes families should avoid
A first 30 days probate checklist for Texas families
Why Download It?
Probate is not always one simple court filing.
In Texas, the right path depends on whether there is a will, whether real estate is involved, whether heirs agree, whether assets have beneficiaries, and whether someone needs legal authority to act.
This guide helps you understand the first steps, the documents that matter, and the probate options families often hear about only after they are already overwhelmed.
Make sure someone actually has authority. Many probate problems come from well-meaning family members moving too quickly.
Texas Probate Checklist: First Steps After a Death
Start with the tasks below, then use the downloadable kit to organize your questions. The first-week and first-month headings are planning checkpoints, not court deadlines.
During the first 7 days
- Locate the original will and any later amendments. Keep the originals safe and make copies for discussion with an attorney.
- Arrange for certified death certificates and gather contact information for close family members and the person named as executor.
- Identify urgent needs involving the home, pets, insurance, or other property. Ask who has authority before moving money, selling assets, or distributing belongings.
- Keep receipts and a written record of expenses, calls, and steps taken.
During the first 30 days
- Build a preliminary list of assets and debts. Note how accounts and property are titled and whether beneficiary designations may apply.
- Gather statements, deeds, insurance information, and unpaid bills. Avoid assuming that every asset must pass through probate.
- Discuss the will, family circumstances, property, debts, and any urgent deadlines with a probate attorney before choosing a procedure.
- Ask what authority is needed to deal with banks or transfer property. Being named executor in a will is different from receiving court-issued letters testamentary.
Our Austin probate attorneys can help identify the next steps. You can also use the Probate Pathfinder questionnaire to organize the basic facts before a consultation.
Documents to gather for a probate consultation
- The original will and any codicils
- Death certificate, if available
- Names and contact details for family members and beneficiaries
- Bank, investment, and retirement account statements
- Real estate deeds and mortgage information
- Life insurance and beneficiary information
- A preliminary list of debts, bills, and expenses
- Any trust documents or existing court papers
You do not need every document before asking for help. Start with what you have and identify what is missing.
Get the Free Guide
Download The Texas Probate Starter Kit
Use it to organize the first steps, avoid common mistakes, and prepare for a probate consultation.