Dell DeHay Law Library – Tarrant County Page 1 of 2
This research guide includes information and
resources on small estates. Small estate probate is an
informal procedure for administering small estates,
less structured than the normal process and usually
not requiring the assistance of an attorney (Black’s
Law Dictionary, 11
th
edition). The resources listed
below are not exhaustive and may not include the most
up-to-date information. It is for information purposes
only and should not be construed as legal advice or act
as the substitute for legal counsel.
Texas Statutes Online www.statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Texas Estates Code
• Ch. 205 Small Estate Affidavit (Intestate
Succession)
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ES/ht
m/ES.205.htm
• Ch. 354 Summary Proceedings for Certain
Small Estates
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ES/ht
m/ES.354.htm#354.001
• Ch. 451 Order of No Administration
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ES/ht
m/ES.451.htm
8 Ways to Avoid Probate KF 750.Z9 R35
• Ch. 8 Take Advantage of Special Procedures
for Small Estates
The Executor’s Guide KF 778.Z9 R35
• Small Estates, p. 304-316
• Affidavits for personal property in small
estates, p. 261-262
Texas Probate, Estate and Trust Administration
KFT 1344.T465
• Vol. 2, Ch. 22 Small Estates
O’ Connor’s Texas Probate Law Handbook KFT
1344.H67
• Ch. 13-C Small Estate Affidavit
Texas Probate Forms and Procedure KFT
1344.T4B7
• Ch. 11 Small Estate Affidavit
O’Connor’s Texas Estates Code Plus KFT 1344.A29
O265
• Ch. 205 Affidavit Small Estate
• Ch. 354 Summary Proceedings for Certain
Small Estates
• Ch. 451 Order of No Administration
O’Connor’s Texas Probate Forms KFT 1344.H66
• Ch. 13-C Small Estate Affidavit
Estate Planning and Probate Drafting Course KFT
1340.A92
• 2021 Ch. 3 There’s a Form for That: Retitling
Assets in Estate Admininstration and Planning
• 2021 Ch.9 Marital Property Issues in Estate
Planning
• 2018 Ch. 1 Deeds in Estate Planning and
Probate
• 2018 Ch. 13 What to Know About our Probate
and Planning Files: Preparing to the Defend he
Estate Plan
• 2018 Ch. 8 Can’t We All Just Get Along?:
Drafting for Estate Administrations Involving
Small Estates
Research Guide
**THIS IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE ADVICE OF AN ATTORNEY**
Overview
Secondary Resources in Print
CLE Materials
Statutes and Codes
Dell DeHay Law Library – Tarrant County Page 2 of 2
Surviving Spouses and Blended Families2016
Ch. 4 The Ins and Outs of Drafting Accountings
for Trusts, Estates and Guardianships
• 2016 Ch. 17 Current Developments in Estate
Planning and Probate Drafting
• 2015 Ch. 4 Top 10 Considerations for Drafting
to Avoid Litigation
Small Estate Affidavits (Texas Law Help)
https://texaslawhelp.org/article/small-estate-
affidavits
Small Estate Affidavit (NOLO)
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/texas-
probate-shortcuts-32076.html
Texas Probate Passport (TYLA)
https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Sectio
n=Free_Legal_Information2&Template=/CM/Content
Display.cfm&ContentID=35422
Small Estate Affidavit (Tarrant County Probate
Courts)
https://access.tarrantcounty.com/content/dam/main
/probate-
courts/Documents/SMALL_ESTATE_AFFIDAVIT_instr
uctions.pdf
When is it Proper to Use a Small Estate Affidavit?
(Rania Combs Law)
https://raniacombslaw.com/resources/when-is-it-
proper-to-use-a-small-estate-affidavit
Avoid Probate in Texas with the Small Estate Affidavit
(Ryan Reiffert Law)
https://ryanreiffert.com/estate-planning/small-
estate-affidavit/
Small Estate Affidavit (Aldrich Law Firm)
https://www.aldrichfirm.com/probate/small-estate-
affidavit/
Where Do I Start With Probate After the Loss of a
Loved One? (Weisinger Law Firm)
https://weisingerlawfirm.com/where-do-i-start-
with-probate-after-the-loss-of-a-loved-one/
Legal Lines – Ask Attorneys simple legal questions
(free service)
Tarrant County LegalLine Sign-up
https://www.tarrantbar.org/
Dallas County LegalLine Sign-up
https://www.dallasbar.org/index.cfm?pg
=legalline
Tarrant County Bar Association Lawyer Referral
Service: 817-336-4101 ($20 for the first 30 minutes)
Online Resources
Legal Assistance
