Texas probate · Document guide
Request Court-Ordered Examination of Safe Deposit Box
Ask the court to authorize a supervised examination of a person's safe deposit box after their death. The purpose is to look for a will, burial-plot deed, or life insurance policy, rather than distribute the box's contents.
Texas Estates Code § 151.001
Where it goes
Filed with the probate court handling the estate, in person or through eFileTexas.gov.
Who signs
Applicant signs.
Oath or notarization
The person swearing to it signs before a notary.
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Answer questions about the will, family, assets, and county. Your answers help identify the likely probate path.
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Review the draft, then take the next step
Add the remaining details and review your document. Follow the instructions for signatures, notarization, or court review when required. You handle filing.
What to have on hand
Death details
The person's full name, date of death, and last address. A death certificate can help confirm these.
Bank and box details
The bank, branch, box number if known, and the name of the person who leased it.
Applicant and contents
The applicant's relationship to the person who died and what documents may be inside the box.
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Filing fees by county
Fees to open the probate case. Confirm with the county clerk before filing.
Ranges depend on the probate path.
| County | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| Dallas County | $50–$388 |
| Tarrant County | $26–$380 |
| Collin County | $26–$385 |
| Denton County | $26–$385 |
| Harris County | $26–$432 |
| Travis County | $26–$378 |
| Bexar County | $26–$391 |
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