Estate Planning & Probate in Ellis County, Texas
Most Ellis County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the County Court at Law.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the County Court at Law, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Ellis County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Ellis County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Ellis County→The Probate Process in Ellis 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 Ellis County, probate runs through the County Court at Law at 109 S Jackson St, Waxahachie.
Full Ellis Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
County Court at Law
Ellis County
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Ellis County
$25 for the first page plus $4 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $29; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the County Court at Law
Attorneys must e-file in probate cases per Texas Supreme Court mandate. Unrepresented parties may e-file voluntarily. Small Estate Affidavit requires two disinterested witnesses who must each sign and swear before a notary. Must list all known estate assets.
Texas Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Ellis County.
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