Overview
Camp County is located in Texas with a population of approximately 13,164. The Camp 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 a Small Estate Affidavit for estates valued at $75,000 or less (excluding homestead and exempt property) when there is no will. A Muniment of Title is another option for probating a will to transfer property without full estate administration.
Texas law allows for reasonable attorney fees and executor compensation (typically 5% of sums received and paid out), subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Camp 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
Camp County Court
Probate matters in Camp County are handled at the Camp County Courthouse.
Address: 126 Church Street, Room 102, Pittsburg, TX 75686
Phone: (903) 856-2731 (County Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for lunch)
The County Clerk's office is located on the first floor of the courthouse. Probate filings are accepted here.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets.
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.
- Muniment of Title: A streamlined process to transfer title of assets when there are no debts (other than a mortgage) and no need for an executor.
- 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 with the Camp County Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Civil Case Information Sheet
- Filing fee (approx. $360)
- Any additional required documents
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in Texas and available for pro se litigants via EFileTexas.gov.
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 Camp County (Notice to Creditors is published once; citation is posted at the courthouse for 10 days)
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 2 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:
- Publish a Notice to Creditors in a local newspaper within one month of receiving letters
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days
- 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
Camp County-Specific Procedures
- E-Filing: Camp County accepts e-filing through EFileTexas.gov.
- Hearings: Hearings are typically scheduled by contacting the County Judge's coordinator.
- Pro Se Litigants: While allowed, the court highly recommends retaining counsel due to the complexity of Texas probate law.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Camp County for one time (Notice to Creditors).
Filings must be submitted by 4:00 PM for same-day processing.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Camp County)
- Probate of Will / Administration: approximately $360
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $300
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $2.00 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Judge's signature fee: approximately $2.00
Texas law allows for reasonable attorney fees and executor compensation (typically 5% of sums received and paid out), subject to court approval.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, credit cards, cashier's checks, and money orders. Credit card payments may incur a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 2-6 months
- Average estates: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Creditor claim periods (4 months minimum) and court scheduling availability can affect the timeline.
Local Resources
Camp County Court Resources
- Court Website: co.camp.tx.us
- Probate Self-Help: Texas Law Help
- Texas Probate Forms: Texas State Law Library
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral: (800) 252-9690 — Statewide referral service
- Lone Star Legal Aid: (800) 733-8394 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: texasbar.com
Publication
- The Pittsburg Gazette: (903) 856-6629 — Newspaper of general circulation
- The Steel Country Bee: (903) 645-3948 — Regional newspaper