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Kaufman County Probate Guide

Kaufman County · Updated January 2026

(469) 376-4730County 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 (469) 376-4738 for current probate filing fees.

Document Fees

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

Contact Probate Division at (469) 376-4738 for current probate filing fees.

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 ↗
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

  • Kaufman County does NOT have a Statutory Probate Court
  • ATTORNEY REQUIRED to file probate cases in Kaufman County
  • County Judge Hal Richards (since January 1, 2019) handles probate
  • County Court at Law 2 also handles probate and guardianship matters
  • E-filing mandatory for attorneys since January 1, 2014
  • County Clerk cannot provide legal advice
  • District Clerk is Rhonda Hughey