By: Rodríguez S.B. No. 995
 
  (Wray)
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to decedents' estates.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 113.004(4), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
               (4)  "P.O.D. account," including an account designated
  as a transfer on death or T.O.D. account, means an account payable
  on request to:
                     (A)  one person during the person's lifetime and,
  on the person's death, to one or more P.O.D. payees; or
                     (B)  one or more persons during their lifetimes
  and, on the death of all of those persons, to one or more P.O.D.
  payees.
         SECTION 2.  Section 113.152, Estates Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
         (c)  A guardian of the estate or an attorney in fact or agent
  of an original payee may sign a written agreement described by
  Subsection (a) on behalf of the original payee.
         SECTION 3.  Section 123.001, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 123.001.  WILL PROVISIONS MADE BEFORE DISSOLUTION OF
  MARRIAGE. (a)  In this section:
               (1)  "Irrevocable trust" means a trust:
                     (A)  for which the trust instrument was executed
  before the dissolution of a testator's marriage; and
                     (B)  that the testator was not solely empowered by
  law or by the trust instrument to revoke.
               (2)  "Relative"[, "relative"] means an individual
  related to another individual by:
                     (A) [(1)]  consanguinity, as determined under
  Section 573.022, Government Code; or
                     (B) [(2)]  affinity, as determined under Section
  573.024, Government Code.
         (b)  If, after the testator makes a will, the testator's
  marriage is dissolved by divorce, annulment, or a declaration that
  the marriage is void, unless the will expressly provides otherwise:
               (1)  all provisions in the will, including all
  fiduciary appointments, shall be read as if the former spouse and
  each relative of the former spouse who is not a relative of the
  testator had failed to survive the testator; and
               (2)  all provisions in the will disposing of property
  to an irrevocable trust in which a former spouse or a relative of a
  former spouse who is not a relative of the testator is a beneficiary
  or is nominated to serve as trustee or in another fiduciary capacity
  or that confers a general or special power of appointment on a
  former spouse or a relative of a former spouse who is not a relative
  of the testator shall be read to instead dispose of the property to
  a trust the provisions of which are identical to the irrevocable
  trust, except any provision in the irrevocable trust:
                     (A)  conferring a beneficial interest or a general
  or special power of appointment to the former spouse or a relative
  of the former spouse who is not a relative of the testator shall be
  treated as if the former spouse and each relative of the former
  spouse who is not a relative of the testator had disclaimed the
  interest granted in the provision; and
                     (B)  nominating the former spouse or a relative of
  the former spouse who is not a relative of the testator to serve as
  trustee or in another fiduciary capacity shall be treated as if the
  former spouse and each relative of the former spouse who is not a
  relative of the testator had died immediately before the
  dissolution of the marriage[, unless the will expressly provides
  otherwise].
         (c)  Subsection (b)(2) does not apply if one of the following
  provides otherwise:
               (1)  a court order; or
               (2)  an express provision of a contract relating to the
  division of the marital estate entered into between the testator
  and the testator's former spouse before, during, or after the
  marriage.
         SECTION 4.  Section 123.052(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  The dissolution of the marriage revokes a provision in a
  trust instrument that was executed by a divorced individual before
  the divorced individual's marriage was dissolved and that:
               (1)  is a revocable disposition or appointment of
  property made to the divorced individual's former spouse or any
  relative of the former spouse who is not a relative of the divorced
  individual;
               (2)  revocably confers a general or special power of
  appointment on the divorced individual's former spouse or any
  relative of the former spouse who is not a relative of the divorced
  individual; or
               (3)  revocably nominates the divorced individual's
  former spouse or any relative of the former spouse who is not a
  relative of the divorced individual to serve:
                     (A)  as a personal representative, trustee,
  conservator, agent, or guardian; or
                     (B)  in another fiduciary or representative
  capacity.
         SECTION 5.  Chapter 123, Estates Code, is amended by adding
  Subchapter D to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER D.  EFFECT OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE ON CERTAIN
  MULTIPLE-PARTY ACCOUNTS
         Sec. 123.151.  DESIGNATION OF FORMER SPOUSE OR RELATIVE OF
  FORMER SPOUSE ON CERTAIN MULTIPLE-PARTY ACCOUNTS. (a)  In this
  section:
               (1)  "Beneficiary," "multiple-party account," "P.O.D.
  account," and "P.O.D. payee" have the meanings assigned by Chapter
  113.
               (2)  "Public retirement system" has the meaning
  assigned by Section 802.001, Government Code.
               (3)  "Relative" has the meaning assigned by Section
  123.051.
         (b)  If, after a decedent designates a spouse or a relative
  of a spouse who is not a relative of the decedent as a P.O.D. payee
  or beneficiary, including alternative P.O.D. payee or beneficiary,
  on a P.O.D. account or other multiple-party account, the decedent's
  marriage is dissolved by divorce, annulment, or a declaration that
  the marriage is void, the designation provision on the account is
  not effective as to the former spouse or the former spouse's
  relative unless:
               (1)  the court decree dissolving the marriage
  designates the former spouse or the former spouse's relative as the
  P.O.D. payee or beneficiary;
               (2)  the decedent redesignated the former spouse or the
  former spouse's relative as the P.O.D payee or beneficiary after
  the marriage was dissolved; or
               (3)  the former spouse or the former spouse's relative
  is designated to receive the proceeds or benefits in trust for, on
  behalf of, or for the benefit of a child or dependent of either the
  decedent or the former spouse.
         (c)  If a designation is not effective under Subsection (b),
  a multiple-party account is payable to the named alternative P.O.D.
  payee or beneficiary or, if an alternative P.O.D. payee or
  beneficiary is not named, to the estate of the decedent.
