Harris County Probate Courts
201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002. Phone (832) 927-1400. Filing fee for this path: about $432.
Dependent administration in Harris County
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Dependent administration in Harris County is court-supervised probate through Harris County Probate Courts, with a filing fee around $432. Every material action, from selling property to paying claims, needs court approval. This path requires a Texas probate attorney in practice.
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 Harris County
Retain a Texas probate attorney (required in practice)
Dependent administration runs on frequent court filings and strict procedure. Don't attempt it pro se.
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.
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.
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.
Publish notice to creditors (within 1 month)
Publish once in a Harris County newspaper (e.g. Houston Chronicle, Daily Court Review). Dependent administration requires it. Unknown creditors then have 4 months to present claims.
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.
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.
File annual accountings
File one each year until the estate closes. The accounting lists every receipt, disbursement, and remaining asset.
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.
Harris County offices and details
Local references
Creditor notice runs once in a Harris County newspaper of general circulation, such as Houston Chronicle or Daily Court Review.
Lawyer referrals: Harris County bar association.
Filing fee for this path: about $432. Counties update fee schedules, so re-verify before you file.
Worth knowing in Harris County
Harris has four statutory probate courts — case assignment is rotational. Each court has its own preferred order language; check the assigned court's website before submitting a proposed order.
Dependent administration fees across supported counties
Filing fees from each county's published fee schedule. Fees change, so re-verify before filing.
| County | Filing fee | Court |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas County | $388 | Dallas County Probate Courts |
| Tarrant County | $380 | Tarrant County Probate Courts |
| Collin County | $385 | Collin County Probate Court |
| Denton County | $385 | Denton County Probate Court |
| Harris County | $432 | Harris County Probate Courts |
| Travis County | $378 | Travis County Probate Court |
| Bexar County | $391 | Bexar County Probate Courts |
Common questions
How much does dependent administration cost in Harris County?
The Harris County filing fee runs about $432. 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 Harris County?
With Harris County Probate Courts, 201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002, or online through eFileTexas.gov. The court's phone number is (832) 927-1400.
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. Harris County has 4 statutory probate courts, and each court's calendar affects the schedule.
Do I need a lawyer for dependent administration in Harris 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.
Keep reading
Dependent administration in Texas: the statewide guideHarris County probate: every path comparedProof of Death and Other Facts: what it isInventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims: what it isNotice to Creditors (Newspaper): what it isProof of Mailing to Secured Creditors: what it is
Same path, other counties
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