The Texas Probate Code is very specific on how estates are distributed if there is no Will. Below is just a start:
- If there is no surviving spouse, then to the children and their descendants.
- If there is no surviving spouse or children or grandchildren, then to the parents.
- If there are no parents, spouse, or descendants, then to cousins.
- If one parent survives, then one-half of the decedent's estate goes to that parent and the other half to the brothers and sisters.
- If the spouse and one parent survive, then the spouse inherits all the personal property, but only one-half of the real property of the decedent; the parent gets the other half of the real property.
- If there is a surviving spouse and children, the surviving spouse gets one-third of the decedent's personal property and his/her children get the other two-thirds; the spouse gets a lifetime interest in one-third of the decedent's real property, and on the death of that spouse, the decedent's children inherit the real property of the decedent.