This section lets certain family members file an application for a family allowance and a no-administration order if the estate is small enough, and it requires the application to include specific estate details.
Sec. 451.001. APPLICATION FOR FAMILY ALLOWANCE AND ORDER OF NO ADMINISTRATION. (a) If the value of the entire assets of an estate, excluding homestead and exempt property, does not exceed the amount to which the surviving spouse, minor children, and adult incapacitated children of the decedent are entitled as a family allowance, an application may be filed by or on behalf of the surviving spouse, minor children, or adult incapacitated children requesting a court to make a family allowance and to enter an order that no administration of the decedent's estate is necessary. (b) The application may be filed: (1) in any court in which venue is proper for administration; or (2) if an application for the appointment of a personal representative has been filed but not yet granted, in the court in which the application is filed. (c) The application must: (1) state the names of the heirs or devisees; (2) list, to the extent known, estate creditors together with the amounts of the claims; and (3) describe all property belonging to the estate, together with: (A) the estimated value of the property according to the best knowledge and information of the applicant; and (B) the liens and encumbrances on the property. (d) The application must also include a prayer that the court make a family allowance and that, if the family allowance exhausts the entire assets of the estate, excluding homestead and exempt property, the entire assets of the estate be set aside to the surviving spouse, minor children, and adult incapacitated children, as with other family allowances provided for by Subchapter C, Chapter 353. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 680 (H.B. 2502), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2014. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 810 (H.B. 2492), Sec. 2.15, eff. January 1, 2014.