Where to file
Filed with the probate court handling the estate, in person or through eFileTexas.gov.
Application for Family Allowance
Legacywyse gives you everything a first-time executor needs: the recommended probate process for your situation, realistic costs and timelines, and pre-filled court documents — including the application for family allowance.
Start the questionnaireDirect answer
A request for the court to set aside estate money to support the surviving spouse or children for up to one year after the death. You describe the family's needs and the property they have.
Signatures
Family Allowance Applicant signs.
Notarization
The family allowance applicant signs before a notary. Legacywyse plans include virtual notary sessions for supported counties.
What's in the document
Legacywyse fills in from your answers
- Decedent
You complete
- Family allowance applicant
- Applicant mailing address
- Applicant capacity
- Authority to act for a child
- People for whom allowance is requested
- Itemized one-year maintenance needs
- Total one-year allowance
- Separate or individually owned property
- Adult incapacitated child support facts
- Requested payment method
Case filing fees by county
These are the county fees to open the underlying probate case, from each county's published schedule. For the cost of filing this document into a case that is already open, check the clerk's fee schedule. Fees change, so re-verify before filing.
| County | Dependent Admin | Court |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas County | $388 | Dallas County Probate Courts |
| Tarrant County | $380 | Tarrant County Probate Courts |
| Collin County | $385 | Collin County Probate Court 1 |
| Denton County | $385 | Denton County Probate Courts |
| Harris County | $432 | Harris County Probate Courts |
| Travis County | $378 | Travis County Probate Courts |
| Bexar County | $391 | Bexar County Probate Courts |
Common questions
Where does the Application for Family Allowance go?
Filed with the probate court handling the estate, in person or through eFileTexas.gov.
Who signs the Application for Family Allowance?
Family Allowance Applicant signs. The family allowance applicant signs before a notary.
Which Texas probate paths use this document?
It belongs to the dependent administration path.
Does Legacywyse prepare this document?
Yes. Legacywyse generates it from your questionnaire answers inside the private workspace, with the county details filled in. You review it, sign where required, and file it. Legacywyse is not a law firm, and this page is general information, not legal advice.
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 guideApplication for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters: what it isAffidavit of Heirship: what it isOath of Personal Representative: what it isProof of Death and Other Facts: what it is
Dependent administration, county by county
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