The Texas legislature has passed and sent to the Governor S.B. No 512, which amends the Government Code, and requires the Texas Supreme Court “as the court considers appropriate” to prepare and offer for distribution forms “for use by individuals representing themselves in certain probate matters.” The language goes on to include, in the list of probate matters, references to simple will forms for use in a variety of simple situations. Presumably that means forms to create a Will and not just to probate a Will. In addition to the forms, the Supreme Court is to prepare instructions “written in plain language that is easy to understand by the general public” and must be translated into Spanish as well as provided in English.
The statutes specifically says it is for people who will represent themselves. Several courts over the years have taken the position that only attorneys can represent executors. This law does not address that type of probate. Instead, it limits itself to small estate affidavits and muniment of title proceedings where no executors appointed.