Overview
Gregg County is located in Texas with a population of approximately 124,239. The Gregg County Court at Law 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 simplified procedure known as a Small Estate Affidavit for estates valued at $75,000 or less (excluding homestead and exempt property), provided there is no will and no need for administration. Another option is a Muniment of Title, used when there is a will but no need for estate administration (e.g., no debts other than a mortgage).
Texas law allows for "Independent Administration," which significantly reduces court supervision and costs. If the will provides for it or all beneficiaries agree, the executor can act largely free of court oversight.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Gregg 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
Gregg County Court at Law
Probate matters in Gregg County are handled at the Gregg County Courthouse.
Address: 101 E. Methvin St., Suite 200, Longview, TX 75601
Phone: (903) 236-8430 (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 in Suite 200. The Gregg County Courts at Law (No. 1 and No. 2) preside over probate cases.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available at the county parking facility located at 100 E. Methvin St., at the corner of North Center and E. Bank Alley streets. There is also street parking available around the courthouse square.
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: If there is a will, no unpaid debts (except mortgage), and no need for administration.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Application
If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Probate with the Gregg County Clerk. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $360.00)
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for pro se litigants in Gregg County.
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 Gregg County (e.g., Longview News-Journal) within one month of receiving Letters.
- Mail notice: Send notice to secured creditors and beneficiaries as required by the Texas Estates Code.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the application, typically after the 10-day posting period has elapsed. At the hearing, the judge reviews the application and testimony. If approved, the judge signs the order and the clerk 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 (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 of closing estate (if applicable)
Local Requirements
Gregg County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Gregg County requires e-filing for all civil and probate cases filed by attorneys. Pro se litigants may also use e-filing services.
- Hearings: Hearings are generally held in person, though some procedural matters may be handled via submission or Zoom upon request. Check with the specific court coordinator (Court at Law No. 1 or No. 2).
- Local Rules: Gregg County has specific local rules regarding courtroom conduct and filing procedures. Review the "Local Rules of the County Courts at Law" on the county website.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Gregg County, such as the Longview News-Journal.
Always check with the County Clerk's office for the most up-to-date fee schedules and procedural requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Gregg County)
- Probate of Will / Administration: approximately $360.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $360.00
- Letters Testamentary/Administration: approximately $2.00 per copy
- Certified Copies: $5.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper
Texas law sets statutory executor commissions at 5% of all sums actually received and paid out in cash, subject to specific limitations.
Payment Methods
The County Clerk accepts cash, credit cards, money orders, and cashier's checks. Personal checks may not be accepted from pro se litigants; verify with the clerk.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Independent Administration): 4-8 months
- Small Estate Affidavit: 1-2 months (requires 30-day waiting period after death)
- Complex or contested estates: 9 months to 2+ years
The mandatory 10-day posting period for the initial citation sets the minimum wait time before a hearing can be held.
Local Resources
Gregg County Court Resources
- Court Website: greggcounty.texas.gov
- Probate Self-Help: TexasLawHelp.org
- Texas Probate Forms: Texas Judicial Branch
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Gregg County Bar Association: Local attorney listings
- Lone Star Legal Aid (Longview Office): (903) 758-9123 — Provides free civil legal help to low-income residents
- State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral: texasbar.com
Publication
- Longview News-Journal: (903) 757-3311 — news-journal.com