         (d)  A financial institution or other person obligated to pay
  an account described by Subsection (b) that pays the account to the
  former spouse or the former spouse's relative as P.O.D. payee or
  beneficiary under a designation that is not effective under
  Subsection (b) is liable for payment of the account to the person
  provided by Subsection (c) only if:
               (1)  before payment of the account to the designated
  P.O.D. payee or beneficiary, the payor receives written notice at
  the home office or principal office of the payor from an interested
  person that the designation of the P.O.D. payee or beneficiary is
  not effective under Subsection (b); and
               (2)  the payor has not interpleaded the account funds
  into the registry of a court of competent jurisdiction in
  accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
         (e)  This section does not affect the right of a former
  spouse to assert an ownership interest in an undivided
  multiple-party account described by Subsection (b).
         (f)  This section does not apply to the disposition of a
  beneficial interest in a retirement benefit or other financial plan
  of a public retirement system.
         SECTION 6.  Section 201.051, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 201.051.  MATERNAL INHERITANCE.  (a)  For purposes of
  inheritance, a child is the child of the child's biological or
  adopted mother, and the child and the child's issue shall inherit
  from the child's mother and the child's maternal kindred, both
  descendants, ascendants, and collateral kindred in all degrees, and
  they may inherit from the child and the child's issue.  However, if
  a child has intended parents, as defined by Section 160.102, Family
  Code, under a gestational agreement validated under Subchapter I,
  Chapter 160, Family Code, the child is the child of the intended
  mother and not the biological mother or gestational mother unless
  the biological mother is also the intended mother.
         (b)  This section does not permit inheritance by a child for
  whom no right of inheritance accrues under Section 201.056 or by the
  child's issue.
         SECTION 7.  Section 201.052, Estates Code, is amended by
  adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
         (f)  This section does not permit inheritance by a child for
  whom no right of inheritance accrues under Section 201.056 or by the
  child's issue.
         SECTION 8.  Section 201.056, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 201.056.  PERSONS NOT IN BEING. No right of inheritance
  accrues to any person [other than to a child or lineal descendant of
  an intestate,] unless the person is born before, or is in gestation
  at, [in being and capable in law to take as an heir at] the time of
  the intestate's death and survives for at least 120 hours. A person
  is:
               (1)  considered to be in gestation at the time of the
  intestate's death if insemination or implantation occurs at or
  before the time of the intestate's death; and
               (2)  presumed to be in gestation at the time of the
  intestate's death if the person is born before the 301st day after
  the date of the intestate's death.
         SECTION 9.  Section 202.005, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 202.005.  APPLICATION FOR PROCEEDING TO DECLARE
  HEIRSHIP.  A person authorized by Section 202.004 to commence a
  proceeding to declare heirship must file an application in a court
  specified by Section 33.004 to commence the proceeding.  The
  application must state:
               (1)  the decedent's name and date [time] and place of
  death;
               (2)  the names and physical addresses where service can
  be had [residences] of the decedent's heirs, the relationship of
  each heir to the decedent, whether each heir is an adult or minor,
  and the true interest of the applicant and each of the heirs in the
  decedent's estate or in the trust, as applicable;
               (3)  if the date [time] or place of the decedent's death
  or the name or physical address where service can be had [residence]
  of an heir is not definitely known to the applicant, all the
  material facts and circumstances with respect to which the
  applicant has knowledge and information that might reasonably tend
  to show the date [time] or place of the decedent's death or the name
  or physical address where service can be had [residence] of the
  heir;
               (4)  that all children born to or adopted by the
  decedent have been listed;
               (5)  that each of the decedent's marriages has been
  listed with:
                     (A)  the date of the marriage;
                     (B)  the name of the spouse;
                     (C)  the date and place of termination if the
  marriage was terminated; and
                     (D)  other facts to show whether a spouse has had
  an interest in the decedent's property;
               (6)  whether the decedent died testate and, if so, what
  disposition has been made of the will;
               (7)  a general description of all property belonging to
  the decedent's estate or held in trust for the benefit of the
  decedent, as applicable; and
               (8)  an explanation for the omission from the
  application of any of the information required by this section.
         SECTION 10.  Section 202.055, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 202.055.  SERVICE OF CITATION ON CERTAIN PERSONS NOT
  REQUIRED. A party to a proceeding to declare heirship who executed
  the application filed under Section 202.005, entered an appearance
  in the proceeding, or waived citation under this subchapter is not
  required to be served by any method.
         SECTION 11.  Section 202.056, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 202.056.  WAIVER OF SERVICE OF CITATION. (a)  Except
  as provided by Subsection (b)(2), a distributee may waive citation
  required by this subchapter to be served on the distributee.
         (b)  A parent, managing conservator, guardian, attorney ad
  litem, or guardian ad litem of a minor distributee who:
               (1)  is younger than 12 years of age may waive citation
  required by this subchapter to be served on the distributee; and
               (2)  is 12 years of age or older may not waive citation
  required by this subchapter to be served on the distributee.
         SECTION 12.  Section 202.201(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  The judgment in a proceeding to declare heirship must
  state:
               (1)  the names [and places of residence] of the heirs of
  the decedent who is the subject of the proceeding; and
               (2)  the heirs' respective shares and interests in the
  decedent's property.
         SECTION 13.  Subchapter B, Chapter 251, Estates Code, is
  amended by adding Section 251.053 to read as follows:
         Sec. 251.053.  EXCEPTION FOR FOREIGN AND CERTAIN OTHER
  WILLS. Section 251.051 does not apply to a written will executed in
  compliance with:
               (1)  the law of the state or foreign country where the
  will was executed, as that law existed at the time of the will's
  execution; or
               (2)  the law of the state or foreign country where the
  testator was domiciled or had a place of residence, as that law
  existed at the time of the will's execution or at the time of the
  testator's death.
