The Hon. Patricia Burns

Created by statute in 1957, Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1 is one of 25 statutory probate courts in Texas.  These courts hear all matters involving or related to:

• The probate of wills and administration of decedent's estates;
• The creation of estate administrations for individuals dying without  a will;
• The determination of the heirs of a decedent pursuant to Texas law;
• The creation of guardianships for incapacitated persons, including minors;
• The modification and interpretation of trust instruments; and involuntarily mental health commitment.

The probate court also has jurisdiction to hear lawsuits related to an estate of a decedent or ward as well as actions by or against a personal representative of a decedent’s or ward’s estate. These ancillary cases cover a wide range of topics, from products liability to fiduciary litigation to medical malpractice.