Fort Bend County probate court declared heirs in the estate of the late Texana Morgan and appointed Leslie Washington as dependent administrator, the judge said in case 13 CPR 026061. The court set a bond at $60,000 to secure estate administration and discharged the attorney ad litem, awarding a fee of $525.

The court heard testimony from multiple witnesses, who identified the decedent’s two children as Martha Rowe (daughter) and Harris Morgan (son). Witnesses said Harris Morgan predeceased the decedent and that no other children had been adopted or raised in the decedent’s household. Testimony established the decedent was domiciled in Fort Bend County at death and that she died intestate (without a will) in 2003.

Leslie Washington testified she is over 18, legally qualified and willing to serve as dependent administrator. The court found a necessity for administration and that estate assets included real property with an approximate combined tax value in the vicinity of $120,000; the judge set bond at $60,000 (about half that value) and said the amount could be adjusted after inventory is filed.

Why it matters: A judgment declaring heirs and appointing a dependent administrator allows the estate to be opened, inventory to be filed and assets to be managed or distributed under Texas intestacy rules; the bond protects estate creditors and beneficiaries pending formal administration.