Department: Probate Courts
Department Head/Elected Official: Judge Jerry W. Simoneaux, Jr.
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Position
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Probate Courts for approval of two positions effective June 15, 2024 to staff the newly created Office of Public Probate Administrator.
end
Background and Discussion:
Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the creation of this office on April 23, 2025. This office receives some of its funding from the fees collected through probate court filings, as outlined in sections 133.151 and 135.103 of the Texas Government Code, and from commissions permitted under section 455.003 of the Texas Estates Code. Should there be a need for extra funds, they will be sourced from the Probate Courts Fund 2161 until the conclusion of the fiscal year 2025. The Probate Courts do not intend to request additional funds from the General Fund. In the fiscal year 2026, the operations of this office will be reviewed to decide if it should remain in function.
Expected Impact:
The Public Probate Administrator’s Office will play a crucial role in closing the access-to-justice gap in Harris County by safeguarding the assets of the deceased when there is no appointed executor and no known or willing next of kin is available to serve. The office is empowered to swiftly secure the decedent’s property to prevent any potential losses, damages, or unauthorized use, and to guarantee that the rightful heirs receive their due inheritance.
This initiative will also protect the interests of creditors by ensuring that outstanding debts are settled in accordance with legal requirements.
Additionally, if needed, the Probate Administrator will coordinate with the county’s designated agency to arrange respectful burial services for those without financial means or identifiable family members who are willing to take responsibility.
Alternative Options:
None
Alignment with Goal(s):
X Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service
Prior Court Action (if any):
|
Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
|
4/23/24 |
262 |
Passed |
Location:
Address (if applicable):
Precinct(s): Choose an item.
|
Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
|
Service Name |
|
|
|
|
Current Fiscal Year Cost |
Annual Fiscal Cost |
|
|
Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
Recurring Expenses |
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
Existing Budget |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
$79,524 |
$ |
$79,524 |
$258,452 |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Current Budget |
$79,524 |
$ |
$79,524 |
$258,452 |
|
Additional Budget Request (Requires Fiscal Review Request Form) |
|
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Funding Request |
$79,524 |
$ |
$79,524 |
$258,452 |
|
Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
|
|
Current Position Count for Service |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Additional Positions Request |
2 |
- |
2 |
2 |
|
Total Personnel |
2 |
- |
2 |
2 |
Anticipated Court Date: 6/4/24
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): N/A
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Judge Jerry Simoneaux
Attachments (if applicable)