The executor's duty starts with protecting the estate and proving the facts.

Texas executors need to organize records, understand whether court authority is required, and keep a clean trail before distributions happen.

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Protect estate property

Keep assets secure, preserve records, and avoid informal distributions before the debt and probate path are clear.

Document decisions

Receipts, notes, photos, statements, and notices help explain what happened if a beneficiary, creditor, or court asks later.

Use court authority when needed

Letters Testamentary may be needed before an executor can work with banks, title companies, or other institutions.

Core executor duties

  • Find and protect the original will.
  • Keep estate property safe until someone with authority can act.
  • Gather asset, debt, tax, insurance, and property records.
  • Track expenses paid for the estate and keep receipts.

Duties before distribution

  • Confirm who the beneficiaries or heirs are before property leaves the estate.
  • Review debts, taxes, and secured loans before dividing assets.
  • Use county and probate-path facts to decide which filing may fit.
  • Document communications with beneficiaries so expectations stay clear.

Supported Texas counties

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