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How Detailed Does an Estate Inventory Need to Be in Texas? A Guide for Executors and Administrators

If you’re serving as the executor or administrator of a loved one’s estate, one of your first and most important tasks is preparing the estate inventory. This document gives the probate court—and the beneficiaries—a clear picture of what the estate owns and what it’s worth.

But how detailed does an estate inventory need to be? Is a general list enough, or are specifics required?

At The Lange Firm, we help Texas executors get estate inventories right the first time, avoiding costly delays and legal disputes. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to include in your inventory, how detailed it should be, and how to file it properly with the court.

What Is an Estate Inventory?

An estate inventory is a legal document that lists:

• All of the assets the deceased owned at the time of death
  
  
• The approximate value of each asset
  
  
• Any debts or liens tied to those assets
  
  

It must be submitted to the probate court as part of the estate administration process.

In Texas, the inventory is governed by Texas Estates Code § 309.051 and is required in both dependent and independent administrations, unless waived by the court.

How Detailed Does an Estate Inventory Need to Be?

The inventory must be as specific as reasonably possible. This means:

✅ Include the Type of Asset

Clearly identify what each item is:

• Real estate (with full legal description)
  
  
• Bank accounts (bank name and last 4 digits)
  
  
• Vehicles (make, model, VIN)
  
  
• Personal property (furniture, jewelry, collectibles, firearms)
  
  
• Stocks, bonds, retirement accounts
  
  
• Business interests
  
  
• Life insurance (only if payable to the estate)
  
  
• Debts owed to the estate (e.g., loans made by the deceased)
  
  

✅ Provide an Approximate Value

Each item should include an estimated fair market value as of the date of death. Use:

• Appraisals for real estate or valuable property
  
  
• Bank and brokerage statements
  
  
• Kelley Blue Book for vehicles
  
  
• Online market estimates for personal items
  
  

You don’t need exact to-the-penny values—but you should provide reasonable, well-supported estimates.

✅ Indicate Ownership Type

For each item, specify:

• Whether it was community or separate property
  
  
• If it was jointly owned with survivorship
  
  
• Whether it had a named beneficiary (and thus is non-probate)
  
  

Only probate assets should be included in the estate inventory.

What Should NOT Be Included in the Inventory?

• Jointly held assets with right of survivorship
  
  
• Accounts with payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations
  
  
• Life insurance policies with a living, named beneficiary
  
  
• Assets held in a trust (unless the estate is the beneficiary)
  
  

These assets pass outside of probate and do not belong in the inventory.

When Must the Inventory Be Filed in Texas?

In most probate cases, the executor or administrator must:

• File the inventory within 90 days of being appointed
  
  
• Sign the inventory under oath
  
  
• Submit it to the probate court and serve notice to interested parties
  
  

The Lange Firm helps clients prepare and file estate inventories accurately and on time, even in complex or high-value estates.

Do Beneficiaries Get to See the Inventory?

Yes. Beneficiaries have the right to:

• Review the estate inventory
  
  
• Ask questions about asset values or missing items
  
  
• Raise concerns if assets appear to be misrepresented or hidden
  
  

Transparency is key. A vague or sloppy inventory can trigger delays, disputes, or even legal action.

What Happens If the Executor Fails to File or Makes a Mistake?

Failure to file the inventory—or filing a misleading one—can result in:

• Court sanctions
  
  
• Personal liability for the executor
  
  
• Removal from the role of executor or administrator
  
  
• Delays in asset distribution
  
  

If you’re unsure about how to list or value certain assets, it’s best to seek professional guidance.

Tips for Preparing a Detailed Estate Inventory

✅ Keep Organized Records

Start gathering documents like:

• Deeds
  
  
• Vehicle titles
  
  
• Account statements
  
  
• Appraisals
  
  
• Insurance policies
  
  
• Tax returns
  
  

✅ Work With Professionals

For complex assets, work with:

• Appraisers (real estate, jewelry, collectibles)
  
  
• Financial advisors
  
  
• Probate attorneys (like The Lange Firm)
  
  

✅ Be Honest and Conservative

Avoid overestimating or undervaluing. Provide the best estimate based on facts and documents available at the time.

How The Lange Firm Helps With Estate Inventories

At The Lange Firm, we assist executors and administrators with:

• Identifying and organizing all estate assets
  
  
• Distinguishing probate vs. non-probate property
  
  
• Determining community vs. separate property
  
  
• Working with appraisers and accountants
  
  
• Filing the inventory with the probate court
  
  
• Responding to court questions or objections from heirs
  
  

We offer flat-fee and hourly probate services depending on your needs.

📞 Contact us today to get help with your estate inventory and avoid costly mistakes in the Texas probate process.

Final Thoughts

So, how detailed does an estate inventory need to be in Texas? It must be clear, specific, and reasonably accurate. While you don’t need to list every fork and spoon, you do need to properly describe and value the estate’s major assets—and document your process.

✅ With help from The Lange Firm, you can meet all court requirements and protect yourself from liability, while honoring your loved one’s legacy.