         SECTION 14.  Section 251.1045(a), Estates Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (a)  As an alternative to the self-proving of a will by the
  affidavits of the testator and the attesting witnesses as provided
  by Section 251.104, a will may be simultaneously executed,
  attested, and made self-proved before an officer authorized to
  administer oaths, and the testimony of the witnesses in the probate
  of the will may be made unnecessary, with the inclusion in the will
  of the following in form and contents substantially as follows:
         I, ______________________, as testator, after being duly
  sworn, declare to the undersigned witnesses and to the undersigned
  authority that this instrument is my will, that I [have] willingly
  make [made] and execute [executed] it in the presence of the
  undersigned witnesses, all of whom are [were] present at the same
  time, as my free act and deed, and that I request [have requested]
  each of the undersigned witnesses to sign this will in my presence
  and in the presence of each other.  I now sign this will in the
  presence of the attesting witnesses and the undersigned authority
  on this ______ day of __________, 20________________.
                                             __________________________
                                             Testator
         The undersigned, __________ and __________, each being at
  least fourteen years of age, after being duly sworn, declare to the
  testator and to the undersigned authority that the testator
  declared to us that this instrument is the testator's will and that
  the testator requested us to act as witnesses to the testator's will
  and signature.  The testator then signed this will in our presence,
  all of us being present at the same time.  The testator is eighteen
  years of age or over (or being under such age, is or has been
  lawfully married, or is a member of the armed forces of the United
  States or of an auxiliary of the armed forces of the United States
  or of the United States Maritime Service), and we believe the
  testator to be of sound mind.  We now sign our names as attesting
  witnesses in the presence of the testator, each other, and the
  undersigned authority on this __________ day of __________,
  20______________.
                                             ___________________________
                                             Witness
                                             ___________________________
                                             Witness
         Subscribed and sworn to before me by the said _________,
  testator, and by the said _____________ and ______________,
  witnesses, this _____ day of __________, 20____________.
         (SEAL)
                                             (Signed)
         (Official Capacity of Officer)
         SECTION 15.  The heading to Section 253.001, Estates Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 253.001.  COURT MAY NOT PROHIBIT CHANGING OR REVOKING A
  WILL.
         SECTION 16.  Sections 253.001(b) and (c), Estates Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  A court may not prohibit a person from:
               (1)  executing a new will;
               (2)  executing [or] a codicil to an existing will; or
               (3)  revoking an existing will or codicil in whole or in
  part.
         (c)  Any portion of a court order that purports to prohibit a
  person from engaging in an action described by Subsection (b)
  [executing a new will or a codicil to an existing will] is void and
  may be disregarded without penalty or sanction of any kind.
         SECTION 17.  Section 254.005, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 254.005.  FORFEITURE CLAUSE.  (a)  A provision in a
  will that would cause a forfeiture of or void a devise or provision
  in favor of a person for bringing any court action, including
  contesting a will, is enforceable unless in a court action
  determining whether the forfeiture clause should be enforced, the
  person who brought the action contrary to the forfeiture clause
  establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that:
               (1)  just cause existed for bringing the action; and
               (2)  the action was brought and maintained in good
  faith.
         (b)  This section is not intended to and does not repeal any
  law recognizing that forfeiture clauses generally will not be
  construed to prevent a beneficiary from seeking to compel a
  fiduciary to perform the fiduciary's duties, seeking redress
  against a fiduciary for a breach of the fiduciary's duties, or
  seeking a judicial construction of a will or trust.
         SECTION 18.  Subchapter G, Chapter 255, Estates Code, is
  amended by adding Section 255.304 to read as follows:
         Sec. 255.304.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter
  is applicable only to wills executed on or after September 1, 2005.
         SECTION 19.  Chapter 255, Estates Code, is amended by adding
  Subchapters I and J to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER I. CLASS GIFTS
         Sec. 255.401.  POSTHUMOUS CLASS GIFT MEMBERSHIP. (a)  A
  right to take as a member under a class gift does not accrue to any
  person unless the person is born before, or is in gestation at, the
  time of the testator's death and survives for at least 120 hours. A
  person is:
               (1)  considered to be in gestation at the time of the
  testator's death if insemination or implantation occurs at or
  before the time of the testator's death; and
               (2)  presumed to be in gestation at the time of the
  testator's death if the person was born before the 301st day after
  the date of the testator's death.
         (b)  A provision in the testator's will that is contrary to
  this section prevails over this section.
  SUBCHAPTER J. JUDICIAL MODIFICATION OR REFORMATION
  OF WILLS
         Sec. 255.451.  CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH WILL MAY BE
  MODIFIED OR REFORMED. (a)  On the petition of a personal
  representative, a court may order that the terms of the will be
  modified or reformed, that the personal representative be directed
  or permitted to perform acts that are not authorized or that are
  prohibited by the terms of the will, or that the personal
  representative be prohibited from performing acts that are required
  by the terms of the will, if:
               (1)  modification of administrative, nondispositive
  terms of the will is necessary or appropriate to prevent waste or
  impairment of the estate's administration;
               (2)  the order is necessary or appropriate to achieve
  the testator's tax objectives or to qualify a distributee for
  government benefits and is not contrary to the testator's intent;
  or
               (3)  the order is necessary to correct a scrivener's
  error in the terms of the will, even if unambiguous, to conform with
  the testator's intent.
         (b)  An order described in Subsection (a)(3) may be issued
  only if the testator's intent is established by clear and
  convincing evidence.
         Sec. 255.452.  JUDICIAL DISCRETION. The court shall
  exercise the court's discretion to order a modification or
  reformation under this subchapter in the manner that conforms as
  nearly as possible to the probable intent of the testator.
         Sec. 255.453.  RETROACTIVE EFFECT. The court may direct
  that an order described by this subchapter has retroactive effect.
         Sec. 255.454.  POWERS CUMULATIVE. This subchapter does not
  limit a court's powers under other law, including the power to
  modify, reform, or terminate a testamentary trust under Section
  112.054, Property Code.
