Detailed answer — step by step

1. Find the probate case and get the court file

Every probate matters in Texas is filed in a county court, county probate court, or statutory probate court. You or your attorney should:

• Contact the county clerk or district clerk in the county where your father lived when he died. Ask whether a probate case was opened and request the case number and party names.
• Use the county’s online case search (many Texas counties post civil/probate dockets online) or the Texas Judicial Branch resources to locate the file: https://www.txcourts.gov/programs-services/probate/.
• Obtain the full court file. Ask for certified copies if you may need to file motions or prove status to banks or title companies. County clerks will charge copying and certification fees.

2. What to look for in the file

Open and read every document. Key items include:

• The original will (if probated) and the probate order admitting it.
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration that name the personal representative/executor.
• Inventory, appraisement, and any lists of exempt property or creditor lists.
• Accountings, receipts, estate distributions, and closing orders.
• Notices to creditors and heirs, petitions, motions, and orders.

Common problems you may spot: a missing will, no inventory or untimely inventory, an incomplete accounting, omitted assets (bank accounts, real estate), incorrect beneficiary lists, clerical errors in filings, or transfers that lack court approval.

3. Try informal resolution first

If you find a missing or incorrect filing, start by contacting the personal representative and their lawyer (if one is listed). Ask for:

• An explanation and written confirmation of what was filed and why.
• Corrective action — for example, filing an amended inventory, supplementing an accounting, or filing a nunc pro tunc order to correct clerical mistakes.
• Copies of supporting records (bank statements, deeds, receipts).

Many problems resolve at this stage without court intervention.

4. Formal court remedies if informal steps fail

If the personal representative will not fix errors or refuses to produce records, you may ask the probate court to act. Typical court remedies include:

• Motion to compel an accounting or to require production of estate records. The court can order the personal representative to file a complete accounting and produce supporting documents.
• Motion to amend or correct the probate record (for clerical mistakes or to file missing documents).
• Petition to reopen or set aside actions if there was fraud, forgery, or a material omission in the probate process.
• Petition for removal of the personal representative for breach of fiduciary duty, failure to perform statutory duties, or mismanagement.
• Petition to contest the will or for declaratory relief — if you believe the will is invalid or doesn’t reflect the decedent’s intent. (Be mindful: courts may apply time limits to will contests and other challenges.)

All formal actions require filing pleadings in the probate court and serving the parties. The clerk can explain filing fees and local procedures.

5. Evidence you should gather

Collect documents that show the problem and support your request for correction:

• Bank and brokerage statements, deeds, title documents, insurance policies, and retirement account statements showing assets owned by your father.
• Copies of any wills, codicils, or handwritten notes you possess.
• Communications with the personal representative (emails, letters, text messages).
• Affidavits from witnesses or professionals (appraisers, real estate agents) if needed.

6. Timelines and statutes — act promptly

Texas law gives courts procedures and deadlines for probate actions and challenges. Some remedies have short statutory windows. Do not delay reviewing records or asserting objections. For official guidance on Texas probate processes and the Estates Code, start with the Texas Judicial Branch and Texas statutes: https://www.txcourts.gov/programs-services/probate/ and https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/.

7. When to hire a probate attorney

Consider hiring a probate attorney if:

• You find missing assets, unexplained transfers, or evidence of misconduct.
• The personal representative refuses to cooperate or refuses to provide records.
• You need to file motions, petitions, or a will contest and meet court deadlines.
• The estate has complex assets (business interests, multiple real properties, significant debts, or tax issues).

A lawyer experienced in Texas probate law can explain options, deadlines, and likely outcomes, and can file and prosecute court motions on your behalf.

8. Typical outcomes

Depending on the facts and the court’s findings, the court may:

• Order the personal representative to file or correct documents.
• Require accountings and order restitution for estate losses.
• Remove the personal representative and appoint a successor.
• Set aside transfers, admit or reject wills, or order distribution corrections.

Helpful Hints

• Start by getting the complete court file from the county clerk or district clerk where your father’s estate was probated.
• Make a checklist of required probate documents: will, letters, inventory, accounting, notices, orders, receipts, and deeds.
• Keep communications written (email or letter) when you ask the personal representative for records.
• Photocopy and date-stamp all documents you collect. Keep originals safe and organized.
• Ask the clerk for local forms and deadlines. County procedures and fee schedules vary across Texas counties.
• If you can, consult a probate attorney before filing court motions — a quick call can help preserve rights and meet deadlines.
• Be mindful that many probate challenges have short time windows; act promptly once you discover an error or omission.
• Use public records (county property records, online bank/asset searches) to confirm whether all assets were disclosed.
• If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact legal aid or local bar associations for referrals or pro bono services in your county.