Overview
Webb County is located in Texas with a population of approximately 273,000. The Webb 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 (or Application for Letters of Administration) 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 procedure for estates valued at $75,000 or less (excluding homestead and exempt property) where there is no will. This simplified process avoids full administration.
Texas law provides for reasonable compensation for executors and administrators, typically capped at 5% of sums received and paid out in cash, though this can vary based on the will or court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Webb 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
Webb County Clerk & Courts
Probate matters in Webb County are filed with the County Clerk and heard by the Webb County Court at Law.
Address: 1110 Victoria St, Suite 201, Laredo, TX 78040
Phone: (956) 523-4266 (County Clerk Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The County Clerk's office is located in the Webb County Justice Center. Probate hearings are typically scheduled through the Court Coordinator.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the Justice Center and in nearby downtown Laredo lots. Security screening is required for entry into the courthouse building.
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/exempt property) and there is no will, you may qualify for this simplified procedure.
- Muniment of Title: If there is a will but no need for administration (no debts other than real estate liens), this process transfers title to beneficiaries without appointing an executor.
- 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 Webb County Clerk. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Civil Case Information Sheet
- Filing fee (approximately $300-$400)
- Proposed Order
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for pro se litigants in Webb 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 Webb County (e.g., Laredo Morning Times) within one month of receiving Letters.
- Mail notice: Send notice to beneficiaries and secured creditors 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, Appraisement, and List of Claims must be filed within 90 days of qualification (unless an Affidavit in Lieu of Inventory is allowed)
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- File federal tax returns if required
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- Close the estate (if required by the type of administration)
Local Requirements
Webb County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Webb County utilizes the eFileTexas system. Attorneys are required to e-file.
- Court Coordinator: Hearings must be set by contacting the Court Coordinator for the specific County Court at Law assigned to the case.
- Local Rules: Check with the specific court for any standing orders regarding remote hearings or submission of proposed orders.
- Publication: Notice to Creditors is typically published in the Laredo Morning Times.
Always check with the Webb County Clerk's probate division for the most current local forms and checklists.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Webb County)
- Probate of Will / Administration: approximately $360
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $300
- Muniment of Title: approximately $360
- Issuance of Letters: approximately $2 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Posting Citation: included in base fee or approx. $75
Fees are subject to change. Check the Webb County Clerk's fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, credit/debit cards, cashier's checks, and money orders. A convenience fee applies to credit card transactions.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Muniment of Title): 2-4 months
- Independent Administration: 6-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
The mandatory 10-day posting period means the initial hearing cannot occur sooner than roughly two weeks after filing.
Local Resources
Webb County Court Resources
- Court Website: https://www.webbcountytx.gov/CountyClerk/
- Probate Self-Help: https://texaslawhelp.org/article/probate-court-basics
- Texas Probate Forms: https://www.txcourts.gov/forms/
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Laredo-Webb County Bar Association: Local attorney listings
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (Laredo): (956) 718-4600 — Legal assistance for low-income residents
- State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral: https://www.texasbar.com
Publication
- Laredo Morning Times: (956) 728-2500 — Major newspaper for legal notices