Where to file
Filed with the probate court handling the estate, in person or through eFileTexas.gov.
Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters
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 probate of will and issuance of letters.
Start the questionnaireDirect answer
The standard way to open a probate case when there's a will. You ask the court to accept the will, officially appoint the person who will handle the estate, and issue that person a certificate — called "Letters" — that banks and others accept as proof of authority. You also choose how much court oversight the estate gets: independent (little court involvement) or dependent (the judge approves most steps).
Signatures
Applicant signs.
Notarization
The person swearing to it signs before a notary. Legacywyse plans include virtual notary sessions for supported counties.
Which probate paths use it
This document belongs to 2 paths. The Legacywyse questionnaire sorts your estate facts first, then adds it to your packet when the path calls for it.
What's in the document
Legacywyse fills in from your answers
- Decedent full name
- Date of death
- Applicant full name
- Will date (if any)
- Will allows independent admin
You complete
- Requested personal representative
- Representative service address
- Requested representative role
- Bond / waiver notes
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 | Independent Admin | Dependent Admin | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas County | $388 | $388 | Dallas County Probate Courts |
| Tarrant County | $380 | $380 | Tarrant County Probate Courts |
| Collin County | $385 | $385 | Collin County Probate Court 1 |
| Denton County | $385 | $385 | Denton County Probate Courts |
| Harris County | $432 | $432 | Harris County Probate Courts |
| Travis County | $378 | $378 | Travis County Probate Courts |
| Bexar County | $391 | $391 | Bexar County Probate Courts |
Common questions
Where does the Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters go?
Filed with the probate court handling the estate, in person or through eFileTexas.gov.
Who signs the Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters?
Applicant signs. The person swearing to it signs before a notary.
Which Texas probate paths use this document?
It belongs to these paths: independent administration, dependent administration.
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
Independent administration in Texas: the statewide guideDependent administration in Texas: the statewide guideAffidavit of Heirship: what it isOath of Personal Representative: what it isProof of Death and Other Facts: what it isDesignation of Resident Agent: what it is
Independent administration, county by county
Let's take the next step together.
Answer a few questions about your situation, and we'll help you through what comes next.
Get started free