Source: https://cclerk.hctx.net/Probate.aspx
Timestamp: 2018-12-15 08:00:30
Document Index: 593548376

Matched Legal Cases: ['§1355', '§252', '§252', '§1353', '§1351', '§1352']

Harris County Clerk's Office Probate Courts
Pre-Order Letters of Testamentary
& Independent Administration
Admin. Background Check
Admin. Order - eFiling
and Fees Report
The Probate Courts Department serves as the clerks for the four statutory Probate Courts in Harris County. As clerks, they have the responsibility of
Filing, docketing and assessing the costs associated with each case.
Issuing and recording citations, notices, abstracts, writs, letters of testamentary, administration and guardianship or any other process, document or service authorized or required to be issued by the clerk.
The department is responsible for maintaining the filed records for each Probate Court case. The clerk also attends each court docket in support of the court.
Probate Courts e-Filing
Effective January 1, 2014, the Supreme Court of Texas mandated that all attorneys must electronically file court documents in the Harris County Probate Courts. To e-file through the State of Texas’ electronic portal EFileTexas.gov, you must first select an electronic filing service provider (EFSP).
To view a list of electronic filing providers (EFSP) that have been approved by the State visit www.EFileTexas.gov.
A quick reference guide on how to electronically file documents:
http://www.cclerk.hctx.net/Forms/eFilingQuickRef.pdf
The Supreme Court of Texas mandate on electronic filing
Judicial Committee on Information Technology – E-Filing Technology Standards
http://www.efiletexas.gov/documents/Technology_Standards_012017.pdf
Probate Courts Administrative Order on the e-filing of Wills and Annual Accounts:
http://www.cclerk.hctx.net/Probate/ProbateCourtsAdmOrderEFiling.pdf
Probate Courts Downloadable Forms
If you intend to e-file any of the forms listed below they must be printed and scanned prior to being submitted.
Attorney's Letter Request Form
Subpoena - Deposition
Application To Open Safe Deposit Box And Examine Papers
Possession Order For Will and Insurance Policies
Debtor's Statement - Small Estates ( §1355.001 )
Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Courts Costs
Affidavit Of Distributees / Small Estate With Judge's Order Of Approval
Application For Emergency Burial Expenses
Application For Protection Of Personal Property
Inventory For Emergency Intervention Proceedings
Application to Withdraw Funds from the Registry of the Court
Instructions For Completing Withdrawl of Funds From The Registry Of the Court
Application to Withdraw Funds - When applicant is the Father, Mother or Custodian
Application to Withdraw Funds - When applicant is the Minor
Testimony For Self Proven Wills
Oath Of Executor (or Executrix)
Inventory and Appraisement Of The Estate and Order
Oath Of No Debts Against The Estate
Decree on Muniment Of Title
Decree Admitting Will To Probate
Affidavit For Probate Of Will As Muniment Of Title
Sworn Statement Proving Signature on Will
Sworn Statement Of Witness To Signing Of Will By Testator
Sworn Statement Proving Handwritten Will
Oath Of Administrator or Administratix
Sworn Statement Supporting Claim Against Estate / Order Approving Claim Against Estate
Inventory And Appraisement Of The Estate
Annual Account and Order
Annual Report On Location, Condition and Well Being Of Ward and Order
Order Authorizing Appointee Compensation
Order Authorizing Appointee Fees
Probate Courts Ordering Copies
In this department you can obtain a copy of a Probate Court document or Letter of Testamentary, Administration or Guardianship.
View and print electronic copies of documents for free
by fax: (713) 437-5796
by email: ccoProbFM@hccountyclerk.com
To request copies to be sent via FAX, Email or Postal Mail please use our Copy Order Form.
Certified Paper Copy - $5.00 certification fee & $1.00 per page.
Letter of Testamentary, Administration or Guardianship - $2.00 each.
Probate CourtsFAQ
The majority of people offering wills to probate use an attorney to represent them. However, some people file the application without an attorney.
Ordinarily, an application to probate a will must be filed within four (4) years of the date of death of the decedent. Also, under normal circumstances, letters testamentary or letters of administration cannot be authorized more than four (4) years after the date of death of the decedent.
How long can an estate remain open?
There is no specific time for which an estate can remain open.
Where do I get forms to Probate a Will?
Neither the County Clerk or the Courts have the forms or templates used for the creation of an application or a Will. You may want to review the Texas Estate Code or go to the County Law Library, located at 1019 Congress, Houston, Texas 77002 for guidance on this matter.
How do I deposit my will for safekeeping?
Texas law permits a testator or an agent for the testator to deposit a will for safekeeping with the County Clerk (EC§252.001). Please refer to schedule of fees for payment. An Original Will may be deposited with the County Clerk for safekeeping until the death of the testator. During the lifetime of the testator, a will deposited with the County Clerk may only be delivered to the testator or another person authorized by the testator by a sworn written ordered.
Can I obtain a letter of testamentary without a will?
No, letters of testamentary can only be obtained after a hearing admitting a will to probate and upon qualification of personal representative.
When do letters of testamentary expire?
