Overview
Williamson County is located in Texas with a population of approximately 727,480. The Williamson County Court at Law No. 4 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 the estate is solvent. Another option is Muniment of Title, used when there is a valid will but no need for estate administration (e.g., no debts other than a mortgage).
Texas law allows for independent administration, which minimizes court supervision and can significantly reduce costs and timelines. Statutory executor fees are generally capped at 5% of all sums received and paid out in cash, though this is subject to specific rules and exclusions.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Williamson 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
Williamson County Court at Law No. 4
Probate matters in Williamson County are handled at the Williamson County Justice Center.
Address: 405 Martin Luther King St., Georgetown, TX 78626-4901
Phone: (512) 943-1515 (County Clerk - Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The County Clerk's office is located on the second floor of the Justice Center. This is where all probate documents are filed. The Court at Law No. 4 presides over probate hearings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the Justice Center and in designated lots. Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the building. Electronic devices may be restricted in certain courtrooms, so check signage upon arrival.
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 valid will, no unpaid debts (except real estate liens), 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 Williamson County Clerk. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $360)
- Proposed Order
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for pro se litigants through eFileTexas.gov.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Wait for the citation: The County Clerk will issue a citation which must be posted at the courthouse for at least 10 days.
- Mail notice to all beneficiaries named in the will.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Williamson County (e.g., Williamson County Sun) if administration is opened.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the application, typically 2 to 3 weeks after filing (once the 10-day posting period expires). 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 secured creditors and general creditors within statutory deadlines (typically 1-2 months).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets and file an Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims within 90 days of qualification (or file an Affidavit in Lieu of Inventory if eligible).
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File a final tax return if necessary.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- Close the estate (if required by the type of administration).
Local Requirements
Williamson County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Williamson County requires electronic filing for all civil and probate cases for attorneys. Self-represented litigants are encouraged to e-file but may file in person.
- Court at Law No. 4: This specific court has jurisdiction over probate matters. Ensure all documents reference this court.
- Hearings: Hearings are generally held in person, though some uncontested matters may be handled via submission or remote appearance depending on current court policies.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county, such as the Williamson County Sun.
Always check the latest Local Court Rules for Williamson County before filing.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Williamson County)
- Application for Probate (Will/Administration): approximately $360.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $360.00
- Muniment of Title: approximately $360.00
- Citation/Posting: approximately $80.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $2.00 per copy (plus $5.00 for certification)
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
Payment Methods
The County Clerk accepts cash, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), money orders, and cashier's checks. A convenience fee applies to credit card transactions.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Independent Administration): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The mandatory 10-day posting period for the citation means the initial hearing cannot occur sooner than about two weeks after filing.
Local Resources
Williamson County Court Resources
- Court Website: https://www.wilcotx.gov/447/Probate
- County Clerk Probate Division: https://www.wilcotx.gov/countyclerk
- Texas Probate Forms: https://texaslawhelp.org/
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Williamson County Bar Association: (512) 244-6603 — Provides resources and networking for local attorneys. Visit https://www.wilcobar.com/
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: (888) 988-9996 — Provides free legal services to eligible low-income residents.
- State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral: https://www.texasbar.com
Publication
- Williamson County Sun: (512) 930-4824 — Frequently used for legal notices in Georgetown.
- Taylor Press: (512) 352-8535 — Serving Eastern Williamson County.