Understand the role.
Prepare for the conversation.

An administrator is a court-appointed personal representative who handles the administration of an estate. The work can include identifying and protecting assets, reviewing claims, keeping records, obtaining required court approvals, accounting for the administration, and distributing property as authorized.

Dependent administration involves continuing probate court supervision. The administrator must follow applicable statutory procedures and court orders, including approval and reporting requirements for particular actions.

Independent administration generally involves less routine court supervision. The independent administrator still has fiduciary duties and must comply with applicable law and the authority established for the estate. Independent administration can be available in appropriate estates with or without a will.

No. A conversation or referral begins an evaluation. Any appointment depends on the applicable court process, qualification, availability, potential conflicts, and the orders entered in the estate.

The administrator’s responsibilities and any legal representation must be identified separately. Serving as administrator does not by itself establish an attorney-client relationship with each heir or beneficiary. Interested persons may need their own counsel.

Authority, title, the type of administration, and required court procedures must be reviewed. A dependent administration sale may require an application, order, report of sale, and confirmation before closing. A proposed contract does not by itself resolve those requirements.

No. The available procedure depends on the family circumstances, estate assets, applicable law, and court findings. The absence of a will does not alone determine whether an administration must be dependent.

Yes. Attorneys can contact Scott to discuss a potential appointment. Useful initial information includes the county, case status, type of administration, known property, and immediate issues. The proposed scope and relationship with counsel should be clarified at the outset.

Begin with general information: the Texas county, whether a probate case exists, the type of administration if known, and the issue that needs attention. The appointment discussion checklist can help you prepare. Avoid sending confidential documents until appropriate arrangements are confirmed.

Compensation depends on applicable law, the work involved, and any required court approval. Fees and expenses should be discussed for the particular estate. This website does not quote a commission, hourly rate, or total administration cost.

The site concerns Texas estate administration. Scott is based in San Antonio. You can inquire about an estate elsewhere in Texas; practical availability, venue, local requirements, and the scope of the proposed appointment must be evaluated.

The procedure, property, claims, reporting obligations, court schedule, and disputes affect timing. An expected course can be discussed after reviewing the estate. No completion date is promised by this website.