Small Estate Affidavit
A sworn document filed with the Probate Court that transfers the decedent's property to heirs without a full administration. Fastest and cheapest path.
- Filing fee
- $350–$387
- Timeline
- 1-2 mo
- Lawyer
- no
Settling a loved one's estate,
without the guesswork.
Everything a first-time executor needs: the recommended probate process for your situation, realistic costs and timelines, and pre-filled court documents.
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Five ways an estate is settled in Texas
Texas probate isn't one process. It's five, each with different requirements, costs, and timelines. Knowing which one applies to your situation can save months and thousands in fees you shouldn't be paying.
Affidavit of Heirship
A sworn statement filed with the county clerk's Real Property Records — not with the probate court. Clears title to real estate only.
- Filing fee
- $26–$50
- Timeline
- 0-1 mo
- Lawyer
- optional
Probate as Muniment of Title
Texas-specific shortcut: admit the will to probate to transfer title only, without appointing an executor or administering the estate. One hearing, no ongoing administration.
- Filing fee
- $378–$432
- Timeline
- 1-3 mo
- Lawyer
- optional
Independent Administration
The Texas default for estates with a will (or with agreement of all heirs). Once an independent executor is appointed and the inventory is filed, the court is largely hands-off.
- Filing fee
- $378–$432
- Timeline
- 6-12 mo
- Lawyer
- yes
Dependent Administration
Court-supervised administration. Required when heirs can't agree, there are contested creditors, or the will doesn't allow independent administration. Every material action needs court approval.
- Filing fee
- $378–$432
- Timeline
- 12-37 mo
- Lawyer
- yes
Not sure which one applies?
That's what we're here for. A few questions and we'll identify the recommended path for your situation.
Start the questionnaire →Filing fees shown are ranges across supported Texas counties, current as of 2026. Always verify with the county clerk before filing.
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Our story
Why we built Legacywyse.
When someone dies, the family gets handed a stack of legal work while they're grieving. Court dates, filing deadlines, and forms full of words no one ever taught you.
That's broken. Legacywyse walks you through probate the way a patient expert would: one step at a time, with the documents drafted for you and the real costs and timelines on the table.
No billable hours, no guesswork, and a finish line you can see from the start.
Let's take the next step together.
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