In case 25 CPR 042547, a Fort Bend County probate court declared the heirs of the late Texana Morgan, found a necessity for administration, appointed Leslie Washington as dependent administrator and set bond at $60,000.

Leslie Washington testified that Texana Morgan died in April 2003, was domiciled in Fort Bend County at death, and died intestate (no will found). Washington provided a list of heirs including Martha Rowe (daughter) and the estate of Harris Morgan (son, deceased). Witnesses Pamela Miller, Lashemia Cayman and others corroborated the family relationships and that no other superior heirs were known.

The judge discharged attorney ad litem Dunham and awarded him a fee of $525 for his services. The court found by clear and convincing evidence that the heirs listed should be declared and that administration is necessary because assets require management. The judge set bond for the dependent administrator at $60,000 (approximately half the indicated real property value) and said the amount may be adjusted after an inventory is filed.

Testimony established the estate includes real property with an approximate combined tax appraisal value the witness estimated in the range of $120,000; no detailed inventory or personal-property valuation was entered on the record at the hearing. The court directed that an inventory and any adjustments to bond be addressed following appointment.

There were no objections reported in the transcript during the hearing; the judge stated the order would be prepared and signed following docketing.