Judge admits handwritten will of Patricia Escamilla; names Elizabeth Escamilla Gonzales independent administrator

A Fort Bend County probate judge admitted a handwritten holographic will of Patricia A. Escamilla (dated Feb. 24, 2018) and appointed Elizabeth "Liz" Escamilla Gonzales as independent administrator with the will annexed, the court said in case 25 CPR 042592.

Witnesses — including Escamilla Gonzales, Lisa Loper and Yolanda Blanchard — testified they recognized the handwriting and signature on the document and said the decedent did not revoke that instrument. Testimony established the decedent died April 22, 2025, was domiciled in Fort Bend County at death, and had not had children or named a state agency or charity as a devisee.

The court found a necessity for administration, admitted the will, appointed Gonzales as independent administrator to serve without bond, and waived appraisers because the estate was nontaxable, the judge said. The judge offered the family's condolences and said the order would be signed shortly after docket.

Why it matters: Admitting the decedent’s holographic will and appointing an independent administrator allows probate to proceed under the will’s terms and enables property transfer and creditor administration per Texas probate procedures.