Texas Small Estate Affidavit Query

[starthere1]

How long does it typically take for a judge/court to approve the SEA (in TX), and is it mailed or can be picked up?

Also, I understand that automobiles and home furnishings amongst other items are exempt - what exactly does that mean? Exempt from being collected from creditors? Protected?

Lastly, for family members who paid for funeral expenses - are we first in line to receive (as creditors) from the estate?

Thanks so much....

 

[zddoodah]

How long does it typically take for a judge/court to approve the SEA (in TX), and is it mailed or can be picked up?

Only a local practitioner (or someone employed by the court) is going to be able to answer this question intelligently.

Also, I understand that automobiles and home furnishings amongst other items are exempt - what exactly does that mean? Exempt from being collected from creditors? Protected?

My guess is that you are confusing bankruptcy exemptions with the probate process. Those exemptions have no relevance to the probate/estate process.

Lastly, for family members who paid for funeral expenses - are we first in line to receive (as creditors) from the estate?

Yes.

 

[starthere1]

Thank you. As for question #2, you are right. That's what I understand it to mean. Likely different I assume?

 

[zddoodah]

As for question #2, you are right. That's what I understand it to mean. Likely different I assume?

Yes. As indicated, bankruptcy exemptions have no relevance to the probate process (except in extremely rare cases where a decedent's estate files bankruptcy).