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SENATE RESOLUTION
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BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd |
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Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, That Senate Rule 12.03 be |
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suspended in part as provided by Senate Rule 12.08 to enable the |
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conference committee appointed to resolve the differences on |
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Senate Bill 1198 (decedents' estates) to consider and take action |
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on the following matters: |
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(1) Senate Rule 12.03(4) is suspended to permit the |
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committee to add text on matters which are not included in either |
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the house or senate version of the bill by adding the following |
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sections to the bill: |
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SECTION 1.08. Section 34A, Texas Probate Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 34A. ATTORNEYS AD LITEM. (a) Except as provided by |
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Section 53(c) of this code, the judge of a probate court may |
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appoint an attorney ad litem in any probate proceeding to |
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represent the interests of: |
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(1) a person having a legal disability; |
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(2) [,] a nonresident; |
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(3) [,] an unborn or unascertained person; |
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(4) [, or] an unknown or missing heir; or |
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(5) an unknown or missing person entitled to |
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property deposited in an account in the court's registry under |
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Section 408(b) of this code [in any probate proceeding]. |
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(b) Subject to Subsection (c) of this section, an [Each] |
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attorney ad litem appointed under this section is entitled to |
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reasonable compensation for services in the amount set by the |
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court. The court shall: |
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(1) tax the compensation [and to be taxed] as costs |
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in the probate proceeding; or |
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(2) for an attorney ad litem appointed to represent |
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the interests of an unknown or missing person described by |
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Subsection (a)(5) of this section, order that the compensation be |
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paid from money in the account described by that subdivision. |
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(c) The court order appointing an attorney ad litem to |
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represent the interests of an unknown or missing person described |
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by Subsection (a)(5) of this section must require the attorney ad |
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litem to conduct a search for the person. Compensation paid |
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under Subsection (b) of this section to the attorney ad litem may |
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not exceed 10 percent of the amount on deposit in the account |
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described by Subsection (a)(5) of this section on the date: |
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(1) the attorney ad litem reports to the court the |
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location of the previously unknown or missing person; or |
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(2) the money in the account is paid to the |
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comptroller as provided by Section 427 of this code. |
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SECTION 1.13. Subsections (a) and (b), Section 53C, |
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Texas Probate Code, are amended to read as follows: |
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(a) This section applies in a proceeding to declare |
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heirship of a decedent only with respect to an individual who[:
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[(1)
petitions the court for a determination of
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right of inheritance as authorized by Section 42(b) of this code;
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and
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[(2)] claims to be a biological child of the |
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decedent[, but with respect to whom a parent-child relationship
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with the decedent was not established as provided by Section
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160.201, Family Code,] or [who] claims inheritance through a |
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biological child of the decedent[, if a parent-child
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relationship between the individual through whom the inheritance
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is claimed and the decedent was not established as provided by
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Section 160.201, Family Code]. |
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(b) The presumption under Section 160.505, Family Code, |
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that applies in establishing a parent-child relationship also |
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applies in determining heirship in the probate court using the |
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results of genetic testing ordered with respect to an individual |
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described by Subsection (a) of this section, and the presumption |
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may be rebutted in the same manner provided by Section 160.505, |
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Family Code. [Unless the results of genetic testing of another
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individual who is an heir of the decedent are admitted as
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rebuttal evidence, the court shall find that the individual
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described by Subsection (a) of this section is an heir of the
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decedent if the results of genetic testing ordered under Section
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53A of this chapter identify a tested individual who is an heir of
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the decedent as the ancestor of the individual described by
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Subsection (a) of this section.] |
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SECTION 1.17. Section 77, Texas Probate Code, is amended |
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to read as follows: |
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Sec. 77. ORDER OF PERSONS QUALIFIED TO SERVE. Letters |
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testamentary or of administration shall be granted to persons who |
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are qualified to act, in the following order: |
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(a) To the person named as executor in the will of the |
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deceased. |
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(b) To the surviving husband or wife. |
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(c) To the principal devisee or legatee of the testator. |
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(d) To any devisee or legatee of the testator. |
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(e) To the next of kin of the deceased, the nearest in |
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order of descent first, and so on, and next of kin includes a |
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person and his descendants who legally adopted the deceased or |
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who have been legally adopted by the deceased. |
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(f) To a creditor of the deceased. |
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(g) To any person of good character residing in the |
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county who applies therefor. |
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(h) To any other person not disqualified under the |
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following section [Section]. When persons [applicants] are |
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equally entitled, letters shall be granted to the person |
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[applicant] who, in the judgment of the court, is most likely to |
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administer the estate advantageously, or letters [they] may be |
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granted to [any] two or more of those persons [such applicants]. |
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SECTION 1.32. Part 1, Chapter VIII, Texas Probate Code, |
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is amended by adding Section 254 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 254. PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO TIMELY FILE INVENTORY, |
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APPRAISEMENT, AND LIST OF CLAIMS OR AFFIDAVIT IN LIEU OF. (a) |
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This section applies only to a personal representative, |
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including an independent executor or administrator, who does not |
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file an inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit |
