Estate Planning & Probate in Fort Bend County, Texas
Most Fort Bend County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local County Court at Law No. 3 details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the County Court at Law No. 3, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Fort Bend County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Fort Bend County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Fort Bend County→The Probate Process in Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County, probate runs through the County Court at Law No. 3 at 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond.
Full Fort Bend Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
County Court at Law No. 3
Fort Bend County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Fort Bend 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 September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the County Court at Law No. 3
The County Court at Law No. 3 schedules probate hearings Wednesdays: Non-record matters (Letters Testamentary, Muniments) at 11:00 AM via Zoom. Thursdays: Record matters (Administrations, Heirships) at 11:00 AM via Zoom.
The court offers a self-help center. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice.
Small Estate Affidavits require Death Certificate filed with the affidavit Contested matters scheduled by availability. Attorney ad litems/guardian ad litems must submit reports to Probate Auditor at least one week before hearings.
Texas Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Fort Bend County.
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