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Judge declares heirs for Lionel Allen Jr. after DNA evidence; appoints administratrix
Summary
After testimony and counsel’s presentation of a DNA report, Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 1 declared heirs for the estate of Lionel Allen Jr., discharged the attorney ad litem with a $650 fee, and appointed Sharon Ferrell as independent administratrix to serve without bond.
SUGAR LAND, Texas — At an heirship hearing in Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 1 on Dec. 25, the court found by clear and convincing evidence that the heirs listed in the judgment for Lionel Allen Jr. are entitled to inherit and appointed Sharon Ferrell to administer the estate.
The proceeding included testimony from family friends Brandy J. Young and Constance Ricks McCully establishing that the decedent never married and that no common‑law spouse claimed an interest. Counsel for an interested party told the court they had reviewed a DNA report, stating it showed about a 99.9 percent likelihood that the decedent was the father of Christopher Charles Pharrell Liggins.
"I reviewed the DNA test showing the 99.9 percent likelihood of mister Allen being the father of the sole heir," said the attorney ad litem on the record. That evidence, together with witness testimony, led the court to find the heirs as listed in the heirship judgment by clear and convincing proof.
The court discharged the attorney ad litem and entered an order awarding a $650 fee for her services. The judge then appointed Sharon Ferrell as independent administratrix to serve without bond and waived appraisers for the nontaxable estate; the court also assigned counsel (Miss Jasmine) as resident agent in the administration.
Why it matters: An heirship declaration resolves who has legal authority to receive an estate’s assets and to authorize administration — a decision that determines who will receive letters of administration and control estate administration going forward.
What the court ordered: The judge declared heirs of Lionel Allen Jr., awarded the attorney ad litem $650, and appointed Sharon Ferrell to serve as independent administratrix without bond; the clerk will issue letters of administration and enter the corresponding orders.
The judge closed the matter after offering condolences to family members and directing the usual post‑order filings.
