Dallas County Probate Courts
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building, 600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202. Phone (214) 653-7236. Filing fee for this path: about $360.
Small estate affidavit in Dallas County
Legacywyse drafts the affidavit from your answers, with Dallas County Probate Courts details built in. You review it, sign with two disinterested witnesses before a notary, and file.
Start the questionnaireDirect answer
A small estate affidavit in Dallas County is filed with Dallas County Probate Courts and the filing fee runs about $360. It fits no-will estates worth $75,000 or less, excluding the homestead and exempt property, at least 30 days after death. No hearing: the judge reviews the affidavit and signs an order if it qualifies.
Reference cost
$360-$500 all-in for this path, including the filing fee, certified copies, and notary work. No attorney fee assumed.
Reference timeline
30-60 days for most estates on this path. No hearing is required on this path.
When this path fits
- No will (died intestate)
- Total estate value ≤ $75,000 (excluding homestead and exempt property)
- At least 30 days have passed since death
- No pending application for appointment of a personal representative
- Estate assets exceed known debts (not counting debts secured by exempt property)
How it works in Dallas County
Wait 30 days after death
Texas Estates Code §205.001 requires at least 30 days after death before anyone can file a Small Estate Affidavit.
Identify two disinterested witnesses
Find two people who knew the decedent and inherit nothing from the estate. They'll sign the affidavit under oath.
Prepare the Small Estate Affidavit
Include a sworn list of assets and debts, a family history tree, and the distribution that Texas intestacy law requires. Every distributee signs before a notary.
File with Dallas County Probate Courts
The filing fee runs about $360. File in person at George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building, 600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202 or through eFileTexas.gov. Assigned rotationally to one of three statutory probate courts in Dallas County.
Wait for judge approval
No hearing is required. The judge reviews the affidavit and signs an order if it passes. Expect 2-4 weeks.
Present the certified SEA to asset holders
Bring a certified copy of the approved affidavit and a death certificate to each bank or asset holder. They transfer title to you.
File for homestead transfer (if applicable)
The approved SEA covers bank accounts and personal property, but it does little for real property. If there's a homestead, you may still need an Affidavit of Heirship in the Real Property Records.
Dallas County offices and details
Dallas County Probate Courts
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building, 600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7236
Court websiteLocal references
Lawyer referrals: Dallas County bar association.
Filing fee for this path: about $360. Counties update fee schedules, so re-verify before you file.
Small estate affidavit 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 | $360 | Dallas County Probate Courts |
| Tarrant County | $360 | Tarrant County Probate Courts |
| Collin County | $358 | Collin County Probate Court |
| Denton County | $358 | Denton County Probate Court |
| Harris County | $387 | Harris County Probate Courts |
| Travis County | $350 | Travis County Probate Court |
| Bexar County | $365 | Bexar County Probate Courts |
Common questions
How much does a small estate affidavit cost in Dallas County?
The Dallas County filing fee runs about $360. As a reference range, total cost for this path lands around $360-$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 Dallas County?
With Dallas County Probate Courts, George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building, 600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202, or online through eFileTexas.gov. The court's phone number is (214) 653-7236.
Is there a hearing?
No. The judge reviews the filing without a hearing and signs an order if it qualifies. Expect 2-4 weeks for review.
How long does a small estate affidavit take?
The reference timeline is 30-60 days. Dallas County has 3 statutory probate courts, and each court's calendar affects the schedule.
Do I need a lawyer for a small estate affidavit in Dallas County?
Most families prepare and file this themselves. The Dallas County court still decides whether the affidavit meets the statute, so review it before filing and get legal advice if heirs, debts, or assets are unclear.
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
Small estate affidavit in Texas: the statewide guideDallas County probate: every path comparedSmall Estate Affidavit: what it isAffidavit of Notice of Probate: what it isReceipt and Release: what it isApplication for Order to Open Safe Deposit Box: what it is
Same path, other counties
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