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in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as |
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applicable, within the period prescribed by Section 250 of this |
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code or any extension granted by the court. |
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(b) Any person interested in the estate on written |
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complaint, or the court on the court's own motion, may have a |
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personal representative to whom this section applies cited to |
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file the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit |
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in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as |
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applicable, and show cause for the failure to timely file. |
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(c) If the personal representative does not file the |
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inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit in lieu |
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of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as |
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applicable, after being cited or does not show good cause for the |
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failure to timely file, the court on hearing may fine the |
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representative in an amount not to exceed $1,000. |
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(d) The personal representative and the representative's |
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sureties, if any, are liable for any fine imposed under this |
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section and for all damages and costs sustained by the |
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representative's failure. The fine, damages, and costs may be |
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recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction. |
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SECTION 1.40. Section 407, Texas Probate Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 407. CITATION AND NOTICE UPON PRESENTATION OF |
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ACCOUNT FOR FINAL SETTLEMENT. Upon the filing of an account for |
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final settlement by temporary or permanent personal |
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representatives of the estates of decedents, citation shall |
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contain a statement that such final account has been filed, the |
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time and place when it will be considered by the court, and a |
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statement requiring the person or persons cited to appear and |
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contest the same if they see proper. Such citation shall be |
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issued by the county clerk to the persons and in the manner set |
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out below. |
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1. Citation [In case of the estates of deceased
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persons, notice] shall be given [by the personal representative] |
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to each heir or beneficiary of the decedent by certified mail, |
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return receipt requested, unless another method of service [type
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of notice] is directed by the court by written order. The |
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citation [notice] must include a copy of the account for final |
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settlement. |
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2. If the court deems further additional notice |
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necessary, it shall require the same by written order. In its |
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discretion, the court may allow the waiver of citation [notice] |
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of an account for final settlement in a proceeding concerning a |
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decedent's estate. |
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SECTION 1.41. Subsections (b), (c), and (d), Section |
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408, Texas Probate Code, are amended to read as follows: |
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(b) Distribution of Remaining Property. Upon final |
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settlement of an estate, if there be any of such estate remaining |
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in the hands of the personal representative, the court shall |
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order that a partition and distribution be made among the persons |
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entitled to receive such estate. The court shall order the |
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representative to deposit in an account in the court's registry |
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any remaining estate property that is money and to which a person |
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who is unknown or missing is entitled. In addition, the court |
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shall order the representative to sell, on terms the court |
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determines are best, remaining estate property that is not money |
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and to which a person who is unknown or missing is entitled. The |
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court shall order the representative to deposit the sale proceeds |
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in an account in the court's registry. The court shall hold money |
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deposited in an account under this subsection until the court |
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renders: |
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(1) an order requiring money in the account to be |
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paid to the previously unknown or missing person who is entitled |
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to the money; or |
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(2) another order regarding the disposition of the |
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money. |
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(c) Discharge of Representative When No Property |
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Remains. If, upon such settlement, there be none of the estate |
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remaining in the hands of the representative, the representative |
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[he] shall be discharged from the representative's [his] trust |
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and the estate ordered closed. |
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(d) Discharge When Estate Fully Administered. Whenever |
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the representative of an estate has fully administered the same |
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in accordance with this code [Code] and the orders of the court, |
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and the representative's [his] final account has been approved, |
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and the representative [he] has delivered all of said estate |
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remaining in the representative's [his] hands to the person or |
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persons entitled to receive the same, it shall be the duty of the |
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court to enter an order discharging such representative from the |
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representative's [his] trust, and declaring the estate closed. |
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SECTION 1.42. Section 427, Texas Probate Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 427. WHEN ESTATES TO BE PAID INTO STATE TREASURY. |
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If any person entitled to a portion of an estate, except a |
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resident minor without a guardian, does [shall] not demand the |
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person's [his] portion, including any portion deposited in an |
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account in the court's registry under Section 408(b) of this |
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code, from the executor or administrator within six months after |
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an order of court approving the report of commissioners of |
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partition, or within six months after the settlement of the final |
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account of an executor or administrator, as the case may be, the |
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court by written order shall require the executor or |
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administrator to pay so much of said portion as is in money to the |
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comptroller; and such portion as is in other property the court |
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[he] shall order the executor or administrator to sell on such |
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terms as the court thinks best, and, when the proceeds of such |
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sale are collected, the court shall order the same to be paid to |
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the comptroller, in all such cases allowing the executor or |
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administrator reasonable compensation for the executor's or |
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administrator's [his] services. A suit to recover proceeds of |
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the sale is governed by Section 433 of this code [Code]. |
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SECTION 2.06. Section 53.104, Estates Code, as effective |
