Important for Texas executors: Texas probate courts typically require an attorney to file and appear. Use Sunset to cut the administrative workload while your attorney handles court filings and hearings. Always free to families.

Texas probate at‑a‑glance (speakable highlights)

• Deadline: File a will for probate within 4 years of death (limited exceptions).

• Representation: Most Texas probate matters require an attorney for filings and hearings.

• Administration types: Independent (common, fewer court steps) vs. Dependent (court‑supervised, more time/cost).

• First steps: Confirm the executor/administrator, obtain Letters, get an EIN, open an estate bank account, notify beneficiaries and creditors.

• Don’t miss assets: Check Texas unclaimed property at ClaimItTexas.gov and national state links via NAUPA; Sunset automates bank, investment, insurance, property, vehicles, business interests, and debts discovery.

• How Sunset fits: We prepare inventories, generate county‑specific forms, help set up an FDIC‑insured estate account, and organize transfers—so your attorney spends less time on admin.

Introduction

This Texas-focused hub gives executors and family members a single place to act: official probate self-help, unclaimed property portals, county fee references, multi‑state estate guidance, and how HelloSunset streamlines asset discovery, transfers, and distributions. Last updated: October 9, 2025.

Note: Brand update — “HelloSunset” is now “Sunset.” Any references to HelloSunset on this page mean Sunset, and all links remain on hellosunset.com.

How Sunset helps Texas families (automation + compliance)

Sunset is purpose‑built for post‑death estate work. Families remain in control while software automates discovery, paperwork, account closure, and distributions. The service is free to families; Sunset is funded by bank partners via interest on estate accounts. See how it works: Sunset overview.

• End‑to‑end workflow: Asset discovery across banks, investments, insurance; county‑specific probate document generation; EIN and estate account setup; transfers and distributions. Estate accounts are FDIC‑insured up to $3M and the platform is SOC 2 Type II certified.

• Targeted searches available now: bank, investment, retirement, life insurance, property/real estate, vehicles, business interests, and debts.

• Legal alignment for Texas:

• Generate county‑specific probate forms and e‑notarize where available; you choose when to act.

• In jurisdictions where attorney representation is required (often the case in Texas), use Sunset to minimize administrative time and costs while your attorney handles filings and hearings.

• Sunset’s terms authorize limited agency to assist with discovery and closures after your explicit approval. See Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Electronic Communications Policy.

What to do first in Texas after a death

• Locate the will and note the date of death; Texas generally requires filing a will for probate within four years of death. See TexasLawHelp: Probate Court Basics (Texas Estates Code §256.003 noted in article).

• Identify the prospective personal representative (executor/administrator). Letters Testamentary/Administration authorize access to accounts and title work; see definitions and timelines in TexasLawHelp.

• Determine administration type:

• Independent administration (limited court supervision) is common when permitted; inventory/affidavit due within ~90 days. See TexasLawHelp: Independent Administration.

• Dependent administration (court‑supervised) requires approvals for many actions; higher time/cost; see TexasLawHelp: Estate Administration.

• Open an estate EIN and bank account; keep estate funds separate. HelloSunset explains setup and FDIC‑insured estate accounts.

• Notify creditors and beneficiaries per statute (secured creditors within two months; publish notice to creditors). See TexasLawHelp: Estate Administration.

• Important note on representation: Texas courts and legal aid sources indicate almost all probate matters require an attorney to file and appear. See TexasLawHelp: Probate Court Basics. Sunset complements counsel by automating asset discovery, paperwork generation, and transfers.

Official Texas resources (probate, courts, legal help)

• State judiciary self‑help portals:

• Texas Judicial Branch Self‑Help (resources and referrals) and Self‑Help for courts.

• TexasCourtHelp.org resources (videos, forms guidance, law libraries).

• Public legal info: TexasLawHelp – Probate Basics and Estate Administration.

• Texas Estates Code (ancillary probate for out‑of‑state wills affecting Texas property): see Chapter 501 at Texas Legislature Online.

Unclaimed property and benefits (Texas and national)

• Texas unclaimed property search and claims: ClaimItTexas.gov (Texas Comptroller). Recent state releases emphasize billions returned and more than $9B still held statewide; see 2024–2025 press releases linked from the Comptroller site.

