TARRANT COUNTY, TX
County Clerk
Probate FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Probate FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What fees are required to be paid when a case is filed?
You can find out more information about required fees by visiting the County Clerk Probate Fee page.
Where can I file my will?
Wills that are part of a probate case are to be filed with the Tarrant County Clerk’s probate office in room 233 at 100 W. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, Texas 76196. Please be sure to provide the assigned case number when you file the will.
If you would like to file your will for safekeeping only purposes, please bring your will to our Intake office in room B90 at 100 W. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, Texas 76196. The fee for safekeeping is $5. Please review our Instructions for Depositing a Will for Safekeeping for more information.
Can I file an Affidavit of Heirship with the Probate courts?
No, these documents should be filed in the County Clerk Official Public Records Office located in room B20 at 100 W. Weatherford, Fort Worth, Texas.
How do I obtain a copy of a document for Probate or Guardianship?
For Probate and Guardianship records, please contact the County Clerk Central Library at 817-884-1069.
I am having issues with my Secure Attorney Access Account, what do I do?
Please call our office at 817-884-1765.
How do I subscribe to Secure Attorney Access?
Please visit the County Clerk’s website for the subscription form and instructions. The clerk will contact you by email when the account has been set up. The cost for Secure Attorney Access is a onetime set up fee of $50 and an annual fee of $100.
Who do I contact to get a hearing date set?
These are handled by the Court Coordinators. Please contact the Court Coordinator for your assigned court. Probate Court 1: 817-212-7238, Probate Court 2: 817-884-1415
How do I file an annual report?
Annual reports can be filed in person, via mail or online at Annual Report for Guardianship of an Incapacitated Adult. Please note: the report must be accompanied by the required $12 filing fee. Please see the courts’ website for more specific information.
How do I obtain Letters of Administration/Testamentary for Probate cases?
If the will has been probated, the order appointing the executor or administrator has been signed, the oath has been sworn to, and the bond has been posted, you can contact the clerk at 817-884-2841 to place an order for letters. There is a $2 fee for each letter (note: all court costs and fees must be paid before letters will be issued).
Am I allowed to file to probate my relative’s will without an attorney?
No. Please visit the Probate Courts webpage to find the Pro Se policies for each court.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept cash, check, credit card and money orders made payable to the Tarrant County Clerk. All payments can be made in person or by mail. If you wish to pay online with a credit card, please visit the County Clerk webpage.
Where do I file a Small Estates Affidavit?
Our offices are located at 100 W. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196. If you are filing a new Small Estates Affidavit, please file the affidavit in our Intake office in room B90 (basement). The filing fee for a new Small Estate Affidavit is $404. If you are amending an existing affidavit, please file the amendment in our Probate office in room 233 (second floor).
Do I need an attorney to file a Small Estates Affidavit?
No, but because the clerks are not attorneys, we are unable to give you any legal advice and strongly suggest you contact an attorney if you have any legal questions.
Do the Probate Courts require the Probate Supplemental Sheet?
Yes.
How do I efile subsequent documents?
All subsequent documents should be filed as lead documents, including proposed orders.
How do I e-file?
Please visit the Efile Texas website at Efiletexas.gov for instructions on how to e-file. You can also find the Probate Courts’ Local Rules for e-filing by visiting the Probate Courts on the County Clerk Probate eFiling page.
Why was my e-file rejected?
Please review the rejection code and note accompanying your returned filing. If you still need assistance, please contact the clerk’s office at 817-884-1770.
How can I find information about the Civil Commitment Process in Tarrant County?
The following resources will help you: