David (Dave) Jahn

Denton County Probate Court No. 1 — Zoom Hearing Policies (letters testamentary and muniment applications: notice of remote hearing; order, resident-agent appointment and death certificate on file 3 days before or the setting is removed; oaths executed on Zoom and e-filed; order-drafting requirements; § 257.103 affidavit waiver limits)

Probate Court No. 1's Zoom hearing policies under TRCP 21d for applications for letters testamentary and muniments of title: the party requesting a remote hearing gives notice to all participants; the order, any sworn resident-agent appointment and the death certificate must be on file 3 days before the hearing or the setting is removed; proofs and oaths are executed during the Zoom hearing and e-filed afterward (never e-mailed to the administrator); a party not logged in when called reschedules, technical problems reschedule, participants use recognizable names and observe courtroom dress; counsel tells the judge whether the client signs on camera or before a notary; orders must drop 'the allegations contained in the Application are true', explain why a named executor is not serving (with a death certificate or obituary on file), state the executor's exact name as in the will, contain § 309 inventory and § 308 notice language, and omit power-of-sale language unless requested in the prayer; for muniments, an out-of-state applicant needs a resident agent, proof of death and oath of no debts may be combined, declinations from prior-named or co-executors are required, orders make no property or child-support findings, and the § 257.103 affidavit is waived only if all beneficiaries join and sign the application and no trust is a beneficiary.