Harris County Probate Courts
201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002. Phone (832) 927-1400. Filing fee for this path: about $432.
Independent administration in Harris County
Legacywyse drafts the application packet from your answers, with Harris County Probate Courts details built in. You review it before the court appoints the executor at a hearing.
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Independent administration in Harris County starts with an application at Harris County Probate Courts, with a filing fee around $432. After the court appoints the independent executor and the inventory is filed, the court is largely hands-off. Texas probate courts generally require an attorney when the executor is not the sole beneficiary.
Reference cost
$2,000-$6,000 all-in for this path, including the filing fee, certified copies, and notary work. Attorney fees push administration higher.
Reference timeline
6-12 months for most estates on this path. Includes the citation period and a hearing on the court's calendar.
When this path fits
- There is a will naming an independent executor, OR all heirs agree to independent administration
- Estate has assets to administer or debts to pay
- Beneficiaries/heirs are cooperative
How it works in Harris County
Retain a Texas probate attorney
Texas probate courts generally require an attorney when the independent executor isn't the sole beneficiary, because the executor represents the estate and the other beneficiaries. For a straightforward estate, flat fees often run $2,500-$5,000.
Prepare the Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary
File in the decedent's county of residence. Include the jurisdictional facts, the will designation, the executor's information, and a request for independent administration. Bring the proposed order for the judge to sign at the hearing.
File the application with Harris County Probate Courts
The filing fee runs about $432 via eFileTexas.gov. Assigned rotationally to one of four statutory probate courts in Harris County. Courts usually set the hearing 2-4 weeks after filing.
Wait for the 10-day citation period
The clerk posts citation at the courthouse, and interested parties may contest during this window.
Attend the probate hearing
You testify to prove up the will. The court admits the will and issues Letters Testamentary, and you take the statutory oath.
Publish notice to creditors (within 1 month)
Publish once in a Harris County newspaper of general circulation (e.g. Houston Chronicle, Daily Court Review). Unknown creditors then have 4 months to present claims.
File Inventory, Appraisement & List of Claims (within 90 days)
File a sworn inventory of every probate asset as of the date of death, its value, and any claims owed to the estate. An independent executor can file an Affidavit in Lieu of Inventory when no beneficiary demands the full inventory, a Texas-specific option.
Pay valid debts in statutory priority order
Texas Estates Code §355.102 sets the order: funeral and last-illness expenses, family allowance, secured debts, administration expenses, then unsecured debts. Don't pay unsecured debts ahead of priority claims, or you can owe the shortfall yourself.
Distribute assets per the will
Document every distribution and collect signed receipts from beneficiaries. Pay the specific bequests first, then the residuary estate.
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.
Independent 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 independent administration cost in Harris County?
The Harris County filing fee runs about $432. As a reference range, total cost for this path lands around $2,000-$6,000 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 independent administration take?
The reference timeline is 6-12 months. Harris County has 4 statutory probate courts, and each court's calendar affects the schedule.
Do I need a lawyer for independent administration in Harris County?
Plan on it. Texas probate courts generally require an attorney when the executor is not the sole beneficiary, because the executor represents the estate and the other beneficiaries.
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
Independent administration in Texas: the statewide guideHarris County probate: every path comparedApplication for Independent Administration: what it isOath of Independent Executor: what it isProof of Death and Other Facts: what it isDesignation of Resident Agent: what it is
Same path, other counties
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