Overview
Collin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, located north of Dallas and encompassing the cities of McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and Allen. The county operates a statutory probate court that handles decedents' estates, guardianships, and mental health matters.
The most common probate method in Collin County is independent administration, where the executor manages and distributes the estate after appointment with minimal ongoing court involvement. Dependent administration provides court supervision when needed. Muniment of title is available for estates with a valid will and no unpaid unsecured debts.
Texas is a community property state — a surviving spouse automatically owns half of all community property. The state has no income tax and no estate or inheritance tax.
For intestate estates with personal property valued at $75,000 or less, a small estate affidavit may be used instead of formal probate. Collin County is part of the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and follows the DFW Probate Courts Guidelines, which provide standardized practices across DFW-area probate courts.
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals should consult a licensed attorney regarding their specific situation.
Courthouse Information
Collin County Probate Court
Collin County has a statutory probate court presided over by an elected judge.
Address: Russell A. Steindam Courts Building, 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: (972) 548-6495 (Probate Clerk)
E-Filing Assistance: (972) 548-6463 or eFile-probate@collincountytx.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Virtual Hearings: Uncontested probate and guardianship cases are often handled via Zoom. Check the court's website for Zoom hearing details.
For more information, visit the Collin County Probate Court website.
Filing Process
How to File for Probate in Collin County
Step 1: Determine the Probate Method
- Independent Administration: Executor manages the estate independently after appointment.
- Dependent Administration: Court-supervised process when required.
- Muniment of Title: Simplified process for wills with no unpaid unsecured debts.
- Small Estate Affidavit: For intestate estates with personal property under $75,000.
- Determination of Heirship: For estates where the decedent died without a will.
Step 2: File Electronically
All probate filings must be submitted through eFileTexas.gov. Original wills must be filed with the Clerk's Office within 3 days of e-filing per Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21(f)(12). A hearing will not be set until the original will has been received.
Step 3: Attorney Representation
Texas Government Code Chapter 81 requires that a licensed attorney represent any person serving as executor or administrator. The Collin County Probate Court will not appoint an executor or administrator unless that person is represented by a licensed attorney.
Step 4: Attend the Probate Hearing
Many uncontested hearings are conducted via Zoom. Consult the court's website for Zoom access information and scheduling.
Step 5: Publish Notice to Creditors
After appointment, publish a notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Collin County within 30 days.
Step 6: File Inventory and Complete Administration
File the inventory within 90 days. Complete distribution and file a closing affidavit.
Local Requirements
Collin County Probate Local Requirements
- E-filing is mandatory for all probate cases. File through eFileTexas.gov. For e-filing support, call (972) 548-6463 or email eFile-probate@collincountytx.gov.
- Original wills must be filed within 3 days of e-filing the application per TRCP Rule 21(f)(12). Hearings will not be set until the original will is received by the clerk.
- Attorney representation is required for any person serving as executor or administrator, per Texas Government Code Chapter 81.
- Collin County follows the DFW Probate Courts Guidelines, which provide standardized practices across DFW-area probate courts.
- The court uses the Texas Estate Code as its primary governing rules — no separate court-specific forms are published.
- Virtual hearings via Zoom are commonly used for uncontested probate and guardianship matters.
- The McKinney Courier-Gazette and other newspapers of general circulation in Collin County may be used for probate publication notices.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees
Collin County probate filing fees (approximate):
- New Probate Application: Approximately $360
- Subsequent Filings: Varies by type
Verify current fees with the Collin County Clerk's Probate Division or by calling (972) 548-6495.
Typical Timelines
- Muniment of Title: Approximately 30 to 60 days for uncontested cases.
- Independent Administration (simple estate): Approximately 6 to 9 months, including the four-month creditor claim period.
- Dependent Administration or Contested Cases: 12 to 24+ months, depending on complexity.
Collin County's Zoom hearings for uncontested matters may help reduce scheduling delays. Filing complete applications and delivering the original will promptly also helps avoid delays.
Local Resources
Helpful Resources for Collin County Probate
- Collin County Probate Court — Court information and resources
- Collin County Clerk — Probate Division — Filing information and fees
- DFW Probate Courts Guidelines (PDF) — Standardized guidelines for DFW-area probate courts
- Collin County Probate Fee Schedule (PDF) — Fee schedule
- eFileTexas.gov — Electronic filing portal
- Collin County Courts Records Inquiry — Online case lookup
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.