Overview
Texas County is located in Oklahoma with a population of approximately 20,577. The District Court of Texas County 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 (if there is a will) or a Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will) 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.
For smaller estates, Oklahoma offers a Small Estate Affidavit procedure if the estate value is $50,000 or less (excluding real estate). There is also a Summary Administration process available for estates valued at $200,000 or less, or if the decedent has been dead for more than five years.
Oklahoma law provides for statutory compensation for personal representatives and attorneys based on a percentage of the estate value, though this can be modified by the will or agreement.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Texas 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
District Court of Texas County
Probate matters in Texas County are handled at the Texas County Courthouse.
Address: 319 N Main St., Ste. 301, Guymon, OK 73942
Phone: (580) 338-3003 (Court Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Open during Noon Hour with limited staff)
The Court Clerk's office is located on the 3rd floor of the courthouse.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square in downtown Guymon. Security screening is required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate consists of personal property valued at $50,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit to collect assets without court administration.
- Summary Administration: Available if the estate value is $200,000 or less, or the decedent has been deceased for more than 5 years.
- 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 District Court of Texas County. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $200.00)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries
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 Texas County, such as the Guymon Daily Herald, typically for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration appointing the Personal Representative.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors typically have 2 months to file claims after notice).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 2 months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Final Account and Petition for Distribution to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Texas County-Specific Procedures
- Local Court Rules: Texas County is part of the 1st Judicial District. Check with the Court Clerk for specific local filing requirements.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Texas County, such as the Guymon Daily Herald.
- Inventory: Must be filed within 2 months of appointment unless waived by the court.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Texas County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $200.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: Fees vary, typically lower than full probate
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Certified copies: approximately $1.00 - $2.00 per page plus certification fee
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, cashier's checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Small Estate Affidavit: 1-2 weeks (no court hearing required)
- Summary Administration: 2-4 months
- Regular Probate: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Local Resources
Texas County Court Resources
- Court Website: texas.okcounties.org
- Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN): oscn.net
- Probate Forms: OSCN Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Oklahoma Bar Association: (405) 416-7000 — okbar.org
- Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma: (888) 534-5243 — legalaidok.org
Publication
- Guymon Daily Herald: (580) 338-3355 — guymondailyherald.com