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January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 53.104. APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEYS AD LITEM. (a) |
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Except as provided by Section 202.009(b), the judge of a probate |
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court may appoint an attorney ad litem in any probate proceeding |
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to represent the interests of: |
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(1) a person who has a legal disability; |
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(2) a nonresident; |
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(3) an unborn or unascertained person; [or] |
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(4) an unknown or missing heir; or |
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(5) an unknown or missing person entitled to |
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property deposited in an account in the court's registry under |
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Section 362.011(b). |
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(b) Subject to Subsection (c), an [An] attorney ad litem |
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appointed under this section is entitled to reasonable |
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compensation for services provided in the amount set by the |
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court. The court shall: |
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(1) tax the compensation[, to be taxed] as costs in |
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the probate proceeding; or |
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(2) for an attorney ad litem appointed to represent |
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the interests of an unknown or missing person described by |
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Subsection (a)(5), order that the compensation be paid from money |
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in the account described by that subdivision. |
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(c) The court order appointing an attorney ad litem to |
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represent the interests of an unknown or missing person described |
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by Subsection (a)(5) must require the attorney ad litem to |
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conduct a search for the person. Compensation paid under |
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Subsection (b) to the attorney ad litem may not exceed 10 percent |
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of the amount on deposit in the account described by Subsection |
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(a)(5) on the date: |
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(1) the attorney ad litem reports to the court the |
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location of the previously unknown or missing person; or |
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(2) the money in the account is paid to the |
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comptroller as provided by Section 551.001. |
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SECTION 2.21. Subchapter A, Chapter 202, Estates Code, |
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as effective January 1, 2014, is amended by adding Section |
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202.0025 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 202.0025. ACTION BROUGHT AFTER DECEDENT'S DEATH. |
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Notwithstanding Section 16.051, Civil Practice and Remedies |
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Code, a proceeding to declare heirship of a decedent may be |
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brought at any time after the decedent's death. |
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SECTION 2.24. Sections 204.151 and 204.152, Estates |
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Code, as effective January 1, 2014, are amended to read as |
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follows: |
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Sec. 204.151. APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This |
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subchapter applies in a proceeding to declare heirship of a |
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decedent only with respect to an individual who[:
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[(1)
petitions the court for a determination of
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right of inheritance as authorized by Section 201.052(c); and
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[(2)] claims[:
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[(A)] to be a biological child of the decedent |
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or claims[, but with respect to whom a parent-child relationship
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with the decedent was not established as provided by Section
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160.201, Family Code; or
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[(B)] to inherit through a biological child of |
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the decedent[, if a parent-child relationship between the
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individual through whom the inheritance is claimed and the
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decedent was not established as provided by Section 160.201,
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Family Code]. |
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Sec. 204.152. PRESUMPTION; [REQUIRED FINDINGS IN ABSENCE
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OF] REBUTTAL [EVIDENCE]. The presumption under Section 160.505, |
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Family Code, that applies in establishing a parent-child |
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relationship also applies in determining heirship in the probate |
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court using the results of genetic testing ordered with respect |
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to an individual described by Section 204.151, and the |
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presumption may be rebutted in the same manner provided by |
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Section 160.505, Family Code. [Unless the results of genetic
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testing of another individual who is an heir of the decedent who
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is the subject of a proceeding to declare heirship to which this
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subchapter applies are admitted as rebuttal evidence, the court
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shall find that the individual described by Section 204.151:
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[(1)
is an heir of the decedent, if the results of
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genetic testing ordered under Subchapter B identify a tested
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individual who is an heir of the decedent as the ancestor of the
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individual described by Section 204.151; or
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[(2)
is not an heir of the decedent, if the results
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of genetic testing ordered under Subchapter B exclude a tested
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individual who is an heir of the decedent as the ancestor of the
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individual described by Section 204.151.] |
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SECTION 2.37. Subsection (c), Section 304.001, Estates |
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Code, as effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as |
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follows: |
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(c) If persons [applicants for letters testamentary or of
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administration] are equally entitled to letters testamentary or |
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of administration [the letters], the court: |
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(1) shall grant the letters to the person |
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[applicant] who, in the judgment of the court, is most likely to |
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administer the estate advantageously; or |
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(2) may grant the letters to two or more of those |
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persons [applicants]. |
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SECTION 2.57. Section 362.005, Estates Code, as |
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effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 362.005. CITATION AND NOTICE ON PRESENTATION OF |
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ACCOUNT. (a) On the presentation of an account for final |
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settlement by a temporary or permanent personal representative, |
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the county clerk shall issue citation to the persons and in the |
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manner provided by Subsection (b) [Subsections (c) and (d)]. |
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(b) Citation issued under Subsection (a) must: |
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(1) contain: |
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(A) [(1)] a statement that an account for |
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final settlement has been presented; |
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(B) [(2)] the time and place the court will |
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consider the account; [and] |
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(C) [(3)] a statement requiring the person |
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cited to appear and contest the account, if the person wishes to |
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contest the account; and |
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(D) a copy of the account for final |
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settlement; and |
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(2) be given[.
