Skip to main content

Bowie County Probate Guide

Bowie County · Updated January 2026

(903) 628-6740County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Bowie County|
Case SearchE-File
Jump to:FeesDocumentsFilingDeadlinesGuardianship

Filing & Fees

Complete Fee Schedule

Probate Filing Fees

Specific fee amounts are not available for this county. Fee schedule updated effective January 1, 2022 pursuant to SB41. Contact County Clerk at (903) 628-6740 for current probate filing fees. Cash, checks, and cards accepted (cards until 4:00 PM).

Document Fees

Certified Copy (per page)
$1
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Money Order, Credit Card

Fee schedule updated effective January 1, 2022 pursuant to SB41. Contact County Clerk at (903) 628-6740 for current probate filing fees. Cash, checks, and cards accepted (cards until 4:00 PM).

Required Documents

  • Certified Death Certificate

    Order 10-15 certified copies from Texas DSHS Vital Statistics

  • Original Will

    Original will if one exists

  • Application to Probate Will

    County-specific form

  • Oath of Executor/Administrator

    Must be signed and notarized

E-Filing & Filing Methods

Source ↗
eFileTexasCase SearchProbate Forms
Filing Methods: in person, mail, e file

Timelines & Proceedings

Deadlines & Creditor Claims

Key Deadlines

Will Deposit
0 days
Creditor Claims
4 months
Known Creditor Notice
60 days

Creditor Claims

Period Starts
first publication of notice to creditors
Statute
Texas Estates Code Chapter 308

Publication Requirements

Notice to Creditors

Duration
Once

Notice of Petition/Administration

  • Beneficiaries
  • Known creditors
  • Surviving spouse

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

Guardianship

Texas guardianship is governed by the Texas Estates Code and requires court approval.

guardian of person

Guardian responsible for the physical well-being and care of the ward

guardian of estate

Guardian responsible for managing the ward's property and finances

Guardian Training

Guardian training requirements vary by county. Contact local court for approved providers.

Court Rules & Orders

Local Rules

  • Bowie County does NOT have a Statutory Probate Court
  • Constitutional County Court (County Judge Bobby Howell) has exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters
  • County Court at Law (Judge Craig L. Henry) handles civil and criminal cases but NOT probate
  • E-filing mandatory for attorneys since January 1, 2014
  • Self-represented parties may file in person or by mail
  • Office closed 12:00-1:00 PM daily for lunch
  • Marriage licenses and vital records issued until 4:00 PM
Sources (6)