         Sec. 255.455.  DUTIES AND LIABILITY OF PERSONAL
  REPRESENTATIVE UNDER SUBCHAPTER. (a)  This subchapter does not
  create or imply a duty for a personal representative to:
               (1)  petition a court for modification or reformation
  of a will, to be directed or permitted to perform acts that are not
  authorized or that are prohibited by the terms of the will, or to be
  prohibited from performing acts that are required by the terms of
  the will;
               (2)  inform devisees about the availability of relief
  under this subchapter; or
               (3)  review the will or other evidence to determine
  whether any action should be taken under this subchapter.
         (b)  A personal representative is not liable for failing to
  file a petition under Section 255.451.
         SECTION 20.  Sections 256.003(a) and (b), Estates Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Except as provided by Section 501.001 with respect to a
  foreign will, a [A] will may not be admitted to probate after the
  fourth anniversary of the testator's death unless it is shown by
  proof that the applicant for the probate of the will was not in
  default in failing to present the will for probate on or before the
  fourth anniversary of the testator's death.
         (b)  Except as provided by Section 501.006 with respect to a
  foreign will, letters [Letters] testamentary may not be issued if a
  will is admitted to probate after the fourth anniversary of the
  testator's death.
         SECTION 21.  Section 256.051(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  An executor named in a will, an independent
  administrator designated by all of the distributees of the decedent
  under Section 401.002(b), or an interested person may file an
  application with the court for an order admitting a will to probate,
  whether the will is:
               (1)  written or unwritten;
               (2)  in the applicant's possession or not;
               (3)  lost;
               (4)  destroyed; or
               (5)  outside of this state.
         SECTION 22.  Section 256.052(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  An application for the probate of a will must state and
  aver the following to the extent each is known to the applicant or
  can, with reasonable diligence, be ascertained by the applicant:
               (1)  each applicant's name and domicile;
               (2)  the testator's name, domicile, and, if known, age,
  on the date of the testator's death;
               (3)  the fact, date [time], and place of the testator's
  death;
               (4)  facts showing that the court with which the
  application is filed has venue;
               (5)  that the testator owned property, including a
  statement generally describing the property and the property's
  probable value;
               (6)  the date of the will;
               (7)  the name, state of residence, and physical address
  where service can be had of the executor named in the will or other
  person to whom the applicant desires that letters be issued;
               (8)  the name of each subscribing witness to the will,
  if any;
               (9)  whether one or more children born to or adopted by
  the testator after the testator executed the will survived the
  testator and, if so, the name of each of those children;
               (10)  whether a marriage of the testator was ever
  dissolved after the will was made and, if so, when and from whom;
               (11)  whether the state, a governmental agency of the
  state, or a charitable organization is named in the will as a
  devisee; and
               (12)  that the executor named in the will, the
  applicant, or another person to whom the applicant desires that
  letters be issued is not disqualified by law from accepting the
  letters.
         SECTION 23.  Section 256.054, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 256.054.  ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS WHEN NO
  WILL IS PRODUCED.  In addition to the requirements for an
  application under Section 256.052, if an applicant for the probate
  of a will cannot produce the will in court, the application must
  state:
               (1)  the reason the will cannot be produced;
               (2)  the contents of the will, as far as known; and
               (3)  the name[, age, marital status,] and address, if
  known, whether the person is an adult or minor, and the relationship
  to the testator, if any, of:
                     (A)  each devisee;
                     (B)  each person who would inherit as an heir of
  the testator in the absence of a valid will; and
                     (C)  in the case of partial intestacy, each heir
  of the testator.
         SECTION 24.  Sections 256.152(b) and (c), Estates Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  A will that is self-proved as provided by Subchapter C,
  Chapter 251, that [or, if executed in another state or a foreign
  country,] is self-proved in accordance with the law [laws] of
  another [the] state or foreign country where the will was executed,
  as that law existed at the time of the will's execution, or that is
  self-proved in accordance with the law of another state or foreign
  country where the testator was domiciled or had a place of
  residence, as that law existed at the time of the will's execution
  or the time of the testator's death, [of the testator's domicile at
  the time of the execution] is not required to have any additional
  proof that the will was executed with the formalities and
  solemnities and under the circumstances required to make the will
  valid.
         (c)  As an alternative to Subsection (b), a will [executed in
  another state or a foreign country] is considered self-proved
  without further evidence of the law of any [the other] state or
  foreign country if:
               (1)  the will was executed in another state or a foreign
  country or the testator was domiciled or had a place of residence in
  another state or a foreign country at the time of the will's
  execution or the time of the testator's death; and
               (2)  the will, or an affidavit of the testator and
  attesting witnesses attached or annexed to the will, provides that:
                     (A) [(1)]  the testator declared that the
  testator signed the instrument as the testator's will, the testator
  signed it willingly or willingly directed another to sign for the
  testator, the testator executed the will as the testator's free and
  voluntary act for the purposes expressed in the instrument, the
  testator is of sound mind and under no constraint or undue
  influence, and the testator is eighteen years of age or over or, if
  under that age, was or had been lawfully married, or was then a
  member of the armed forces of the United States, an auxiliary of the
  armed forces of the United States, or the United States Maritime
  Service; and
                     (B) [(2)]  the witnesses declared that the
  testator signed the instrument as the testator's will, the testator
  signed it willingly or willingly directed another to sign for the
  testator, each of the witnesses, in the presence and hearing of the
  testator, signed the will as witness to the testator's signing, and
  to the best of their knowledge the testator was of sound mind and
  under no constraint or undue influence, and the testator was
  eighteen years of age or over or, if under that age, was or had been
  lawfully married, or was then a member of the armed forces of the
  United States, an auxiliary of the armed forces of the United
  States, or the United States Maritime Service.
