A Small Estate Affidavit (SEA), authorized under Texas Estates Code Chapter 205, is a simplified probate alternative available in limited circumstances when a person dies without a Will and leaves a modest estate consisting primarily of homestead property and personal assets below a statutory threshold. Qualified heirs may sign and file an affidavit in lieu of a full probate, subject to strict requirements. While an SEA can be efficient and cost-effective, it is not available if the estate is too large, has certain types of debts, or involves complex ownership issues.