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[(c) The personal representative shall give notice] to |
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each heir or beneficiary of the decedent by certified mail, |
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return receipt requested, unless the court by written order |
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directs another method of service [type of notice] to be given[.
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The notice must include a copy of the account for final
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settlement]. |
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(c) [(d)] The court by written order shall require |
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additional notice if the court considers the additional notice |
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necessary. |
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(d) [(e)] The court may allow the waiver of citation |
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[notice] of an account for final settlement in a proceeding |
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concerning a decedent's estate. |
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SECTION 2.58. Section 362.011, Estates Code, as |
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effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 362.011. PARTITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE; |
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DEPOSIT IN COURT'S REGISTRY. (a) If, on final settlement of an |
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estate, any of the estate remains in the personal |
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representative's possession, the court shall order that a |
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partition and distribution be made among the persons entitled to |
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receive that part of the estate. |
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(b) The court shall order the personal representative to |
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deposit in an account in the court's registry any remaining |
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estate property that is money and to which a person who is unknown |
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or missing is entitled. In addition, the court shall order the |
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representative to sell, on terms the court determines are best, |
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remaining estate property that is not money and to which a person |
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who is unknown or missing is entitled. The court shall order the |
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representative to deposit the sale proceeds in an account in the |
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court's registry. The court shall hold money deposited in an |
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account under this subsection until the court renders: |
|
(1) an order requiring money in the account to be |
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paid to the previously unknown or missing person who is entitled |
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to the money; or |
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(2) another order regarding the disposition of the |
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money. |
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SECTION 2.60. Subsection (a), Section 551.001, Estates |
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Code, as effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as |
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follows: |
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(a) The court, by written order, shall require the |
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executor or administrator of an estate to pay to the comptroller |
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as provided by this subchapter the share of that estate of a |
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person entitled to that share who does not demand the share, |
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including any portion deposited in an account in the court's |
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registry under Section 362.011(b), from the executor or |
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administrator within six months after the date of, as applicable: |
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(1) a court order approving the report of the |
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commissioners of partition made under Section 360.154; or |
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(2) the settlement of the final account of the |
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executor or administrator. |
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Explanation: The addition is necessary to add provisions |
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relating to attorneys ad litem, proceedings to declare heirship, |
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granting of letters testamentary or of administration, filing of |
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inventories, appraisements, and lists of claims, citation and |
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notice on presentation of accounts for final settlement, |
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distribution of remaining estate property and discharge of |
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representatives on final settlement of estates, and estates to be |
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paid into the state treasury. |
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(2) Senate Rules 12.03(1) and (4) are suspended to permit |
|
the committee to change text which is not in disagreement and to |
|
add text on a matter which is not included in either the house or |
|
senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 1.11 of the bill, |
|
in amended Section 48, Texas Probate Code, to read as follows: |
