Denton County Probate Guide
Denton County · Updated January 2026
Filing & Fees
Complete Fee Schedule
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Petition for Probate Standard probate filing fee | $360 |
Accepted Payment: Cash, Check, Money Order, Credit Card
Note: Base filing fee is $360 ($223 local + $137 state consolidated fees). Ad litem deposit increased to $600 effective February 1, 2025. Fees per Texas Local Government Code sections 135.102, 135.101, 133.151, and 118.052.
Document Fees
Base filing fee is $360 ($223 local + $137 state consolidated fees). Ad litem deposit increased to $600 effective February 1, 2025. Fees per Texas Local Government Code sections 135.102, 135.101, 133.151, and 118.052.
Required Documents
E-Filing & Filing Methods
Source ↗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
Source ↗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
Court Rules & Orders
Local Rules
- E-filing mandatory for attorneys since January 1, 2014
- Self-represented parties may file in person or by mail
- Ad litem deposit for probate and guardianship matters is $600 (effective February 1, 2025)
- Court has Administrative Standing Order on Artificial Intelligence use
- Zoom hearings available - session links provided on court website
- Do not contact judges directly about pending cases