Harris County Probate Courts
201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002. Phone (832) 927-1400. Filing fee for this path: about $432.
Muniment of title in Harris County
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Probate as muniment of title in Harris County starts with an application filed at Harris County Probate Courts, with a filing fee around $432. The court admits the will to transfer title without appointing an executor. One brief hearing, then a 180-day compliance affidavit. The application must be filed within 4 years of death, with rare exceptions.
Reference cost
$400-$1,500 all-in for this path, including the filing fee, certified copies, and notary work. No attorney fee assumed.
Reference timeline
30-75 days 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 valid will
- No unpaid debts (other than debts secured by real estate, e.g. a mortgage)
- No need to administer the estate (no lawsuits, creditor issues, or complex assets)
- Filed within 4 years of death (rare exceptions apply)
How it works in Harris County
Verify no unpaid debts (other than secured real estate)
Muniment works only if the estate has no unpaid debts beyond those secured by real property, such as a mortgage. A Medicaid estate recovery claim also blocks this path, so check with HHS if the decedent received Medicaid.
Confirm filing within 4 years of death
Texas Estates Code §256.003 bars probate of a will more than 4 years after death, with a narrow exception when the applicant wasn't at fault for the late filing.
Prepare the Application for Probate of Will as Muniment of Title
Include the decedent's name, date of birth, date of death, and address; the Harris County jurisdiction facts; a description of the will; the no-unpaid-debt statement; and the beneficiary names.
File the application with Harris County Probate Courts
The filing fee runs about $432. File through eFileTexas.gov or in person at 201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002. Assigned rotationally to one of four statutory probate courts in Harris County.
Wait for citation posting
The County Clerk posts citation at the courthouse for at least 10 days. Most muniment cases don't require newspaper publication.
Attend the probate hearing
The hearing is brief. You testify under oath that the will is valid, the estate has no unpaid debts, and you need the order to transfer title. The judge signs the Order Admitting Will to Probate as Muniment of Title.
File the Affidavit of Compliance (within 180 days)
Texas Estates Code §257.103 requires a sworn affidavit within 180 days of the order. State how you've carried out the will's terms, or name any term still unfulfilled.
Record the certified order in Real Property Records
File a certified copy of the muniment order with the Harris County Clerk to clear title on any real property.
Harris County offices and details
Local references
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.
Muniment of title 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 muniment of title cost in Harris County?
The Harris County filing fee runs about $432. As a reference range, total cost for this path lands around $400-$1,500 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 hearing is brief: you testify under oath that the will is valid, the estate has no unpaid debts, and you need the order to transfer title.
How long does muniment of title take?
The reference timeline is 30-75 days. Harris County has 4 statutory probate courts, and each court's calendar affects the schedule.
Do I need a lawyer for muniment of title in Harris County?
Many families handle this without a lawyer. Bring in a Texas probate attorney when title, debts, or family facts are unclear, or when the court in Harris County asks for more than the standard packet.
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
Muniment of title in Texas: the statewide guideHarris County probate: every path comparedApplication for Probate of Will as Muniment of Title: what it isProposed Order Admitting Will as Muniment of Title: what it isAffidavit of No Debts (Muniment): what it isAffidavit of Compliance with Texas Estates Code § 308.004: what it is
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