Detailed answer: What you can do under Texas law

Short answer: Yes — you may have civil and criminal options to recover personal items removed by heirs and to enforce a court order, but the best route depends on what the court ordered, the timing, the value and type of items, and whether you have clear proof the items were taken in violation of the order. Act quickly and preserve evidence.

Which Texas laws commonly apply

• For remedies related to possession of real property and post-eviction possession procedures, Texas Property Code, Chapter 24 (Forcible Entry and Forcible Detainer) provides the statutory framework for writs of possession: Tex. Prop. Code ch. 24.
• If someone intentionally takes or converts your personal property, the Texas Penal Code (Chapter 31) defines theft and related criminal offenses: Tex. Penal Code ch. 31 (Theft).

Key civil routes to recover property or enforce a court order

1) Enforce the existing court order in the same court that issued it. If the judgment awarded you possession of the house and/or specific personal property, file a motion to enforce the judgment and ask for relief such as an order directing return of the items, contempt proceedings, or a writ of possession (if appropriate).

2) Ask the court for a writ of possession or turnover order. If the heirs removed items before you physically took possession, the court can sometimes order the county/constable to place you in possession and may order return of specific property if the order included or can be modified to include those items. For eviction/forcible detainer situations see Property Code, Chapter 24: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.24.htm.

3) File a civil suit for recovery of personal property (replevin or conversion). If heirs removed items and refuse to return them, you can sue to recover possession of the items or their value. For lower-value items you may proceed in small claims/justice court; for higher values use the appropriate civil court.

4) Ask the court to hold the heirs in contempt. If the court previously ordered that certain property remain or be turned over and heirs disobeyed, the court can use contempt proceedings to coerce compliance or impose sanctions (fines or, in some cases, jail). The remedy depends on the wording of the court’s original order and the court’s authority.

Key criminal route

5) Consider a criminal complaint for theft. Removing someone’s personal property and refusing to return it can meet the elements of theft under Texas law. You can report the conduct to the police or district attorney’s office. Criminal prosecution is separate from civil recovery but can provide leverage and possibly lead to recovery or restitution. See Texas Penal Code, Chapter 31: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.31.htm.

Which option is best depends on several facts

Important factors: Did the court’s order explicitly cover the removed personal items? Were the items taken before or after the court entered judgment? Are the items unique (heirlooms, jewelry) or fungible (cash, appliances)? Is the value within justice court limits? Do you have documentation proving ownership and that the items were removed by the heirs?

How the process typically works (practical steps)

1. Preserve evidence: Take dated photos of the property and the premises, keep originals of the court order, collect any messages, emails or witness contact info showing heirs removed items.
2. Check the court order carefully: Does it specifically list items to be returned or broadly award possession of the premises? The order’s wording determines what the judge can enforce.
3. Send a demand letter: A written demand for return (sent by certified mail) creates a paper trail and may convince heirs to return items without court action.
4. File a motion to enforce or for contempt in the issuing court: Ask for an order that the items be returned, for sanctions, and for any needed writ of possession. Provide proof of removal and ownership.
5. If necessary, file a civil suit for recovery of personal property (or small claims suit if the value qualifies) or a suit for conversion to recover monetary value.
6. Consider filing a police report and contacting the prosecutor if theft is apparent; criminal charges can run in parallel with civil remedies.

Practical limits and risks

• Timing matters. The longer you wait, the harder recovery may be. Heirs might have sold, damaged or hidden items.
• Enforcement may require additional hearings and evidence. Courts will protect due process rights of all parties.
• If heirs removed items unknowingly or in good-faith belief they had a right to them, courts may treat the case differently than deliberate theft or deliberate disobedience of an order.
• Criminal prosecution is controlled by state prosecutors. Making a false report is a crime.

Evidence that helps your case

Ownership documents (receipts, serial numbers), photographs, prior inventories, testimony from witnesses who saw items in the house, the court’s judgment or order, and any communications in which heirs admit taking the items or refusing to return them.

When to get a lawyer

Consult an attorney if: the items are high-value or unique, the heirs refuse to comply, you need to pursue contempt or criminal referrals, or the case involves complex estate or probate issues. A lawyer can draft enforcement motions, appear at hearings, and coordinate civil and criminal remedies.

Quick links: Texas Property Code, Chapter 24 (forcible entry and detainer): https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.24.htm. Texas Penal Code, Chapter 31 (theft): https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.31.htm.

Helpful Hints

• Act quickly: document removal, secure photos and witnesses immediately.
• Keep the original court order accessible — the judge will need it to enforce your rights.
• Send a written demand for return by certified mail before suing; it creates a record and may be required by some courts.
• If items are unique (family heirlooms), emphasize uniqueness and proof of ownership in court filings—courts prefer return of the actual item rather than monetary replacement when possible.
• For lower-value items, start in justice court (small claims) to save time and cost; for higher-value disputes use county or district court.
• Consider both civil and criminal paths — a criminal investigation may produce evidence helpful to your civil claim, and civil remedies can order direct return or money damages.
• Keep a careful chain of custody for any recovered items or evidence; tampering allegations can complicate enforcement.
• When in doubt, consult a Texas attorney who handles post-judgment enforcement, probate disputes, or property recovery to evaluate the best approach for your facts.

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Texas attorney.