         SECTION 25.  Section 257.051(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  An application for the probate of a will as a muniment of
  title must state and aver the following to the extent each is known
  to the applicant or can, with reasonable diligence, be ascertained
  by the applicant:
               (1)  each applicant's name and domicile;
               (2)  the testator's name, domicile, and, if known, age,
  on the date of the testator's death;
               (3)  the fact, date [time], and place of the testator's
  death;
               (4)  facts showing that the court with which the
  application is filed has venue;
               (5)  that the testator owned property, including a
  statement generally describing the property and the property's
  probable value;
               (6)  the date of the will;
               (7)  the name, state of [and] residence, and physical
  address where service can be had of the [of:
                     [(A)  any] executor named in the will;
               (8)  the name of [and
                     [(B)]  each subscribing witness to the will, if
  any;
               (9) [(8)]  whether one or more children born to or
  adopted by the testator after the testator executed the will
  survived the testator and, if so, the name of each of those
  children;
               (10) [(9)]  that the testator's estate does not owe an
  unpaid debt, other than any debt secured by a lien on real estate;
               (11) [(10)]  whether a marriage of the testator was
  ever dissolved after the will was made and, if so, when and from
  whom; and
               (12) [(11)]  whether the state, a governmental agency
  of the state, or a charitable organization is named in the will as a
  devisee.
         SECTION 26.  Section 257.053, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 257.053.  ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS WHEN NO
  WILL IS PRODUCED.  In addition to the requirements for an
  application under Section 257.051, if an applicant for the probate
  of a will as a muniment of title cannot produce the will in court,
  the application must state:
               (1)  the reason the will cannot be produced;
               (2)  the contents of the will, to the extent known; and
               (3)  the name[, age, marital status,] and address, if
  known, whether the person is an adult or minor, and the relationship
  to the testator, if any, of:
                     (A)  each devisee;
                     (B)  each person who would inherit as an heir of
  the testator in the absence of a valid will; and
                     (C)  in the case of partial intestacy, each heir
  of the testator.
         SECTION 27.  Section 301.002(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b) and Section 501.006
  with respect to a foreign will, an application for the grant of
  letters testamentary or of administration of an estate must be
  filed not later than the fourth anniversary of the decedent's
  death.
         SECTION 28.  Section 301.051, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 301.051.  ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS FOR LETTERS. An executor
  named in a will, an independent administrator designated by all of
  the distributees of the decedent under Section 401.002(b) or
  401.003, or an interested person may file an application with the
  court for:
               (1)  the appointment of the executor named in the will;
  or
               (2)  the appointment of an administrator, if:
                     (A)  there is a will, but:
                           (i)  no executor is named in the will; or
                           (ii)  the executor named in the will is
  disqualified, refuses to serve, is dead, or resigns; or
                     (B)  there is no will.
         SECTION 29.  Section 301.052, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 301.052.  CONTENTS OF APPLICATION FOR LETTERS OF
  ADMINISTRATION. An application for letters of administration when
  no will is alleged to exist must state:
               (1)  the applicant's name, domicile, and, if any,
  relationship to the decedent;
               (2)  the decedent's name and that the decedent died
  intestate;
               (3)  the fact, date [time], and place of the decedent's
  death;
               (4)  facts necessary to show that the court with which
  the application is filed has venue;
               (5)  whether the decedent owned property and, if so,
  include a statement of the property's probable value;
               (6)  the name[, age, marital status,] and address, if
  known, whether the heir is an adult or minor, and the relationship
  to the decedent of each of the decedent's heirs;
               (7)  if known by the applicant at the time the applicant
  files the application, whether one or more children were born to or
  adopted by the decedent and, if so, the name, birth date, and place
  of birth of each child;
               (8)  if known by the applicant at the time the applicant
  files the application, whether the decedent was ever divorced and,
  if so, when and from whom;
               (9)  that a necessity exists for administration of the
  decedent's estate and an allegation of the facts that show that
  necessity; and
               (10)  that the applicant is not disqualified by law
  from acting as administrator.
         SECTION 30.  Section 301.151, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 301.151.  GENERAL PROOF REQUIREMENTS. An applicant for
  the issuance of letters testamentary or of administration of an
  estate must prove to the court's satisfaction that:
               (1)  the person whose estate is the subject of the
  application is dead;
               (2)  except as provided by Section 301.002(b) with
  respect to administration necessary to receive or recover property
  due a decedent's estate, and Section 501.006 with respect to a
  foreign will, four years have not elapsed since the date of the
  decedent's death and before the application;
               (3)  the court has jurisdiction and venue over the
  estate;
               (4)  citation has been served and returned in the
  manner and for the period required by this title; and
               (5)  the person for whom letters testamentary or of
  administration are sought is entitled by law to the letters and is
  not disqualified.
         SECTION 31.  Section 308.004(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  Not later than the 90th day after the date of an order
  admitting a will to probate, the personal representative shall file
  with the clerk of the court in which the decedent's estate is
  pending a sworn affidavit of the representative or a certificate
  signed by the representative's attorney stating:
               (1)  for each beneficiary to whom notice was required
  to be given under this subchapter, the name [and address] of the
  beneficiary to whom the representative gave the notice or, for a
  beneficiary described by Section 308.002(b), the name [and address]
  of the beneficiary and of the person to whom the notice was given;
               (2)  the name [and address] of each beneficiary to whom
  notice was not required to be given under Section 308.002(c)(2),
  (3), or (4);
               (3)  the name of each beneficiary whose identity or
  address could not be ascertained despite the representative's
  exercise of reasonable diligence; and
               (4)  any other information necessary to explain the
  representative's inability to give the notice to or for any
  beneficiary as required by this subchapter.
