Dependent Administration Attorney

When a loved one passes away in Houston and the estate does not qualify for a streamlined path, dependent administration is the court-supervised process that settles it. It is the most closely overseen form of Texas probate, and it exists to protect beneficiaries and creditors when the usual safeguards of an independent administration are not available.

How Dependent Administration Works in Houston

In a dependent administration, the person appointed by the court is called the dependent administrator. Their authority is limited: before taking most significant actions, they must file a motion, give notice, and obtain a signed court order. That includes:

• Selling real estate or other estate property
• Paying most debts and claims against the estate
• Making distributions to beneficiaries
• Entering contracts on behalf of the estate

This is the opposite of independent administration, where the executor acts without returning to court for each step. The trade-off is that court supervision adds months of delay and additional legal fees, but it also creates a clear record and protects the administrator from later claims that they acted improperly.

When an Estate Needs Dependent Administration

Dependent administration is required, or is the safer choice, in several situations:

• The will does not grant independent administration and the beneficiaries do not all consent in writing to it.
• There is no will and the heirs cannot unanimously agree on independent administration.
• The estate is contested, with disputes among heirs, questions about the will, or aggressive creditors.
• Minor or incapacitated beneficiaries are involved and the court wants ongoing oversight of their interests.

If your estate has a valid will that names an independent executor, or all the heirs agree, you will almost always prefer the faster and less expensive independent administration instead. For small or debt-free estates, an even simpler option such as muniment of title may apply.

The Filing Process in Harris County

A dependent administration in Harris County generally follows these steps:

1. File the application. Submit the application for probate and letters of administration, along with the will (if one exists) and a certified death certificate, to the Harris County Clerk. The filing fee is approximately $360.
2. Post citation. The court posts public notice before the hearing so any interested party can appear.
3. Attend the hearing and post bond. After the judge appoints the administrator, the administrator posts the required surety bond before letters are issued.
4. Receive Letters of Administration. These letters grant the authority to act, subject to court approval for major actions.
5. File the inventory. Within 90 days, the administrator files a sworn inventory and appraisement of the estate’s assets.
6. Seek court orders for each major action. Sales, debt payments, and distributions each require a motion and order.
7. File accountings and close the estate. The administrator files annual accountings and a final accounting before the court authorizes closing.

Why Work With Kyle Robbins for Dependent Administration

Dependent administration is the most procedure-heavy path in Texas probate. A missed accounting, an unauthorized payment, or a sale without a prior court order can expose the administrator to personal liability and delay the entire estate. Kyle Robbins handles the full sequence of motions, notices, bonds, and accountings so the administrator stays protected and the estate keeps moving.

Kyle Robbins has guided Houston families through court-supervised administrations from filing through final distribution, most without an in-person courthouse visit. Request a free consultation to discuss your situation.