Overview
Bee County is located in Texas with a population of approximately 31,000. The Bee County Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Texas probate is governed by the Texas Estates Code. The process begins with filing an Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary 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.
Texas offers simplified procedures for smaller estates, such as the Small Estate Affidavit for estates valued at $75,000 or less (excluding homestead and exempt property) where there is no will. Another option is a Muniment of Title, which transfers title to property without a full estate administration if there are no debts other than a mortgage.
Texas law allows for independent administration, which significantly reduces court supervision and attorney fees compared to dependent administration.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Bee 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
Bee County Courthouse
Probate matters in Bee County are handled at the Bee County Courthouse.
Address: 105 W Corpus Christi St, Beeville, TX 78102
Phone: (361) 621-1557 (County Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The County Clerk's office is located in the courthouse and serves as the filing location for all probate documents. The County Judge presides over probate hearings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets. Security screening is required upon entry to the building.
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 $75,000 or less (excluding homestead and exempt property) and there is no will, you may file a Small Estate Affidavit to transfer assets without full administration.
- Muniment of Title: If there is a valid will and no unpaid debts (except a mortgage), this procedure allows the will to be treated as a title deed.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary (or Application for Letters of Administration) with the Bee County Court. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $360.00)
- Civil Case Information Sheet
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in Texas and available for self-represented litigants via EFileTexas.gov.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Post notice: The County Clerk will post a citation at the courthouse for at least 10 days.
- Publish notice: For independent administrations, publish a Notice to Creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Bee County (e.g., Beeville Bee-Picayune) within one month of receiving Letters.
- Mail notice: Send notice to all beneficiaries named in the will and to secured creditors.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the application, typically 2 to 3 weeks after filing (after the 10-day posting period). At the hearing, the judge reviews the application, hears testimony, and if approved, signs the order admitting the will to probate and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and beneficiaries
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days of qualification (or file an Affidavit in Lieu of Inventory if eligible)
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a closing report or notice to close the estate
Local Requirements
Bee County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Texas courts require electronic filing for all civil and probate cases represented by counsel. Pro se litigants are encouraged to e-file but may file in paper.
- Hearings: Hearings are generally held in the County Court. Check with the court coordinator for available docket times.
- Publication: Notices to creditors should be published in a local newspaper such as the Beeville Bee-Picayune.
Always check with the County Clerk's office for the most up-to-date local rules and standing orders.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bee County)
- Application for Probate of Will: approximately $360.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $360.00
- Muniment of Title: approximately $360.00
- Issuance of Letters: approximately $2.00 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
Texas law sets statutory limits on executor commissions (typically 5% of sums received and paid out), though wills often specify independent executors serve without bond or specific compensation terms.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, credit/debit cards, cashier's checks, and money orders. Convenience fees apply to card payments.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Independent Administration): 4-8 months
- Average estates: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
The mandatory 10-day posting period for the initial citation sets the minimum wait time before a hearing can occur.
Local Resources
Bee County Court Resources
- Court Website: beecounty.gov
- County Clerk: beecounty.gov/167/County-Clerk
- Texas Probate Forms: Texas State Law Library
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral: texasbar.com
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: (888) 988-9996 — Provides free legal services to eligible low-income residents.
Publication
- Beeville Bee-Picayune: (361) 358-2550 — southtexasnews.com