Overview
Greer County is located in Oklahoma with a population of approximately 5,491. The Greer County District Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Oklahoma probate is governed by Title 58 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will or Petition for Letters of Administration to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Oklahoma offers simplified procedures for smaller estates. A Small Estate Affidavit is available for estates valued at $50,000 or less. Additionally, a Summary Administration process is available for estates valued at $200,000 or less, or if the decedent has been deceased for more than five years.
Oklahoma law sets statutory fees for personal representatives and attorneys based on the value of the estate: 5% on the first $1,000, 4% on the next $5,000, and 2.5% on amounts above $6,000.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Greer County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Greer County District Court
Probate matters in Greer County are handled at the Greer County Courthouse.
Address: 106 E. Jefferson St, Mangum, OK 73554
Phone: (580) 782-3665 (Court Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Court Clerk's office is located on the first floor of the courthouse. The District Court handles all civil and probate filings.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square in Mangum. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less, you may be able to transfer assets via affidavit without court supervision.
- Summary Administration: For estates valued at $200,000 or less, or if the decedent has been dead for more than 5 years, a shortened probate process is available.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate with the Greer County District Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- List of heirs and legatees
- Filing fee (approximately $200)
- Any additional required documents
Check with the Court Clerk for current e-filing availability, although paper filing is standard for initial petitions in many smaller counties.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Greer County (such as the Mangum Star-News) for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 3 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (claims must be filed within 2 months of notice)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 2 months
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Greer County-Specific Procedures
- Court Fund Fee: Additional fees may apply for the court fund upon filing.
- Judge Assignment: Cases are typically assigned to the District Judge or Associate District Judge.
- Local Court Rules: Consult the 2nd Judicial District rules for specific courtroom decorum and procedural requirements.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Greer County for two consecutive weeks.
Always check with the Court Clerk for the most up-to-date local forms and requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Greer County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $200
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $50 (if filed)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $1.00 for first page, $0.50 thereafter + $0.50 certification
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Preservation Fee: $10
Statutory Fees: Oklahoma law provides for statutory fees for executors and attorneys:
- 5% on the first $1,000
- 4% on the next $5,000
- 2.5% on amounts above $6,000
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Personal checks may not be accepted for new filings.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 4-6 months
- Average estates: 6-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 9 months to 2 years
Creditor claim periods (2 months) and tax processing times significantly affect the timeline.
Local Resources
Greer County Court Resources
- Court Website: greer.okcounties.org
- Probate Self-Help: Oklahoma Legal Aid
- Oklahoma Probate Forms: OSCN Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Oklahoma Bar Association: (405) 416-7000 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma: (888) 534-5243 — Free civil legal assistance for low-income persons
- Oklahoma Find a Lawyer: okbar.org
Publication
- Mangum Star-News: (580) 782-3321 — Newspaper of general circulation
- Granite Enterprise: (580) 535-2442 — Local newspaper