The Texas Probate Code allows for the independent administration of a decedent's estate. Properly drafted Texas wills provide for an independent administration. What this means is that the independent executor's administration of the estate is not court supervised. The executor doesn't have to get court permission to sell an asset or pay expenses or make distributions to to the beneficiaries named and described in the will, or prepare and file annual and final accountings.
The result is a less expensive administration of a decedent's estate.
If a decedent doesn't leave a will and a necessity exists for the administration of his or her estate, the beneficiaries can agree that there be an independent adminstration. However, there most likely have to be an heirship determination proceeding that could have been avoided with a will.
In Texas, a revocable living trust (RLT) is not a good substitute for a will if the main reason for the RLT is to avoid the expense of probate. Unscrupulous venders sell RLTs as a scam in Texas.
RLTs do make sense in those states with antiquated probate laws that require court-supervised administrations. RLTs are legitimately used in Texas is some situations, such as large estates where privacy is an objective. RLTs can also be implemented to avoid ancillary probate proceedings in a another state where a Texas resident owns real estate. However, other means exist to avoid ancillary proceedings including deeds with right of survivorship and placing out-of-state real property in a limited liability company or family limited partnership.