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SECTION 1.11. Section 48, Texas Probate Code, is amended |
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by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to read as |
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follows: |
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. . . |
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(d) Notwithstanding Section 16.051, Civil Practice and |
|
Remedies Code, a proceeding to declare heirship of a decedent may |
|
be brought at any time after the decedent's death. |
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Explanation: The change is necessary to specify when a |
|
proceeding to declare heirship may be brought. |
|
(3) Senate Rules 12.03(1), (3), and (4) are suspended to |
|
permit the committee to change text which is not in disagreement, |
|
to add text on a matter which is not in disagreement, and to add |
|
text on a matter which is not included in either the house or |
|
senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 1.12 of the bill, |
|
in amended Subsection (a), Section 49, Texas Probate Code, to |
|
read as follows: |
|
SECTION 1.12. Subsection (a), Section 49, Texas Probate |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Such proceedings may be instituted and maintained |
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under a circumstance specified in Section 48(a) of this code [in
|
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any of the instances enumerated above] by the qualified personal |
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representative of the estate of such decedent, by a party seeking |
|
the appointment of an independent administrator under Section |
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145 of this code, by the trustee of a trust holding assets for the |
|
benefit of the decedent, by any person or persons claiming to be a |
|
secured or unsecured creditor or the owner of the whole or a part |
|
of the estate of such decedent, or by the guardian of the estate |
|
of a ward, if the proceedings are instituted and maintained in |
|
the probate court in which the proceedings for the guardianship |
|
of the estate were pending at the time of the death of the ward. |
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In such a case an application shall be filed in a proper court |
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stating the following information: |
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(1) the name of the decedent and the time and place |
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of death; |
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(2) the names and residences of the decedent's |
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heirs, the relationship of each heir to the decedent, and the |
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true interest of the applicant and each of the heirs in the estate |
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of the decedent or in the trust, as applicable; |
|
(3) all the material facts and circumstances within |
|
the knowledge and information of the applicant that might |
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reasonably tend to show the time or place of death or the names or |
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residences of all heirs, if the time or place of death or the |
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names or residences of all the heirs are not definitely known to |
|
the applicant; |
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(4) a statement that all children born to or adopted |
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by the decedent have been listed; |
|
(5) a statement that each marriage of the decedent |
|
has been listed with the date of the marriage, the name of the |
|
spouse, and if the marriage was terminated, the date and place of |
|
termination, and other facts to show whether a spouse has had an |
|
interest in the property of the decedent; |
|
(6) whether the decedent died testate and if so, |
|
what disposition has been made of the will; |
|
(7) a general description of all the real and |
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personal property belonging to the estate of the decedent or held |
|
in trust for the benefit of the decedent, as applicable; and |
|
(8) an explanation for the omission of any of the |
|
foregoing information that is omitted from the application. |
|
Explanation: The change is necessary to authorize persons |
|
claiming to be unsecured creditors to institute proceedings to |
|
declare heirship. |
|
(4) Senate Rules 12.03(1), (2), and (4) are suspended to |
|
permit the committee to change text which is not in disagreement, |
|
omit text which is not in disagreement, and add text on a matter |
|
which is not included in either the house or senate version of the |
|
bill in proposed SECTION 1.28 of the bill, in amended Section |
|
149C, Texas Probate Code, to read as follows: |
|
SECTION 1.28. Section 149C, Texas Probate Code, is |
|
amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1) |
|
and (a-2) to read as follows: |
|
(a) The [county] court, [as that term is defined by
|
|
Section 3 of this code,] on its own motion or on motion of any |
|
interested person, after the independent executor has been cited |
|
by personal service to answer at a time and place fixed in the |
|
notice, may remove an independent executor when: |
|
(1) the independent executor fails to return within |
|
ninety days after qualification, unless such time is extended by |
|
order of the court, either an inventory of the property of the |
|
estate and list of claims that have come to the independent |
|
executor's knowledge or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory, |
|
appraisement, and list of claims; |
|
(2) sufficient grounds appear to support belief |
|
that the independent executor has misapplied or embezzled, or |
|
that the independent executor is about to misapply or embezzle, |
|
all or any part of the property committed to the independent |
|
executor's care; |
|
(3) the independent executor fails to make an |
|
accounting which is required by law to be made; |
|
(4) the independent executor fails to timely file |
|
