So you’ve been appointed as executor or personal representative in a Texas probate case. You have your certified copies of your Letters Testamentary. Now the work begins. You already have a lot to do, but now you’ve been told that you must fill out a inventory and return it to your lawyer by a specific date. Is it really necessary? If so, why?
It is necessary under Texas Law (the Texas Estates Code). This inventory must be accurately filled out, sworn to under oath, signed in front of a notary public, and filed with the Court.
The inventory needs to be a list of assets of the deceased person, as of the date of death.
It is very important to fill this out accurately, and on time. If you do not do so, the court may dismiss your case and you will no longer have the authority to act as Executor. If you need more time to return the inventory, be sure to ask your lawyer several days in advance so that s/he can ask the judge for an extension of time.
Remember, you, as the Executor are swearing to the accuracy of this inventory under oath. So be sure to leave yourself enough time to review documents and to list items and their values. It is a good idea to begin working on the inventory as soon as you get your letters testamentary.
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