In DFW, local court guidance sets expectations. Tarrant Probate Court No. 2 says an estate typically stays open at least six months after the executor qualifies, and that an insolvent estate should not pay claims before then. Shares for a minor without a guardian can be paid to the county clerk.
Our Texas guide to when heirs get paid after a house sells covers the statewide answer: heirs who sign the deed are paid at funding, while an executor's sale sends the money into the estate first. This page shows how that plays out in Dallas-Fort Worth, where local probate courts publish guidance that sets realistic expectations for the wait.
The DFW courts that oversee estate payouts
Where DFW estates are pending: Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1, 817-884-1200, and No. 2, 817-884-1415, at the Tarrant County Courthouse in Fort Worth (call to confirm the courtroom) · Dallas County Clerk, Probate Courts Division, 600 Commerce St., 7th Floor, (214) 653-7099 · Collin County Probate Court, McKinney · Denton County Probate Courts No. 1 and No. 2, 3900 Morse St., Denton
An heir does not need to go to court to find out where things stand. The probate case file shows what the executor has filed, such as the inventory, any accountings and, at the end, a closing report. Tarrant Probate Court No. 1's page links to a Probate Court Records Search, and the Dallas County Clerk's probate division lists a Probate Case Search.
Tarrant County's six-month expectation
Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2 publishes a guide for independent executors that gives heirs a useful benchmark. It says an estate typically remains open for at least six months following the executor's qualification date. Its order of events before distribution:
- gather all estate assets, including the proceeds from any house sale,
- notify creditors, including certified-mail notice to secured creditors within two months of qualifying,
- file the inventory, appraisement and list of claims within 90 days of qualifying, or an affidavit in lieu of inventory where allowed,
- settle all valid claims,
- then, with the attorney, distribute what remains to the beneficiaries.
The guide adds a caution for estates that owe more than they own: if the estate is insolvent, claims should not be paid until it has been open at least six months, because claims have a priority of payment. In an insolvent estate, heirs may receive little or nothing from a sale after creditors are paid in order.
Receipts and the closing report
The same guide says the executor's attorney may prepare receipts for beneficiaries to sign, acknowledging they received their share, and that these are often filed with the clerk along with a closing report or notice of closing under Estates Code Sec. 405.004. It also notes that many executors keep an estate open in case more assets turn up, so an open case does not always mean money is being held back. Ask the executor's attorney directly.
What the executor is paid, and who checks it
Executor compensation comes out of the estate before heirs split the rest. Tarrant Probate Court No. 2's guide says an independent executor's compensation is set by the will. If the will is silent, the executor is entitled to 5 percent of receipts and disbursements, with exceptions. The court does not approve that compensation unless a beneficiary or creditor contests it. If you think the fee is wrong, raising it is your job, and a probate attorney can help.
Lawyers are part of the process in DFW
Expect an attorney in the middle of the payout. Tarrant Probate Court No. 2's guide says an independent executor must be represented by a licensed Texas attorney throughout the process, and the Collin County Clerk's probate page says the Collin court cannot appoint an executor or administrator who lacks one. That gives heirs a professional contact who can answer timing questions, even though the attorney represents the executor, not the heirs.
A minor heir's share
When a child inherits part of the sale proceeds, the money cannot simply be handed to the child. If the minor has no guardian of the estate and the amount is $250,000 or less, Estates Code Sec. 1355.001 lets the payer deposit it with the county clerk of the county where the minor lives. A minor counts as an incapacitated person under Sec. 1002.017. The Tarrant County Clerk's probate fee schedule lists a custodial account under Chapter 1355, and the Collin County Clerk's probate page links a registry funds deposit information sheet. Ask the clerk in the minor's home county how to withdraw the funds later.
An heir who never claims a share
Sometimes an heir cannot be found. Under Estates Code Sec. 551.001, the court must order the executor or administrator to pay the comptroller the share of a person who does not demand it within six months after the stated event, including money deposited in the court's registry. Sec. 551.051 then provides a way to recover those funds from the state, which adds paperwork and time. Keep your address current with the executor's attorney.
A DFW heir's waiting checklist
- Find the probate case number and check the file every month or two.
- Note the executor's qualification date, then count six months and 90 days from it.
- Ask the executor's attorney for a written list of known claims and expenses.
- Check whether the estate is solvent before planning around your share.
- If a minor shares in the estate, find out which county clerk will hold the money.
Selling an estate house in DFW
Cash Home Advisors is based in Fort Worth and buys houses across DFW, including houses sold by executors and by groups of heirs. We can close in 7–14 days and we pay all closing costs. Whoever signs as seller sees the full closing statement before signing, so the estate's records start with a clear number.
Request a cash offer, learn about selling an inherited house, or see the cities on our areas we serve page.
Want a cash offer instead?
We buy Texas houses as-is, pay all closing costs, and can close in 7–14 days.
Get my cash offer or call (817) 635-0743
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Tarrant County estate usually stay open?
Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2's guide for independent executors says an estate typically remains open for at least six months after the executor's qualification date. Distribution comes after assets are gathered, creditors notified, the inventory filed and valid claims settled.
Does the Tarrant probate court approve what the executor is paid?
According to Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2's guide, the court does not approve an independent executor's compensation unless a beneficiary or creditor contests it. The will controls the amount; if it is silent, the Estates Code's 5 percent rule applies, with exceptions.
What happens to a minor heir's share in Dallas or Tarrant County?
If the minor has no guardian of the estate and the amount is $250,000 or less, Estates Code Sec. 1355.001 lets the money be paid to the county clerk of the county where the minor lives. Tarrant County's probate fee schedule lists a custodial account under Chapter 1355.
Where can I see whether an estate has filed a closing report?
Check the probate case file. Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1's page links to a Probate Court Records Search, and the Dallas County Clerk's probate division lists a Probate Case Search.
Sources
- Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2, Guide for an Independent Executor (PDF)
- Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2
- Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1, Probate
- Tarrant County Clerk, Probate fee schedule (effective January 1, 2026)
- Dallas County Clerk, Probate Courts Division: Know Before You Come
- Collin County Clerk, Probate
- Denton County Probate Courts, Policies and Positions: Testate Estates (PDF)
- Texas Estates Code, Chapter 1355 (Sec. 1355.001 payment to county clerk)
- Texas Estates Code, Chapter 1002 (Sec. 1002.017 incapacitated person includes a minor)
- Texas Estates Code, Chapter 551 (Sec. 551.001 unclaimed shares)
- Texas Estates Code, Chapter 405 (Sec. 405.004 closing report)
General information, not legal or tax advice. Talk to a Texas attorney or CPA about your situation.