Texas Statutes (Last Updated: January 4, 2014) |
ESTATES CODE |
Title 2. ESTATES OF DECEDENTS; DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY |
Subtitle H. CONTINUATION OF ADMINISTRATION |
Chapter 353. EXEMPT PROPERTY AND FAMILY ALLOWANCE |
Subchapter B. EXEMPT PROPERTY; ALLOWANCE IN LIEU OF EXEMPT PROPERTY |
Sec. 353.051. EXEMPT PROPERTY TO BE SET ASIDE
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(a) Unless an application and verified affidavit are filed as provided by Subsection (b), immediately after the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims of an estate are approved or after the affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims is filed, the court by order shall set aside:
(1) the homestead for the use and benefit of the decedent's surviving spouse and minor children; and
(2) all other estate property that is exempt from execution or forced sale by the constitution and laws of this state for the use and benefit of the decedent's:
(A) surviving spouse and minor children;
(B) unmarried adult children remaining with the decedent's family; and
(C) each other adult child who is incapacitated.
(b) Before the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims of an estate are approved or, if applicable, before the affidavit in lieu of the inventory, appraisement, and list of claims is filed:
(1) the decedent's surviving spouse or any other person authorized to act on behalf of the decedent's minor children may apply to the court to have exempt property, including the homestead, set aside by filing an application and a verified affidavit listing all property that the applicant claims is exempt; and
(2) any of the decedent's unmarried adult children remaining with the decedent's family, any other adult child of the decedent who is incapacitated, or a person who is authorized to act on behalf of the adult incapacitated child may apply to the court to have all exempt property, other than the homestead, set aside by filing an application and a verified affidavit listing all property, other than the homestead, that the applicant claims is exempt.
(c) At a hearing on an application filed under Subsection (b), the applicant has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence. The court shall set aside property of the decedent's estate that the court finds is exempt.