Tex. Estates Code § 455.010: GRANT OF ADMINISTRATION.

(a) A public probate administrator shall file an application for letters of administration or administration with will annexed as provided by this title:

(1) if gross assets of an estate exceed the maximum amount authorized for a small estate affidavit under Section 205.001;

(2) if the property of the decedent cannot be disposed of using other methods detailed in this chapter; or

(3) at the discretion of the public probate administrator or on order of the statutory probate court judge.

(b) After issuance of letters of administration, the public probate administrator is considered a personal representative under this title and has all of the powers and duties of a personal representative under this title.

Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 671 (H.B. 1755), Sec. 2, eff. January 1, 2014.