To avoid the cost and headaches of court-supervised administration, also called, "dependent" administration, agreement can lead to independent administration.

Independent Administration is available even when the decedent did not leave a will If all the heirs are cooperative and agree on a person (or persons) to be the administrator.  If all heirs join in one application, the procedure is very similar to the probate of a will coupled with a declaration of heirship.  The combined procedures allow the court to conclude who the heirs are, that they all agree on an administrator, and that the administration does not require continued court supervision.

Although circumstances differ, our offices can usually do these combined procedures (declaration of heirship and appointment of an independent administrator) for $1750 and court costs in Dallas County.  Contact our office for exact information.