After a person passes away, the Probate Judge recognizes the death, confirms the will, identifies the heirs, and designates an administrator or validates the executor. The administrator or executor pays off remaining debts and apportions the left over assets to the heirs, which is overseen by the Judge. In some counties, the Probate Judge also handles marriage certificates, guardianships, adoptions, and name changes, though cases related to estates are the most common. When all of the heirs agree on the will, all the Probate Court Judge has to do is review and sign orders, which gives power to the executor over the property and allows the assets to be sold if needed. If the heirs disagree on the will, then the Probate Judge will discern what parts of the will are valid, and what was unintentional. If no will was left, then the Probate Court Judge chooses a representative in place of an executor and allocates the assets based on the intestacy laws. Starting in chapter 25, sec. 25.00211 of the Government Code, the duties of the Probate Court Judge are explained.
HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE |
HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER |
HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK |
HARRIS COUNTY PROBATE COURT JUDGE |
HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
HARRIS COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR / COLLECTOR |
HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE |
HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLE |
HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF
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