The Texas Statutes cover the rules for selling a decedent's property from a probate estate in Chapter 356 of the Estates Code.

When an estate is admitted to probate, the court officer authorizes a personal representative (PR) to manage, and eventually close, the estate. Among other duties, this involves identifying the assets and liabilities, paying the bills, and distributing property according to the terms specified in Texas law. If the property owner died with a will (testate), the PR is called an executor. If the individual died without a will (intestate), however, the court appoints a PR known as an administrator.

Many estates contain real property to distribute. Depending on the circumstances, the administrator might transfer the title to heirs as directed by the court or sell the property outright. These transfers require a specific document, known as an administrator's deed, to complete the change in ownership.

An administrator's deed is used to transfer real property out of an estate. These instruments must meet the same requirements for form and content as warranty or quitclaim deeds, as well as providing additional information about the probate case. Additionally, some transfers might need supporting documentation such as copies of the letters of administration, court orders, the death certificate, signatures from heirs or beneficiaries, etc.

Note that administrator's deeds do NOT typically include a general warranty on the title. Some administrators may offer a special warranty, meaning that they have the right to sell the property, and will only defend the title against claims on their actions.

Settling probate estates can be complicated, so take the time to understand the issues. Before buying or selling real property from an estate, review all the risks and benefits, and contact an attorney with questions.

(Texas Administrator Deed Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)

How to Use This Form

Select your county from the list above
Download the county-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county recorder's office

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Common Uses for Administrator Deed

Document the authority of a trustee to act on behalf of a trust
Facilitate the sale of trust-held real estate
Record a trust's ownership interest with the county
Notify third parties of a trust's interest in real property
Transfer property as part of estate administration
Transfer property from a deceased person's estate

Compare other Texas deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Correction Deed Transfer on Death Deed Transfer on Death Revocation Enhanced Life Estate Deed Easement Deed Termination of Easement Executor Deed Texas Affidavit of Heirship Trustee Deed Certificate of Trust Disclaimer of Interest Mineral Deed Mineral Quitclaim Deed Specific Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Property Specific Power of Attorney for the Sale of Property Statutory Durable Power of Attorney Demand for Payment Notice of Contractual Retainage Notice of Specially Manufactured Materials Preliminary Notice to Original Contractor Preliminary Notice to Owner and Original Contractor Affidavit of Lien Request for Information from Owner Request for Information from Subcontractor Request for Information from Original Contractor Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment Conditional Waiver and Release on Final Payment Unconditional Waiver on Progress Payment Unconditional Waiver on Final Payment Release of Lien Contract for Deed Memorandum of Contract Deed of Trust and Promissory Note Release of Lien - by Deed of Trust and Note Appointment of Substitute Trustee for Deed of Trust Assignment of Deed of Trust Collateral Assignment of Note and Liens (Security Agreement) Release of Collateral Transfer of Note and Lien Collateral Assignment of Leases, Rents and Rights Release of Collateral Assignment of Leases and Rents Lis Pendens Lis Pendens Release

Important: County-Specific Forms

Our administrator deed forms are specifically formatted for each county in Texas.

After selecting your county, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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