Tex. Est. Code § 202.001 : ESTATES CODE — ESTATES OF DECEDENTS; DURABLE POWERS OF ATTORNEY — INTESTATE SUCCESSION — DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP — AUTHORIZATION AND PROCEDURES FOR COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDING TO DECLARE HEIRSHIP — General Authorization for and Nature of Proceeding to Declare Heirship TEXT PDF In the manner provided by this chapter, a court may determine through a proceeding to declare heirship: (1) the persons who are a decedent's heirs and only heirs; and (2) the heirs' respective shares and interests under the laws of this state in the decedent's estate or, if applicable, in the trust. Tex. Estates § 202.001 Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1338, Sec. 2.18, eff. 1/1/2014.