         SECTION 32.  Section 309.001, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 309.001.  APPOINTMENT OF APPRAISERS.  (a)  At any time
  after letters testamentary or of administration are granted, the
  court, for good cause, on the court's own motion or on the motion of
  an interested person [party] shall appoint at least one but not more
  than three disinterested persons who are residents of the county in
  which the letters were granted to appraise the estate property.
         (b)  [At any time after letters testamentary or of
  administration are granted, the court, for good cause shown, on the
  court's own motion or on the motion of an interested person shall
  appoint at least one but not more than three disinterested persons
  who are residents of the county in which the letters were granted to
  appraise the estate property.
         [(c)]  If the court makes an appointment under Subsection (a)
  [or (b)] and part of the estate is located in a county other than the
  county in which the letters were granted, the court, if the court
  considers necessary, may appoint at least one but not more than
  three disinterested persons who are residents of the county in
  which the relevant part of the estate is located to appraise the
  estate property located in that county.
         SECTION 33.  Section 309.056, Estates Code, is amended by
  amending Subsections (b) and (c) and adding Subsection (b-1) to
  read as follows:
         (b)  Notwithstanding Sections 309.051 and 309.052, or any
  contrary provision in a decedent's will that does not specifically
  prohibit the filing of an affidavit described by this subsection,
  if there are no unpaid debts, except for secured debts, taxes, and
  administration expenses, at the time the inventory is due,
  including any extensions, an independent executor may file with the
  court clerk, in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of
  claims, an affidavit stating that all debts, except for secured
  debts, taxes, and administration expenses, are paid and that all
  beneficiaries other than those described by Subsection (b-1) have
  received a verified, full, and detailed inventory and appraisement.  
  The affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of
  claims must be filed within the 90-day period prescribed by Section
  309.051(a), unless the court grants an extension.
         (b-1)  Absent a written request by a beneficiary, an
  independent executor is not required to provide a verified, full,
  and detailed inventory and appraisement to a beneficiary who:
               (1)  is entitled to receive aggregate devises under the
  will with an estimated value of $2,000 or less;
               (2)  has received all devises to which the beneficiary
  is entitled under the will on or before the date an affidavit under
  this section is filed; or
               (3)  has waived in writing the beneficiary's right to
  receive a verified, full, and detailed inventory and appraisement.
         (c)  If the independent executor files an affidavit in lieu
  of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims as authorized
  under Subsection (b):
               (1)  any person interested in the estate, including a
  possible heir of the decedent, [or] a beneficiary under a prior will
  of the decedent, or a beneficiary described by Subsection (b-1), is
  entitled to receive a copy of the inventory, appraisement, and list
  of claims from the independent executor on written request;
               (2)  the independent executor may provide a copy of the
  inventory, appraisement, and list of claims to any person the
  independent executor believes in good faith may be a person
  interested in the estate without liability to the estate or its
  beneficiaries; and
               (3)  a person interested in the estate may apply to the
  court for an order compelling compliance with Subdivision (1), and
  the court, in its discretion, may compel the independent executor
  to provide a copy of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims
  to the interested person or may deny the application.
         SECTION 34.  Section 352.052(b), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (b)  A person designated as a devisee in or beneficiary of a
  will or an alleged will[, or as administrator with the will or
  alleged will annexed,] who, for the purpose of having the will or
  alleged will admitted to probate, defends the will or alleged will
  or prosecutes any proceeding in good faith and with just cause,
  whether or not successful, may be allowed out of the estate the
  person's necessary expenses and disbursements in those
  proceedings, including reasonable attorney's fees.
         SECTION 35.  Sections 353.051(a) and (b), Estates Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  Unless an application and verified affidavit are filed
  as provided by Subsection (b), immediately after the inventory,
  appraisement, and list of claims of an estate are approved or after
  the affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of
  claims is filed, the court by order shall set aside:
               (1)  the homestead for the use and benefit of the
  decedent's surviving spouse and minor children; and
               (2)  all other exempt [estate] property described by
  Section 42.002(a), Property Code, [that is exempt from execution or
  forced sale by the constitution and laws of this state] for the use
  and benefit of the decedent's:
                     (A)  surviving spouse and minor children;
                     (B)  unmarried adult children remaining with the
  decedent's family; and
                     (C)  each other adult child who is incapacitated.
         (b)  Before the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims
  of an estate are approved or, if applicable, before the affidavit in
  lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims is filed:
               (1)  the decedent's surviving spouse or any other
  person authorized to act on behalf of the decedent's minor children
  may apply to the court to have exempt property described by
  Subsection (a), including the homestead, set aside by filing an
  application and a verified affidavit listing all exempt property
  that the applicant claims is exempt property described by
  Subsection (a); and
               (2)  any of the decedent's unmarried adult children
  remaining with the decedent's family, any other adult child of the
  decedent who is incapacitated, or a person who is authorized to act
  on behalf of the adult incapacitated child may apply to the court to
  have all exempt property described by Subsection (a), other than
  the homestead, set aside by filing an application and a verified
  affidavit listing all the exempt property, other than the
  homestead, that the applicant claims is exempt property described
  by Subsection (a).
         SECTION 36.  Section 353.052, Estates Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as
  follows:
         (a)  This section only applies to exempt property described
  by Section 353.051(a).
         (a-1)  The executor or administrator of an estate shall
  deliver, without delay, exempt property that has been set aside for
  the decedent's surviving spouse and children in accordance with
  this section.
         SECTION 37.  Section 353.053(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  If all or any of the specific articles of exempt
  property described by Section 353.051(a) [from execution or forced
  sale by the constitution and laws of this state] are not among the
  decedent's effects, the court shall make, in lieu of the articles
  not among the effects, a reasonable allowance to be paid to the
  decedent's surviving spouse and children as provided by Section
  353.054.
