Dependent administration in Collin County

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Direct answer

Dependent administration in Collin County is court-supervised probate through Collin County Probate Court, with a filing fee around $385. Every material action, from selling property to paying claims, needs court approval. This path requires a Texas probate attorney in practice.

Collin County Probate Court

2100 Bloomdale Rd, Suite 30164, McKinney, TX 75071. Phone (972) 548-4500. Filing fee for this path: about $385.

Reference cost

$5,000-$20,000 all-in for this path, including the filing fee, certified copies, and notary work. Attorney fees push administration higher.

Reference timeline

1-3 years for most estates on this path. Includes the citation period and a hearing on the court's calendar.

When this path fits

  • Heirs disagree
  • Contested or complicated debts
  • Will does not permit independent administration and heirs will not agree
  • Minor beneficiaries without proper representation

How it works in Collin County

  1. Retain a Texas probate attorney (required in practice)

    Dependent administration runs on frequent court filings and strict procedure. Don't attempt it pro se.

  2. File the Application for Letters of Administration

    Include the jurisdictional facts, the decedent's information, the list of heirs, and a statement of assets and debts. Bring the proposed order for the judge to sign at the hearing.

  3. Attend the hearing

    The court appoints the administrator, sets bond, and issues Letters of Administration. The new administrator takes and signs the statutory oath before Letters issue.

  4. Post bond (required)

    Most dependent administrations don't allow a bond waiver. The premium usually runs 0.5-1% of the estate's face value, payable each year until closing.

  5. Publish notice to creditors (within 1 month)

    Publish once in a Collin County newspaper (e.g. McKinney Courier-Gazette, Plano Star Courier). Dependent administration requires it. Unknown creditors then have 4 months to present claims.

  6. File the Inventory within 90 days

    File the full inventory. Dependent administration doesn't allow an affidavit in lieu. Include the appraisement values and the list of claims owed to the estate.

  7. Get court approval for every material action

    Selling property, settling claims, and making distributions each need a court order. You must serve most filings on all interested parties first.

  8. File annual accountings

    File one each year until the estate closes. The accounting lists every receipt, disbursement, and remaining asset.

  9. File the Final Account and Application to Close

    File this once the debts are paid and the assets are ready to distribute. The court approves the final accounting before you distribute. The same order usually approves attorney fees and executor compensation.

Collin County offices and details

Collin County Probate Court

2100 Bloomdale Rd, Suite 30164, McKinney, TX 75071

(972) 548-4500

Court website

Local references

Creditor notice runs once in a Collin County newspaper of general circulation, such as McKinney Courier-Gazette or Plano Star Courier.

Lawyer referrals: Collin County bar association.

Filing fee for this path: about $385. Counties update fee schedules, so re-verify before you file.

Dependent administration fees across supported counties

Filing fees from each county's published fee schedule. Fees change, so re-verify before filing.

CountyFiling feeCourt
Dallas County$388Dallas County Probate Courts
Tarrant County$380Tarrant County Probate Courts
Collin County$385Collin County Probate Court
Denton County$385Denton County Probate Court
Harris County$432Harris County Probate Courts
Travis County$378Travis County Probate Court
Bexar County$391Bexar County Probate Courts

Common questions

How much does dependent administration cost in Collin County?

The Collin County filing fee runs about $385. As a reference range, total cost for this path lands around $5,000-$20,000 depending on certified copies, notary work, publication, and any attorney fees. Counties update fees, so re-verify before filing.

Where do I file in Collin County?

With Collin County Probate Court, 2100 Bloomdale Rd, Suite 30164, McKinney, TX 75071, or online through eFileTexas.gov. The court's phone number is (972) 548-4500.

Is there a hearing?

Yes. The court holds a hearing before appointing anyone and issuing Letters.

How long does dependent administration take?

The reference timeline is 1-3 years. Collin County has a single statutory probate court, so its calendar sets the pace.

Do I need a lawyer for dependent administration in Collin County?

Yes. Dependent administration runs on frequent court filings and strict procedure. Do not attempt it without a Texas probate attorney.

Review note

Updated July 7, 2026. Legacywyse links to Texas court, statute, tax, and county sources when a guide discusses filing, authority, taxes, or local probate process. The content is general information, not legal advice.

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