Texas § ES.256.003 - PERIOD FOR ADMITTING WILL TO PROBATE
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § ES.256.003 — PERIOD FOR ADMITTING WILL TO PROBATE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ ES.256.003. PERIOD FOR ADMITTING WILL TO PROBATE
PERIOD FOR ADMITTING WILL TO PROBATE; PROTECTION FOR CERTAIN PURCHASERS. (a) Except as provided by Section 501.001 with respect to a foreign will, a will may not be admitted to probate after the fourth anniversary of the testator's death unless it is shown by proof that the applicant for the probate of the will was not in default in failing to present the will for probate on or before the fourth anniversary of the testator's death. (b) Except as provided by Section 501.006 with respect to a foreign will, letters testamentary may not be issued if a will is admitted to probate after the fourth anniversary of the testator's death unless it is shown that the application for probate was filed on or before the fourth anniversary of the testator's death. (c) A person who for value, in good faith, and without knowledge of the existence of a will purchases property from a decedent's heirs after the fourth anniversary of the decedent's death shall be held to have good title to the interest that the heir or heirs would have had in the absence of a will, as against the claim of any devisee under any will that is subsequently offered for probate. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 680 (H.B. 2502 ), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2014. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 949 (S.B. 995 ), Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2015. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 844 (H.B. 2271 ), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2017. SUBCHAPTER B. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § ES.256.003
What does The Texas Constitution § ES.256.003 cover?
Section ES.256.003 ("PERIOD FOR ADMITTING WILL TO PROBATE") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § ES.256.003?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § ES.256.003" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § ES.256.003 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.