         SECTION 38.  Sections 353.153 and 353.154, Estates Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 353.153.  TITLE TO PROPERTY OF INSOLVENT ESTATE. If on
  final settlement an estate proves to be insolvent, the decedent's
  surviving spouse and children have absolute title to all property
  and allowances set aside or paid to them under this title.  The
  distributees are entitled to distribution of any remaining exempt
  property held by the executor or administrator in the same manner as
  other estate property. The property and allowances set aside or
  paid to the decedent's surviving spouse or children, and any
  remaining exempt property held by the executor or administrator,
  may not be taken for any of the estate debts except as provided by
  Section 353.155.
         Sec. 353.154.  CERTAIN PROPERTY NOT CONSIDERED IN
  DETERMINING SOLVENCY. In determining whether an estate is solvent
  or insolvent, the exempt property set aside for the decedent's
  surviving spouse or children, any allowance made in lieu of that
  exempt property, [and] the family allowance under Subchapter C, and
  any remaining exempt property held by the executor or administrator
  may not be estimated or considered as estate assets.
         SECTION 39.  Section 401.002, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 401.002.  CREATION IN TESTATE ESTATE BY AGREEMENT.
  (a)  Except as provided in Section 401.001(b), if a decedent's will
  names an executor but the will does not provide for independent
  administration as provided in Section 401.001(a), all of the
  distributees of the decedent may agree on the advisability of
  having an independent administration and collectively designate in
  the application for probate of the decedent's will, or in one or
  more separate documents consenting to the application for probate
  of the decedent's will, the executor named in the will to serve as
  independent executor and request [in the application] that no other
  action shall be had in the probate court in relation to the
  settlement of the decedent's estate other than the probating and
  recording of the decedent's will and the return of an inventory,
  appraisement, and list of claims of the decedent's estate. In such
  case the probate court shall enter an order granting independent
  administration and appointing the person, firm, or corporation
  designated by the distributees [in the application] as independent
  executor, unless the court finds that it would not be in the best
  interest of the estate to do so.
         (b)  Except as provided in Section 401.001(b), in situations
  where no executor is named in the decedent's will, or in situations
  where each executor named in the will is deceased or is disqualified
  to serve as executor or indicates by affidavit filed with the
  application for administration of the decedent's estate the
  executor's inability or unwillingness to serve as executor, all of
  the distributees of the decedent may agree on the advisability of
  having an independent administration and collectively designate in
  the application for probate of the decedent's will, or in one or
  more separate documents consenting to the application for probate
  of the decedent's will, a qualified person, firm, or corporation to
  serve as independent administrator and request [in the application]
  that no other action shall be had in the probate court in relation
  to the settlement of the decedent's estate other than the probating
  and recording of the decedent's will and the return of an inventory,
  appraisement, and list of claims of the decedent's estate. In such
  case the probate court shall enter an order granting independent
  administration and appointing the person, firm, or corporation
  designated by the distributees [in the application] as independent
  administrator, unless the court finds that it would not be in the
  best interest of the estate to do so.
         SECTION 40.  Section 401.003(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  All of the distributees of a decedent dying intestate
  may agree on the advisability of having an independent
  administration and collectively designate in the application for
  administration of the decedent's estate, or in one or more
  documents consenting to the application for administration of the
  decedent's estate, a qualified person, firm, or corporation to
  serve as independent administrator and request [in the application]
  that no other action shall be had in the probate court in relation
  to the settlement of the decedent's estate other than the return of
  an inventory, appraisement, and list of claims of the decedent's
  estate. In such case the probate court shall enter an order
  granting independent administration and appointing the person,
  firm, or corporation designated by the distributees [in the
  application] as independent administrator, unless the court finds
  that it would not be in the best interest of the estate to do so.
         SECTION 41.  Sections 401.004(c) and (h), Estates Code, are
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  If a distributee is an incapacitated person, the
  guardian of the person of the distributee may consent to the
  creation of an independent administration [sign the application] on
  behalf of the distributee. If the probate court finds that either
  the granting of independent administration or the appointment of
  the person, firm, or corporation designated by the distributees [in
  the application] as independent executor would not be in the best
  interest of the incapacitated person, then, notwithstanding
  anything to the contrary in Section 401.002 or 401.003, the court
  may not enter an order granting independent administration of the
  estate. If a distributee who is an incapacitated person has no
  guardian of the person, the probate court may appoint a guardian ad
  litem to act [make application] on behalf of the incapacitated
  person if the court considers such an appointment necessary to
  protect the interest of the distributees. Alternatively, if the
  distributee who is an incapacitated person is a minor and has no
  guardian of the person, the natural guardian or guardians of the
  minor may consent on the minor's behalf if there is no conflict of
  interest between the minor and the natural guardian or guardians.
         (h)  If a distributee of a decedent's estate dies and if by
  virtue of the distributee's death the distributee's share of the
  decedent's estate becomes payable to the distributee's estate, the
  deceased distributee's personal representative may consent to the
  [sign the application for] independent administration of the
  decedent's estate under Section 401.002 or 401.003 and under
  Subsection (c).
         SECTION 42.  Section 401.006, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 401.006.  GRANTING POWER OF SALE BY AGREEMENT. In a
  situation in which a decedent does not have a will, or a decedent's
  will does not contain language authorizing the personal
  representative to sell property or contains language that is not
  sufficient to grant the representative that authority, the court
  may include in an order appointing an independent executor [under
  Section 401.002 or 401.003] any general or specific authority
  regarding the power of the independent executor to sell property
  that may be consented to by the beneficiaries who are to receive any
  interest in the property in the application for independent
  administration or for the appointment of an independent executor or
  in their consents to the independent administration or to the
  appointment of an independent executor. The independent executor,
  in such event, may sell the property under the authority granted in
  the court order without the further consent of those beneficiaries.
         SECTION 43.  Section 452.051(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  If a contest related to probating a will or granting
  letters testamentary or of administration is pending, the court may
  appoint a temporary administrator, with powers limited as the
  circumstances of the case require.