Although there is no statutory expiration date for letters of testamentary or for letters of administration, most financial institution require they be issued no more than sixty (60) days prior to presentation.
Probate Courtse-File FAQ
How do you e-file an original will?
Original Wills are one of the documents that are exempted from electronic filing. However, a copy of the Will should be filed as an attachment to the application when it is electronically filed. The original Will must then be filed with the County Clerk within three business days after the application is submitted electronically.
Yes, certain documents (such as Wills, Codicils, Bonds and Citation Returns) are exempted from electronic filing. Also, see the amendments to the State Rules for Electronic Filing for a complete list of exceptions. Also note; that ProSe parties are not required to e-file per the Supreme Court mandate.
What are the costs associated with e-filing?
Attorneys/Filers are given the option to either contract with an EFSP (Electronic Filing Provider) or go directly through the State’s EFM (Electronic Filing Manager), which is EFileTexas.gov. The fees charged by the EFSP’s vary depending on the services provided. There is currently a $30 State Electronic Filing Fee for each new case that is filed and a $2 County Electronic Filing Fee for each envelope filed.
Where do I find a current list of e-filing service providers?
To see the most current list of EFSP’s go to www.EFileTexas.gov. In addition to being the EFM, EFileTexas.gov is also one of the certified EFSP’s.
Do you need special software to e-file?
No special setup or software is required. You can visit the EFileTexas.gov website to see the recommended computer settings and scanner settings. All documents must be searchable PDF’s.
Does e-filing apply to pro-se parties?
Persons not represented by counsel may e-file, but e-filing is not required.
How long does it take to view e-filed documents on your website?
Most documents are available to view online within minutes of being accepted.
How do you handle Certificate of Service on a pleading? Do you e-mail the documents to all parties?
E-service is a feature provided by EFileTexas.gov where documents are electronically served to other parties in a case via e-mail. Using this option, you can track when each party received and opened the filing. Note: Transaction and service fees may apply depending on the EFSP used to perform e-service. Also, see the State’s Rule for Electronic Filing for electronic service guidelines.
How do you verify that the clerk got your e-filed pleading?
If the document is accepted for filing by the County Clerk, the filer will receive a “confirmation page” that the document has been accepted. This confirmation will include the date and time the County Clerk considers the document to have been filed. If the document was rejected, the filer will receive an alert that the document was not accepted along with the reason why. These confirmations will come through EFileTexas.gov or the EFSP.
How do you handle emergency filings such as TRO’s or temporary guardianships?
Once a TRO is electronically filed, we would suggest that you contact our office so that we are aware that it has been filed. It will be available for pick-up from our office so that the attorney can present it to the Judge. Also, see the State Rules for Electronic Filing for additional details.
How do you request and obtain citation on an original petition?
You can request and pay for citations to be issued at the same time the original petition is being filed electronically. Copies of the original petition must be provided by either paying 25 cents per page at the time you file electronically, by mailing copies to our office or by bringing copies to the citation clerks. If the citation is to be delivered by the Constable or by private processor, the hard copy will be available for pick-up by the appropriate party.
What do you do with the original document since you are filing it?
It is recommended that the original document be kept for the entirety of the case. Also, see the State Rules for Electronic Filing for additional details.
What percentage of documents are rejected from e-filing?
The rejection rate is less than 10% for Probate Court e-filings.
What are the main causes for rejection for e-filings?
Wrong county, wrong jurisdiction, wrong fees and services requested do not match with what the cover letter states.
In regards to filing deadlines, if a document is filed before midnight is it considered filed that day?
Upon transmitting a document to the e-filer’s EFSP, the e-filer is deemed to have delivered the document to the clerk and the document is deemed filed. A document will be considered filed timely if it is e-filed at any time before the midnight (in the court’s time zone) on the date on which the document is due. A transmission report by the e-filer to the e-filer’s EFSP shall be prima facie evidence of the date and time of the transmission. Also, see the State Rules for Electronic Filing for electronic additional details.
