Estate Planning & Probate in Hale County, Texas
Hale County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. Start with your situation below; both paths use Hale County's actual court and recording details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the County Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Hale County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Hale County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Hale County→The Probate Process in Hale 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 Hale County, probate runs through the County Court at 500 Broadway #140, Plainview.
Full Hale Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
County Court
Hale County
Address
500 Broadway #140Plainview, TX 79072
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed noon - 1:00 PM for lunch)
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneys
How to file probate in Hale County→Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Hale County
E-recording
Not available
$22 base recording fee; $4 per additional page; TOD deeds are generally transfer-tax exempt.
Full recording details →Verified March 16, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
The County Court for Hale County is located in Plainview, Texas. Full address, phone, hours, and e-filing details are listed on this page.
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys in Hale County, but families handling probate without an attorney are exempt. Self-represented filers can submit paper documents at the County Court in person or by mail.
No. Texas allows estates under $75,000 to use a small estate affidavit and skip formal probate. The waiting period is 30 days after death. Use the Texas probate decision tool to see if the estate qualifies.
When there is no will, Texas' intestate succession rules decide who inherits. Spouses, children, and parents are prioritized in that order. The Hale County probate court applies the state rules without variation. See who inherits in Texas for the exact order.
A revocable living trust is the cleanest way for most families to skip probate entirely. Assets titled to the trust pass to beneficiaries without court involvement, filing fees, or the Hale County probate docket. Create a revocable trust online to avoid putting your family through this process later.
Texas Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Hale County.
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