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Fort Bend County Probate Guide

Fort Bend County · Updated January 2026

(281) 342-3411County Clerk
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Filing & Fees

Complete Fee Schedule

Probate Filing Fees

Filing TypeFee
Small Estate Affidavit
For estates under threshold (no court filing needed)
$284

Accepted Payment: Cash, Check, Money Order, Credit Card

Note: Filing fees $284 for Muniment of Title, Determination of Heirship, Small Estate Affidavit, and Sale of Minor's Property. Credit card payments subject to $2.00 minimum convenience fee. Contact County Clerk at (281) 341-8665 for current complete fee schedule.

Document Fees

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

Filing fees $284 for Muniment of Title, Determination of Heirship, Small Estate Affidavit, and Sale of Minor's Property. Credit card payments subject to $2.00 minimum convenience fee. Contact County Clerk at (281) 341-8665 for current complete fee schedule.

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

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

  • Fort Bend County does NOT have a Statutory Probate Court - probate handled by County Courts at Law
  • E-filing mandatory for attorneys since January 1, 2014
  • Self-represented parties may file in person or by mail
  • Civil Case Information Filing Sheet required for all probate and guardianship cases
  • Contact Probate Auditor for specific court to schedule hearings
  • Original will and death certificate must be filed before scheduling estates with wills
  • Office closed for lunch 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Sources (5)