the affidavit or certificate required by Section 128A of this |
|
code; |
|
(5) the independent executor is proved to have been |
|
guilty of gross misconduct or gross mismanagement in the |
|
performance of the independent executor's duties; [or] |
|
(6) the independent executor becomes an |
|
incapacitated person, or is sentenced to the penitentiary, or |
|
from any other cause becomes incapable of [legally incapacitated
|
|
from] properly performing the independent executor's fiduciary |
|
duties; or |
|
(7) the independent executor becomes incapable of |
|
properly performing the independent executor's fiduciary duties |
|
due to a material conflict of interest. |
|
(a-1) The court, on its own motion or on the motion of any |
|
interested person, and after the independent executor has been |
|
cited by certified mail, return receipt requested, to answer at a |
|
time and place stated in the citation, may remove an independent |
|
executor who is appointed under the provisions of this code if |
|
the independent executor: |
|
(1) subject to Subsection (a-2)(1) of this section, |
|
fails to qualify in the manner and period required by law; |
|
(2) subject to Subsection (a-2)(2) of this section, |
|
fails to return not later than the 90th day after the date the |
|
independent executor qualifies an inventory of the estate |
|
property and a list of claims that have come to the independent |
|
executor's knowledge or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory, |
|
appraisement, and list of claims, unless the period is extended |
|
by court order; |
|
(3) cannot be served with notices or other processes |
|
because the: |
|
(A) independent executor's location is |
|
unknown; |
|
(B) independent executor is eluding service; |
|
or |
|
(C) independent executor is a nonresident of |
|
this state who does not have a resident agent to accept service of |
|
process in a probate proceeding or other action relating to the |
|
estate; or |
|
(4) subject to Subsection (a-2)(3) of this section, |
|
has misapplied, embezzled, or removed from the state, or is about |
|
to misapply, embezzle, or remove from the state, all or any part |
|
of the property committed to the independent executor's care. |
|
(a-2) The court may remove an independent executor: |
|
(1) under Subsection (a-1)(1) of this section only |
|
if the independent executor fails to qualify on or before the |
|
30th day after the date the court sends a notice by certified |
|
mail, return receipt requested, to the independent executor's |
|
last known address and to the last known address of the |
|
independent executor's attorney, notifying the independent |
|
executor and attorney of the court's intent to remove the |
|
independent executor for failure to qualify in the manner and |
|
period required by law; |
|
(2) under Subsection (a-1)(2) of this section only |
|
if the independent executor fails to file an inventory and list |
|
of claims or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, |
|
and list of claims as required by law on or before the 30th day |
|
after the date the court sends a notice by certified mail, return |
|
receipt requested, to the independent executor's last known |
|
address and to the last known address of the independent |
|
executor's attorney, notifying the independent executor and |
|
attorney of the court's intent to remove the independent executor |
|
for failure to file the inventory and list of claims or |
|
affidavit; and |
|
(3) under Subsection (a-1)(4) of this section only |
|
on presentation of clear and convincing evidence given under oath |
|
of the misapplication, embezzlement, or removal from this state |
|
of property as described by that subdivision. |
|
Explanation: The change is necessary to make various |
|
revisions to the procedures for removal of independent |
|
executors. |
|
(5) Senate Rules 12.03(1) and (4) are suspended to permit |
|
the committee to change text which is not in disagreement and to |
|
add text on a matter which is not included in either the house or |
|
senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 1.49 of the bill, |
|
in Subsection (a) of that section, to read as follows: |
|
(a) Subsection (c), Section 48, Subsection (c), Section |
|
53C, Section 70, and Subsection (f), Section 251, Texas Probate |
|
Code, are repealed. |
|
Explanation: The change is necessary to add a repeal of |
|
Subsection (c), Section 53C, Texas Probate Code. |
|
(6) Senate Rule 12.03(4) is suspended to permit the |
|
committee to add text on a matter which is not included in either |
|
the house or senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 1.50 |
|
of the bill to read as follows: |
|
(i) Sections 34A, 407, 408, and 427, Texas Probate Code, |
|
as amended by this article, and Section 254, Texas Probate Code, |
|
as added by this article, apply to the estate of a decedent that |
|
is pending or commenced on or after September 1, 2011, regardless |
|
of the date of the decedent's death. |
|
(j) The changes in law made by this article to Section 77, |
|
Texas Probate Code, apply only to an application for the grant of |
|
letters testamentary or of administration of a decedent's estate |
|
filed on or after September 1, 2011. An application for the grant |
|
of letters testamentary or of administration of a decedent's |
|
estate filed before that date is governed by the law in effect on |
|
the date the application was filed, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
(k) The changes in law made by this article to Subsection |
|
(a), Section 83, Texas Probate Code, apply only to an application |
|
for the probate of a will or administration of the estate of a |
|
decedent that is pending or filed on or after September 1, 2011. |
|
(l) The changes in law made by this article to |
|
Subsections (a) and (b), Section 53C, Texas Probate Code, apply |
|
only to a proceeding to declare heirship commenced on or after |
|
September 1, 2011. A proceeding to declare heirship commenced |
|
before that date is governed by the law in effect on the date the |
|
proceeding was commenced, and the former law is continued in |
|
effect for that purpose. |
|
Explanation: The change is necessary to add transition |
|
provisions for sections of the Texas Probate Code that are |
|
amended in the bill. |
|
(7) Senate Rules 12.03(1), (3), and (4) are suspended to |
|
permit the committee to change text which is not in disagreement, |
