Probate in Tulsa County runs through the District Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Tulsa County, settling their estate runs through the District Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Tulsa County · 14th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
Departments
Second largest district court in Oklahoma. Courthouse Switchboard: 918-596-5000. Probate Department located in Room 200; will safekeeping per 84 OS Sec. 81.
Verified July 4, 2026 · Source
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 Tulsa, probate runs through the District Court at 500 South Denver Avenue, Room 200, Tulsa. The court sits in the 14th Judicial District. Tulsa County shares the 14th Judicial District with Pawnee.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Oklahoma intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Oklahoma estates take 6 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 2 months58 O.S. § 331Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What probate costs in Tulsa County, Oklahoma comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the District Court at 500 South Denver Avenue, Room 200, Tulsa. The court is part of the 14th Judicial District.
Probate matters are handled through Main Court Clerk Office, Probate Division, Civil Division, and Criminal/Traffic. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Local procedures at this court that affect cost: Probate filing fees: Estate Probate $214.14, Guardianship $214.14, Conservatorship $164.14, Relative Guardianship $67.00, Adoption $184.14. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
The District Court charges $19828 O.S. § 152; 12 O.S. § 1809; 28 O.S. § 86(D)(2); 19 O.S. § 220(C)–(D); Laws 2025, c. 87 (SB 600)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The District Court accepts e-filing (https://efile.oscn.net/). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Oklahoma are negotiated, typically 1.7%58 O.S. § 525 (all necessary expenses of administration allowed; no statutory attorney fee schedule — court-determined reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.6%58 O.S. § 525 (all necessary expenses of administration allowed; no statutory attorney fee schedule — court-determined reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is also statutory in Oklahoma. Family executors who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Oklahoma requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%58 O.S. § 171Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Oklahoma typically runs 6 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
Probate documents in Tulsa County can be filed in person at the District Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 14th Judicial District.
Filings here are routed through Main Court Clerk Office, Probate Division, Civil Division, and Criminal/Traffic. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the District Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Tulsa County Self-Filing Assessment.
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Will safekeeping available per 84 OS § 81. Certain probate records (guardianship, adoption) are confidential per state statute. Forms available in Law Library or Probate Department.
SourceTulsa County maintains local court rules including probate-specific rules (last updated 08/24/23). Contact court or review rules document for detailed procedures.
SourceTo file at the District Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Clerk.
Deeds and other real property documents for Tulsa County are recorded with the County Clerk, led by County Clerk Michael Willis, at 218 W. 6th St., 7th Floor, Tulsa, OK 74119. Phone: (918) 596-5801. Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, M-F.
The County Clerk charges $18 for the first page plus $2 for each additional page.
Tulsa County accepts electronic recording through CSC.
Recording Office Record
Tulsa County · County Clerk · Michael Willis
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $18 |
| Each additional page | $2 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
28 O.S. § 32
Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Oklahoma uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Tulsa County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Oklahoma are based on reasonable compensation — typically 1.7%58 O.S. § 525 (all necessary expenses of administration allowed; no statutory attorney fee schedule — court-determined reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.6%58 O.S. § 525 (all necessary expenses of administration allowed; no statutory attorney fee schedule — court-determined reasonableness)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Tulsa County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the District Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
FirmTulsa, OK
Bundren Law Firm has been serving Tulsa since 2008, providing probate, guardianship, and elder law services to families throughout Oklahoma.
PracticesProbateElder LawGuardianship
Solo PracticeTulsa, OK
Gary W. Crews serves Tulsa and the surrounding metro with probate, estate planning, and elder law, drawing on over 20 years navigating Oklahoma probate. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Elder Law Matters Alliance.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder Law
Solo PracticeTulsa, OK
From Tulsa, Julie A. Evans handles probate, adult guardianship, and estate planning for Tulsa County families, drawing on over 35 years of experience and an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianship
FirmTulsa, OK
Founded in 2016 and now working from a single Midtown Tulsa office, the firm limits its practice to estate planning and elder law. Handles probate and estate administration, revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs and Medicaid planning, and guardianships for Tulsa-area families.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 4 more
Solo PracticeBroken Arrow, OK
B.A. Law Center has over four decades of experience in estate planning and probate, serving Broken Arrow and the Tulsa metro with wills, revocable trusts, trust amendments, deed transfers, powers of attorney, and adult guardianships.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipBusiness Succession
FirmOwasso, OK
Baysinger Henson Reimer & Cresswell serves Owasso and the Tulsa metro with estate planning and probate, preparing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives, and handling probate representation including will contests.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Oklahoma statutes and official state code. How we research.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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Step-by-step tools for families in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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