Estate Planning & Probate in Chaves County, New Mexico
Chaves County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Chaves County Probate Court details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Chaves County Probate Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Chaves County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Chaves County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Chaves County→The Probate Process in Chaves County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Chaves County, probate runs through the Chaves County Probate Court at 1 St. Mary's Place, Suite 110, Roswell. The court sits in the 5th Judicial District. The same 5th Judicial District also serves Eddy and Lea.
Full Chaves Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Chaves County Probate Court
Chaves County · 5th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Chaves County · County Clerk · Cindy Fuller
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$25 flat, regardless of page count; a 2-page TOD deed records for $25; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Chaves County Probate Court
To file a probate, provide an Application for Informal Probate, the original death certificate, and the last will (if any). Print probate forms single-sided. The death must have occurred at least 120 hours and no more than 3 years before filing. Probate packet (with or without will) $5; initial filing fee $30; copies $0.15 per page; certifications $0.50 per document; clerk's certificates $1.50; exemplification certificates $1.50.
New Mexico Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Chaves County.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