Probate CourtsFee Schedule
Probate of a Will – associated court filing fees - $288
Administration – associated court filing fee - $288
Administration Without a Will – associated court filing fee - $288
Heirship – associated court filing fee - $288
Heirship and Administration – associated court filing fee - $371
No Administration - associated court filing fee - $288
Community Administration - associated court filing fee - $288
Probate of a Foreign Will - associated court filing fee - $209
Small Estate - associated court filing fee - $192
Right of Survivorship - associated court filing fee - $209
Open Safe Deposit Box - associated court filing fees - $82.00
Emergency Intervention - associated court filing fees - $209.00
Show Cause §252.201 - associated court filing fees - $161.00
Testamentary Trust - associated court filing fees - $209.00
Guardianship of a Minor – associated court filing fees - $288.00
Guardianship of an Incapacitated Person – associated court filing fees - $367.00
Temporary Guardianship – associated court filing fees - $288.00
Guardianship §1353.002 – associated court filing fees - $209.00
Sell of Real Estate - §1351.001 - associated court filing fees - $288.00
Home Equity - §1352.052 - associated court filing fees - $288.00
Minor Court Registry – each filing - $72.00
PROBATE PLEADINGS FEES WITHIN A PENDING PROBATE MATTER
Inventory – fees due if filed 90 days after the Personal Representative has Qualified - $27.00
Bond – each filing - $5.00
Annual Account – each annual filing - $27.00
Annual Report of the Condition of the Ward – each annual filing - $12.00
Claims against the estate – each filing - $10.00
Document after 120th day of initial filing that is over 25 pages – each filing - $25.00
Pleading requiring a judge’s signature after the 120th day of the initial filing – each filing $2.00
PLEADINGS THAT MAY REQUIRE CITATION
Final Report on the Condition of the Ward – $12.00
Application for Sale of Personal Property – $27.00
Application for Sale of Personal Property with Posting - $108.00
Application for Sale of Personal Property without Posting - $27.00
Final Account with Posting - $108.00
Final Account without Posting - $27.00
LAWSUITS/CROSS ACTIONS FILING FEES
Original Petitions – associated court filing fees - $170.00
Adverse Action Cross-Comp - associated court filing fees - $155.00
MISCELLANEOUS COUNTY CLERK FEES
Abstracts of Judgment – each issuance by the County Clerk - $2.00
Wills for Safekeeping - each filing $5.00
Notice of Appeal – each filing $10.00
Citation Issued and Served by Others – each issuance - $8.00
Citation Issued by Certified Mail – each issuance - $79.00
Letters of Testamentary, Administration and Guardianship – each issuance - $2.00
Electronic Filing Fee – per document - $2.00
Returned Check Fee – each occurrence - $30.00
Non-Certified Copies – per page $1.00
Certification of a Document – $5.00 (plus $1.00 per page copy fee)
Jury Fee - each request for a jury trial - $40.00
Search Fee- $5.00
ADDITIONAL CONSTABLE SERVICE FEES
Posting – each in county service by the Constable - $79.00
Garnishment - each in county service by the Constable - $104.00
Show Cause - each in county service by the Constable - $79.00
Possession - each in county service by the Constable - $129.00
Personal - each in county service by the Constable - $79.00
Sequestration - each in county service by the Constable - $154.00
Injunctions - each in county service by the Constable - $104.00
Writs - each in county service by the Constable - $129.00
Subpoena - each in county service by the Constable - $79.00
Temporary Restraining Order - each in county service by the Constable - $104.00
Publication - each in county service by the Constable - $79.00
Execution - each in county service by the Constable - $154.00
Probate CourtsGuardianship FAQ
How do we initiate a guardianship?
Either hire an attorney to file an application for guardianship, or write a letter to the Court advising that a guardian is necessary. If you write a letter, include enough information for the Court to find and interview you and the proposed ward.
Where do I get the forms to file an application for guardianship?
Neither the County Clerk nor the Court have forms for the application and other documents necessary for the creation of a guardianship. You may review the Texas Estate Code or go to the County Law Library, located at 1019 Congress, Houston, Texas 77002 for guidance on this matter.
Why do I need an attorney to represent me in a guardianship?
The creation of a guardianship is a very technical matter under the Texas Estates Code. Numerous steps are required and strict compliance with the Code is necessary. The County Clerk’s Office is not authorized to practice law and cannot instruct a person about all of the necessary steps that must be taken.
Explain what Letters of Guardianship are.
The letters of guardianship are the official certificate issued by the Clerk of the Court reflecting that the guardianship was created and identifies both the ward and the guardian. The letters of guardianship provide an expiration date on their face of one year plus 120 days after the anniversary date.
How long does it take to put a Guardianship in place?
Each court varies, please contact the court assigned to case.
Who do I contact to get my case on the docket?
Please contact the court that has been assigned to your case.
Probate Courts Payment Options
Request for copies by phone or fax
Probate CourtsJudges and Staff
Judge Loyd Wright 832-927-1401
Court Clerk: Marisol Hastings 713-274-8588
Alternate Court Clerk: Consuelo Arroyo 713-274-8566
Judge Mike Wood 832-927-1402
Court Clerk: Delores Medina 713-274-8588
Alternate Court Clerk: Allen Conor Hurley 713-274-8566
Judge Rory R. Olsen 832-927-1403
Court Clerk: Charlene Rosser 713-274-8588
Alternate Court Clerk: Karina Marino 713-274-8566
Judge Christine Butts 832-927-1404
Court Clerk: Ruby Vasquez 713-274-8588
Alternate Court Clerk: Sarah Cuellar 713-274-8566
Probate Courts Free Legal Aid Resources
The Probate Courts do not provide direct legal services or maintain a list of pro bono attorneys. Below is a list of sites that may be able to assist you with your legal needs.
State of Texas Law Library
Probate CourtsGeneral Information
The Harris County Clerk’s office is happy to help you file documents or locate records, but we cannot answer legal questions. Legal matters often require the assistance of an attorney and the law prevents us from providing legal advice to any person. If you have questions regarding legal matters, please consider contacting an attorney of your choice for information or answers to specific legal questions.
Probate Courts Contact Us
201 Caroline, Suite 800
(713) 274-8585
* A late filing drop box is located on the outside wall (to the left of the front entrance) of the County Civil Courthouse Building.
ccoProbFM@hccountyclerk.com