Once a person dies, the deceased person's Will has to be probated or an Heirship must be done should the person die without a Will. An estate administration is the result of the probate of the Will or Heirship determination. Heirship determinations are a statutory based determination of who will receive the estate based on the descent and distribution laws of the State of Texas.

An independent Administration is where there is no court supervision of the administration of the estate. A dependent administration is where the court supervises the estate and the administrator is supervised by a Court and the administrator must secure permission for any acts done to settle and administer the estate.

• Independent
• Dependent