Harris County Probate Guide

Harris County · Updated January 2026

Professional Reference

Complete reference

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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: Filing fee for new estate cases (probate, administration, guardianship) is $360. Credit cards accepted (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express). No internet payment processing available.

Document Fees

Certified Copy (per page)

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

Filing fee for new estate cases (probate, administration, guardianship) is $360. Credit cards accepted (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express). No internet payment processing available.

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 ↗

eFileTexas Case Search Probate Forms

Filing Methods: in person, mail, e file, fax

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 ↗

Recording Fees

First Page: $Based on page count

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

E-filing mandatory for attorneys since January 1, 2014
E-filing optional for self-represented (pro se) parties
After-hours drop box available on building exterior
Online docket scheduling available for Courts No. 2, 3, and 5
Pro Se Applicants Policy available on court website
Standards for Attorney Fees guidance available

Sources (4)