|
to add text on a matter which is not in disagreement, and to add |
|
text on a matter which is not included in either the house or |
|
senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 2.22 of the bill, |
|
in amended Section 202.004, Estates Code, as effective January 1, |
|
2014, to read as follows: |
|
SECTION 2.22. Section 202.004, Estates Code, as |
|
effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 202.004. PERSONS WHO MAY COMMENCE PROCEEDING TO |
|
DECLARE HEIRSHIP. A proceeding to declare heirship of a decedent |
|
may be commenced and maintained under a circumstance specified by |
|
Section 202.002 by: |
|
(1) the personal representative of the decedent's |
|
estate; |
|
(2) a person claiming to be a secured or unsecured |
|
creditor or the owner of all or part of the decedent's estate; |
|
[or] |
|
(3) if the decedent was a ward with respect to whom a |
|
guardian of the estate had been appointed, the guardian of the |
|
estate, provided that the proceeding is commenced and maintained |
|
in the probate court in which the proceedings for the |
|
guardianship of the estate were pending at the time of the |
|
decedent's death; |
|
(4) a party seeking the appointment of an |
|
independent administrator under Section 401.003; or |
|
(5) the trustee of a trust holding assets for the |
|
benefit of a decedent. |
|
Explanation: The change is necessary to authorize persons |
|
claiming to be unsecured creditors to institute proceedings to |
|
declare heirship. |
|
(8) Senate Rules 12.03(1) and (4) are suspended to permit |
|
the committee to change text which is not in disagreement and to |
|
add text on a matter which is not included in either the house or |
|
senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 2.47 of the bill, |
|
in amended Subchapter B, Chapter 309, Estates Code, as effective |
|
January 1, 2014, to read as follows: |
|
SECTION 2.47. Subchapter B, Chapter 309, Estates Code, |
|
as effective January 1, 2014, is amended by adding Sections |
|
309.056 and 309.057 to read as follows: |
|
. . . |
|
Sec. 309.057. PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO TIMELY FILE |
|
INVENTORY, APPRAISEMENT, AND LIST OF CLAIMS OR AFFIDAVIT IN LIEU |
|
OF. (a) This section applies only to a personal representative, |
|
including an independent executor or administrator, who does not |
|
file an inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit |
|
in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as |
|
applicable, within the period prescribed by Section 309.051 or |
|
any extension granted by the court. |
|
(b) Any person interested in the estate on written |
|
complaint, or the court on the court's own motion, may have a |
|
personal representative to whom this section applies cited to |
|
file the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit |
|
in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as |
|
applicable, and show cause for the failure to timely file. |
|
(c) If the personal representative does not file the |
|
inventory, appraisement, and list of claims or affidavit in lieu |
|
of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims, as |
|
applicable, after being cited or does not show good cause for the |
|
failure to timely file, the court on hearing may fine the |
|
representative in an amount not to exceed $1,000. |
|
(d) The personal representative and the representative's |
|
sureties, if any, are liable for any fine imposed under this |
|
section and for all damages and costs sustained by the |
|
representative's failure. The fine, damages, and costs may be |
|
recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction. |
|
Explanation: The change is necessary to provide a penalty |
|
against personal representatives of decedents' estates for |
|
failing to timely file an inventory, appraisement, and list of |
|
claims or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, |
|
and list of claims. |
|
(9) Senate Rules 12.03(1), (2), and (3) are suspended to |
|
permit the committee to change and omit text which is not in |
|
disagreement and to add text on a matter which is not in |
|
disagreement in proposed SECTION 2.49 of the bill, in Section |
|
352.004, Estates Code, as effective January 1, 2014, to read as |
|
follows: |
|
SECTION 2.49. Section 352.004, Estates Code, as |
|
effective January 1, 2014, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 352.004. DENIAL OF COMPENSATION. The court may, on |
|
application of an interested person or on the court's own motion, |
|
wholly or partly deny a commission allowed by this subchapter if: |
|
(1) the court finds that the executor or |
|
administrator has not taken care of and managed estate property |
|
prudently; or |
|
(2) the executor or administrator has been removed |
|
under Section 404.003 [149C] or Subchapter B, Chapter 361. |
|
Explanation: This change is necessary to make a |
|
conforming change to a cross-reference in the Estates Code. |
|
(10) Senate Rule 12.03(4) is suspended to permit the |
|
committee to add text on a matter which is not included in either |
|
the house or senate version of the bill in proposed SECTION 2.59 |
|
of the bill, in added Chapter 404, Estates Code, as effective |
|
January 1, 2014, to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 404.003. REMOVAL OF INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR. (a) The |
|
probate court, on its own motion or on motion of any interested |
|
person, after the independent executor has been cited by personal |
|
service to answer at a time and place fixed in the notice, may |
|
remove an independent executor when: |
|
(1) the independent executor fails to return within |
|
90 days after qualification, unless such time is extended by |
|
order of the court, either an inventory of the property of the |
|
estate and list of claims that have come to the independent |
|
executor's knowledge or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory, |
|
appraisement, and list of claims; |
|
(2) sufficient grounds appear to support belief |
|
that the independent executor has misapplied or embezzled, or |
|
that the independent executor is about to misapply or embezzle, |
|
all or any part of the property committed to the independent |
|
executor's care; |
|
(3) the independent executor fails to make an |
|
accounting which is required by law to be made; |
|