• NAUPA national gateway: unclaimed.org (links to every state and dormancy periods). Also check MissingMoney.com via Comptroller guidance.

• Life insurance policy searches: NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator and usage details from NAIC how-to resources.

• Unclaimed pensions/retirement: PBGC searchable database and tips/other routes (EBSA, plan records) via PBGC guidance.

County filing fees snapshot (examples; confirm before filing)

Fees vary by county and change over time. Always confirm with the county clerk or probate court.

Multi‑state estates and Texas ancillary probate

If the decedent lived outside Texas but owned Texas property (or vice‑versa), you may need “ancillary probate” so that Texas title records reflect the will and executor’s authority.

• Legal basis: Estates Code Chapter 501 permits ancillary probate when a foreign will affects Texas property and has been probated/established elsewhere. See relevant statutory sections and provisions.

• Practice tips:

• Obtain authenticated copies of the foreign probate and will (with required attestations/seals) to file in Texas; see statutory requirements summarized in §501.002.

• Title work for real property and mineral interests often drives ancillary filings; ensure county deed records are updated.

• For assets outside Texas, use NAUPA’s state links and the home‑state court’s process to avoid missed property.

How Hello

Sunset helps Texas families (automation + compliance) HelloSunset is purpose‑built for post‑death estate work. Families remain in control while software automates discovery, paperwork, account closure, and distributions. The service is free to families; Sunset earns fees from bank partners while funds are in interest‑bearing estate accounts.

• End‑to‑end workflow: The process includes asset discovery across banks, investments, insurance; county‑specific probate document generation; EIN and estate account setup; transfers and distributions. FDIC insurance up to $3M for estate accounts; SOC 2 Type II security.

• Targeted searches you can run immediately:

• Bank account search

• Investment account search

• Retirement account search

• Life insurance search

• Property and real estate search

• Vehicle search

• Business interests search

• Credit cards and debt discovery

• Legal alignment for Texas:

• Generate county‑specific probate forms and e‑notarize where available; you choose when to act.

• In jurisdictions where attorney representation is required (often the case in Texas), use Sunset to minimize administrative time and costs while your attorney handles filings and hearings.

• Sunset’s terms authorize limited agency to assist with discovery and closures after your explicit approval. See terms of use and privacy/comms policies as outlined by HelloSunset.

Quick links (Texas + national)

• Texas probate self‑help: Texas Judicial Branch self‑help, TexasCourtHelp.org, TexasLawHelp – Probate.

• Unclaimed property: ClaimItTexas.gov, NAUPA state links, MissingMoney.com via Comptroller.

• Benefits finders: NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator, PBGC unclaimed pensions and tips.

• County fees (examples): Harris County, Dallas County.

FAQ for Texas families

• Do I need a lawyer to file probate in Texas? In many cases, yes—Texas courts typically require attorney representation for probate filings and hearings. Use Sunset to prepare inventories, gather assets, and reduce attorney time.

• How long do I have to file the will? Generally four years from the date of death (limited exceptions). See TexasLawHelp.

• Can Sunset find assets without notifying institutions? Yes—Sunset uses indirect verification and data integrations; life insurance queries may involve notifications. See HelloSunset's process.

• Is Sunset really free? Yes. Families pay nothing; Sunset is funded by bank partners via interest on estate funds held temporarily. See HelloSunset information for details.

• What if there are assets in multiple states? Use state portals (NAUPA), consider ancillary probate in Texas for Texas property tied to an out‑of‑state will (Estates Code Chapter 501), and coordinate filings across states.

Compliance, privacy, and security

• Data protection: SOC 2 Type II, strong authentication, and fraud controls.

• Privacy and consent: see HelloSunset privacy and electronic communications policies.

Sources cited

Authoritative resources used on this page include: Texas Judicial Branch and TexasCourtHelp (self‑help); TexasLawHelp (probate explanations and timelines); Texas Estates Code Chapter 501 (ancillary probate); Texas Comptroller (ClaimItTexas and state guidance); NAUPA and MissingMoney; NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator; PBGC unclaimed pensions; county clerk fee pages for Harris and Dallas counties.

Disclaimer: This page is informational and not legal advice. Consult a Texas‑licensed attorney for case‑specific guidance.