Overview
Reeves County is located in Texas with a population of approximately 11,956. The Reeves 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 a 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 when there are no unpaid debts (other than a mortgage) and no need for administration.
Texas law sets maximum statutory fees for executors at 5% of all sums received and paid out in cash, though wills often specify independent administration which may allow for different compensation arrangements.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Reeves 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
Reeves County Court
Probate matters in Reeves County are handled at the Reeves County Courthouse.
Address: 100 E. 4th St., Suite 101, Pecos, TX 79772
Phone: (432) 287-0222 (Option 3 for County Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The County Clerk's office is located on the first floor. The Constitutional County Court presides over probate matters.
Parking and Access
Free street parking is generally 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: For probating a will to transfer title of property when there are no debts (except 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 a Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary with the Reeves County Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament
- Civil Case Information Sheet
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Approximately $360 filing fee
- Proposed Order
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
- Post citation (handled by the County Clerk) at the courthouse for 10 days. (Newspaper publication is generally for Notice to Creditors after appointment).
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing (once the 10-day posting period has elapsed). 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 Notice to Creditors in a local newspaper within 1 month of receiving Letters (if the estate has secured debts or if required by the court)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days of appointment
- 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
Reeves County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Mandatory for attorneys; available for self-represented litigants.
- Hearing Scheduling: Hearings are typically scheduled after the 10-day posting period has elapsed. Contact the Court Coordinator.
- Pro Se Litigants: The court may require pro se litigants to follow the same rules of evidence and procedure as attorneys.
- Publication: Notice to Creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Reeves County one time.
Follows Texas Estates Code. E-filing mandatory for attorneys.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Reeves County)
- Probate of Will & Issuance of Letters: approximately $360
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $360
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $7 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Citation Posting: included in base fee or ~$8
Texas allows reasonable compensation for executors, capped at 5% of transactions.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit cards (via e-filing or in person with a fee). Credit card payments typically incur a convenience fee (e.g., 3%).
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 and court scheduling availability can affect the timeline.
Local Resources
Reeves County Court Resources
- Court Website: reevescounty.org
- Probate Self-Help: Texas Law Help - Estate Administration
- Texas Probate Forms: Texas Judicial Branch Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- State Bar of Texas: (800) 252-9690 — Lawyer Referral Information Service
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: (888) 988-9996 — Free legal services for low-income residents
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: texasbar.com
Publication
- Pecos Enterprise: (432) 445-5475 — Official newspaper for legal notices in Reeves County