         SECTION 44.  Subtitle J, Title 2, Estates Code, is amended by
  adding Chapter 456 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 456. DISBURSEMENT AND CLOSING OF LAWYER TRUST OR ESCROW
  ACCOUNTS
         Sec. 456.001.  DEFINITION. In this chapter, "eligible
  institution" means a financial institution or investment company in
  which a lawyer has established an escrow or trust account for
  purposes of holding client funds or the funds of third persons that
  are in the lawyer's possession in connection with representation as
  required by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.
         Sec. 456.002.  AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE LAWYER ON CERTAIN
  TRUST OR ESCROW ACCOUNTS. (a)  When administering the estate of a
  deceased lawyer who established one or more trust or escrow
  accounts for client funds or the funds of third persons that are in
  the lawyer's possession in connection with representation as
  required by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct,
  the personal representative may hire through written agreement a
  lawyer authorized to practice in this state to:
               (1)  be the authorized signer on the trust or escrow
  account;
               (2)  determine who is entitled to receive the funds in
  the account;
               (3)  disburse the funds to the appropriate persons or
  to the decedent's estate; and
               (4)  close the account.
         (b)  If the personal representative is a lawyer authorized to
  practice in this state, the personal representative may state that
  fact and disburse the trust or escrow account funds of a deceased
  lawyer in accordance with Subsection (a).
         (c)  An agreement under Subsection (a) or a statement under
  Subsection (b) must be made in writing, and a copy of the agreement
  or statement must be delivered to each eligible institution in
  which the trust or escrow accounts were established.
         Sec. 456.003.  DUTY OF ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS. Within a
  reasonable time after receiving a copy of a written agreement under
  Section 456.002(a) or a statement from a personal representative
  under Section 456.002(b) and instructions from the lawyer
  identified in the agreement or statement, as applicable, regarding
  how to disburse the funds or close a trust or escrow account, an
  eligible institution shall disburse the funds and close the account
  in compliance with the instructions.
         Sec. 456.004.  LIABILITY OF ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS. An
  eligible institution is not liable for any act respecting an
  account taken in compliance with this chapter.
         Sec. 456.005.  RULES. The supreme court may adopt rules
  regarding the administration of funds in a trust or escrow account
  subject to this chapter.
         SECTION 45.  Section 501.001, Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 501.001.  AUTHORITY FOR ANCILLARY PROBATE OF FOREIGN
  WILL. The written will of a testator who was not domiciled in this
  state at the time of the testator's death may be admitted to probate
  at any time in this state if:
               (1)  the will would affect any property in this state;
  and
               (2)  proof is presented that the will stands probated
  or otherwise established in any state of the United States or a
  foreign nation.
         SECTION 46.  Section 501.006(a), Estates Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (a)  On application, an executor named in a foreign will
  admitted to ancillary probate in this state in accordance with this
  chapter is entitled to receive ancillary letters testamentary on
  proof made to the court that:
               (1)  the executor has qualified to serve as executor in
  the jurisdiction in which the will was previously admitted to
  probate or otherwise established; [and]
               (2)  the executor is not disqualified from serving in
  that capacity in this state; and
               (3)  if the will is admitted to ancillary probate in
  this state after the fourth anniversary of the testator's death,
  the executor continues to serve in that capacity in the
  jurisdiction in which the will was previously admitted to probate
  or otherwise established.
         SECTION 47.  The addition by this Act of Section 255.304,
  Estates Code, and the amendment by this Act of Sections 113.004(4),
  251.1045(a), 253.001(b) and (c), 254.005, 256.003(a), 353.051(a)
  and (b), 353.052, 353.053(a), 353.153, 353.154, 452.051(a), and
  501.001, Estates Code, is intended to clarify rather than change
  existing law.
         SECTION 48.  Section 113.152(c), Estates Code, as added by
  this Act, applies to a P.O.D. account held by a financial
  institution on or after the effective date of this Act, regardless
  of the date on which the account was opened.
         SECTION 49.  Sections 201.051, 201.052, 201.056,
  308.004(a), 309.056, and 352.052(b), Estates Code, as amended by
  this Act, and Section 251.053 and Subchapter I, Chapter 255,
  Estates Code, as added by this Act, apply only to the estate of a
  decedent who dies on or after the effective date of this Act.  The
  estate of a decedent who dies before the effective date of this Act
  is governed by the law in effect on the date of the decedent's
  death, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 50.  Sections 123.001 and 123.052(a), Estates Code,
  as amended by this Act, and Subchapter D, Chapter 123, Estates Code,
  as added by this Act, apply only to an individual whose marriage is
  dissolved on or after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 51.  Sections 202.005, 202.055, 202.056,
  202.201(a), and 257.053, Estates Code, as amended by this Act,
  apply to an action filed or other proceeding commenced on or after
  the effective date of this Act.  An action filed or other proceeding
  commenced before that date is governed by the law in effect on the
  date the action was filed or the proceeding was commenced, and the
  former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 52.  Subchapter J, Chapter 255, and Chapter 456,
  Estates Code, as added by this Act, and Sections 309.001, 401.002,
  401.003(a), 401.004(c) and (h), and 401.006, Estates Code, as
  amended by this Act, apply to the administration of the estate of a
  decedent that is pending or commenced on or after the effective date
  of this Act.
         SECTION 53.  Sections 256.003(b), 256.051(a), 256.052(a),
  256.054, 256.152(b) and (c), 257.051(a), 301.002(a), 301.051,
  301.052, 301.151, and 501.006(a), Estates Code, as amended by this
  Act, apply only to an application for the probate of a will or
  administration of a decedent's estate that is filed on or after the
  effective date of this Act.  An application for the probate of a
  will or 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.
         SECTION 54.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.