Overview
Tarrant County is the third-most populous county in Texas, encompassing the city of Fort Worth and Arlington. The county operates two statutory probate courts that handle estate, guardianship, and mental health proceedings.
As in all Texas counties, independent administration is the most commonly used probate method in Tarrant County. This approach allows the executor to manage and distribute estate assets without ongoing court approval for each action. Dependent administration provides court-supervised management for estates that require oversight. Tarrant County courts also accept muniment of title applications, which allow a will to be probated without appointing an executor when there are no unpaid unsecured debts.
Texas is a community property state, so a surviving spouse automatically owns half of all community property. There is no state income tax and no state estate or inheritance tax in Texas.
A small estate affidavit is available for intestate estates with personal property valued at $75,000 or less (excluding homestead and exempt property). This guide provides an informational overview of Tarrant County's probate process, court locations, filing fees, and timelines. It is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney.
Courthouse Information
Tarrant County Probate Courts
Tarrant County has two statutory probate courts:
- Probate Court No. 1 — Judge Christopher Ponder
- Probate Court No. 2 — Judge Brooke Allen
Address: Tarrant County Courthouse, 100 West Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196
Phone: (817) 884-1770
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The County Clerk's Probate Division handles filings and can provide information about fees and case status. For document copies, call (817) 884-1069.
Online Case Search: Public case information is available at odyssey.tarrantcounty.com/publicaccess.
For more information, visit the Tarrant County Probate Courts page.
Filing Process
How to File for Probate in Tarrant County
Step 1: Determine the Probate Method
- Independent Administration: Executor manages the estate with minimal court oversight.
- Dependent Administration: Court supervises each step of estate management.
- Muniment of Title: Simplified process for estates with a will and no unpaid unsecured debts.
- Small Estate Affidavit: For intestate estates with personal property under $75,000.
- Determination of Heirship: Used when someone dies without a will.
Step 2: File Electronically
All probate filings must be submitted through eFileTexas.gov. The original will must be delivered to the County Clerk's office promptly after e-filing. Refer to Tarrant County's E-file Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Step 3: Provide Required Notices
- Post citation at the courthouse for at least 10 days.
- For heirship proceedings, citation by publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court schedules a hearing to review the application. Uncontested matters may be heard relatively quickly.
Step 5: Publish Notice to Creditors
After appointment, mail the notice to creditors directly to the publisher with publishing fees. After publication, file the notice, newspaper clipping, and publisher's affidavit with the Probate Clerk's Office.
Step 6: File Inventory and Complete Administration
File the inventory within 90 days. For independent administration, close the estate with a closing affidavit or report.
Local Requirements
Tarrant County Probate Local Requirements
- E-filing is mandatory for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may also e-file. Refer to the county's E-file Reference Guide for instructions.
- Tarrant County maintains Local Rules of the Statutory Probate Courts, available as a downloadable PDF.
- The county has a Uniform Standing Order on Use of Depositions on Written Questions and additional administrative orders.
- Filing fees must be paid by cash, cashier's check, money order, attorney's check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover).
- Notice to creditors must be mailed directly to the publisher with publishing fees. After publication, the clipping and publisher's affidavit are filed with the Probate Clerk.
- The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is a commonly used newspaper for probate publication notices in Tarrant County.
- Contact the Probate Clerk's Office at (817) 884-1770 for the publisher's address and current fee information.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees
Tarrant County probate filing fees (effective January 1, 2026):
- New Probate Filing: $360 (Local Consolidated Fee $223 + State Consolidated Civil Fee $137)
- Subsequent Filing: $120 (Local $75 + State $45)
Payment accepted by cash, cashier's check, money order, attorney's check, or major credit cards.
Verify the latest fees at the Tarrant County Probate Fee Schedule.
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.
These are general estimates. Contact the court for current scheduling information.
Local Resources
Helpful Resources for Tarrant County Probate
- Tarrant County Probate Courts — Court information and filing resources
- Tarrant County Probate Fee Schedule — Current filing fees
- Frequently Used Probate Forms — Downloadable forms
- Tarrant County Local Probate Rules (PDF) — Local rules document
- Online Case Search — Public access to case information
- eFileTexas.gov — Electronic filing portal
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.