Orange County Probate Guide
Orange County · Updated January 2026
(409) 883-7740County Clerk
Family Guide
Professional Reference
Filing & Fees
Complete Fee Schedule
Probate Filing Fees
Specific fee amounts are not available for this county. Copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies add $5.00 per case. Contact County Clerk at (409) 883-7740 for current probate filing fees.
Document Fees
Certified Copy (per page)
$1
Payment Methods: Cash, Check, Money Order, Credit Card
Copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies add $5.00 per case. Contact County Clerk at (409) 883-7740 for current probate filing fees.
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
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
- Orange County does NOT have a Statutory Probate Court
- County Judge John Gothia (appointed July 2019, re-elected 2022) handles probate and guardianship
- E-filing mandatory for all court cases (Civil, Probate, Criminal)
- Self-represented parties may file in person or by mail
- Wills are part of Probate records and are open to the public
- Office opens at 8:30 AM on Wednesdays