Ellis County Probate Guide
Ellis County · Updated January 2026
(972) 825-5070County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Filing & Fees
Complete Fee Schedule
Probate Filing Fees
Specific fee amounts are not available for this county. Contact Probate Division at (972) 825-5079 or (972) 825-5070 for current fee schedule. Please do not ask Clerks for legal advice.
Document Fees
Certified Copy (per page)
$1
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Money Order, Credit Card
Contact Probate Division at (972) 825-5079 or (972) 825-5070 for current fee schedule. Please do not ask Clerks for legal advice.
Required Documents
E-Filing & Filing Methods
Source ↗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
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
Guardian training requirements vary by county. Contact local court for approved providers.
Court Rules & Orders
Local Rules
- Ellis County does NOT have a Statutory Probate Court - probate handled by County Court at Law No. 1
- County Court at Law No. 1 (Judge Jim Chapman) handles probate, guardianship, and mental health matters
- E-filing mandatory for attorneys since January 1, 2014
- Self-represented parties may file in person or by mail
- Clerks cannot give legal advice or prepare instruments
- Ellis County local court rules agreed upon by all judges
- Each judge has own manner of hearing cases and operating court
- Guardianships must be registered with JBCC (since June 1, 2018)