(4) the independent executor fails to timely file |
|
the affidavit or certificate required by Section 308.004; |
|
(5) the independent executor is proved to have been |
|
guilty of gross misconduct or gross mismanagement in the |
|
performance of the independent executor's duties; |
|
(6) the independent executor becomes an |
|
incapacitated person, or is sentenced to the penitentiary, or |
|
from any other cause becomes incapable of properly performing the |
|
independent executor's fiduciary duties; or |
|
(7) the independent executor becomes incapable of |
|
properly performing the independent executor's fiduciary duties |
|
due to a material conflict of interest. |
|
(b) The probate court, on its own motion or on the motion |
|
of any interested person, and after the independent executor has |
|
been cited by certified mail, return receipt requested, to answer |
|
at a time and place stated in the citation, may remove an |
|
independent executor who is appointed under the provisions of |
|
this code if the independent executor: |
|
(1) subject to Subsection (c)(1), fails to qualify |
|
in the manner and period required by law; |
|
(2) subject to Subsection (c)(2), fails to return |
|
not later than the 90th day after the date the independent |
|
executor qualifies an inventory of the estate property and a list |
|
of claims that have come to the independent executor's knowledge |
|
or an affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list |
|
of claims, unless the period is extended by court order; |
|
(3) cannot be served with notices or other processes |
|
because the: |
|
(A) independent executor's location is |
|
unknown; |
|
(B) independent executor is eluding service; |
|
or |
|
(C) independent executor is a nonresident of |
|
this state who does not have a resident agent to accept service of |
|
process in a probate proceeding or other action relating to the |
|
estate; or |
|
(4) subject to Subsection (c)(3), has misapplied, |
|
embezzled, or removed from the state, or is about to misapply, |
|
embezzle, or remove from the state, all or any part of the |
|
property committed to the independent executor's care. |
|
(c) The probate court may remove an independent executor: |
|
(1) under Subsection (b)(1) only if the independent |
|
executor fails to qualify on or before the 30th day after the date |
|
the court sends a notice by certified mail, return receipt |
|
requested, to the independent executor's last known address and |
|
to the last known address of the independent executor's attorney, |
|
notifying the independent executor and attorney of the court's |
|
intent to remove the independent executor for failure to qualify |
|
in the manner and period required by law; |
|
(2) under Subsection (b)(2) only if the independent |
|
executor fails to file an inventory and list of claims or an |
|
affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of |
|
claims as required by law on or before the 30th day after the date |
|
the court sends a notice by certified mail, return receipt |
|
requested, to the independent executor's last known address and |
|
to the last known address of the independent executor's attorney, |
|
notifying the independent executor and attorney of the court's |
|
intent to remove the independent executor for failure to file the |
|
inventory and list of claims or affidavit; and |
|
(3) under Subsection (b)(4) only on presentation of |
|
clear and convincing evidence given under oath of the |
|
misapplication, embezzlement, or removal from this state of |
|
property as described by that subdivision. |
|
(d) The order of removal shall state the cause of removal |
|
and shall direct by order the disposition of the assets remaining |
|
in the name or under the control of the removed executor. The |
|
order of removal shall require that letters issued to the removed |
|
executor shall be surrendered and that all letters shall be |
|
canceled of record. If an independent executor is removed by the |
|
court under this section, the court may, on application, appoint |
|
a successor independent executor as provided by Section 404.005. |
|
(e) An independent executor who defends an action for the |
|
independent executor's removal in good faith, whether successful |
|
or not, shall be allowed out of the estate the independent |
|
executor's necessary expenses and disbursements, including |
|
reasonable attorney's fees, in the removal proceedings. |
|
(f) Costs and expenses incurred by the party seeking |
|
removal that are incident to removal of an independent executor |
|
appointed without bond, including reasonable attorney's fees and |
|
expenses, may be paid out of the estate. |
|
Explanation: The change is necessary to make various |
|
revisions to the procedures for removal of independent |
|
executors. |
|
(11) Senate Rules 12.03(1), (2), and (4) are suspended to |
|
permit the committee to change text which is not in disagreement, |
|
omit text which is not in disagreement, and add text on a matter |
|
which is not included in either the house or senate version of the |
|
bill in proposed SECTION 2.61 of the bill, in Subsections (a) and |
|
(b) of that section, to read as follows: |
|
(a) Sections 202.003 and 255.201, Estates Code, as |
|
effective January 1, 2014, are repealed. |
|
(b) The following sections of the Texas Probate Code are |
|
repealed: |
|
(1) Sections 4D, 4H, 15, 34A, 37A, 48(a), 49, 53C(a) |
|
and (b), 59, 64, 67, 77, 81(a), 83(a), 84, 89A(a), 128A, 143, 227, |
|
250, 256, 260, 271(a) and (b), 286, 293, 385(a), 407, 408(b), |
|
(c), and (d), 427, 436, 439, 452, 471, 472, and 473, as amended by |
|
Article 1 of this Act; and |
|
(2) Sections 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 8A, 8B, 48(d), 145A, |
|
145B, 145C, and 254, as added by Article 1 of this Act. |
|
Explanation: The change is necessary to correct the |
|
repeal of a provision of the Estates Code and to repeal, when the |
|
Estates Code takes effect, certain provisions of the Texas |
|
Probate Code that are amended or added in Article 1 of the bill. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
_______________________________ |
|
|
President of the Senate |
|
|
|
|
|
I hereby certify that the |
|
|
above Resolution was adopted by |
|
|
the Senate on May 29, 2011, by |
|
|
the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
_______________________________ |
|
|
Secretary of the Senate |