Estate Planning & Probate in Harris County, Texas
Harris 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 Harris County's actual court and recording details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Statutory Probate Courts (5), what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Harris County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Harris County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Harris County→The Probate Process in Harris 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 Harris County, probate runs through the Statutory Probate Courts (5) at 201 Caroline St., 6th Floor, Houston. The court sits in the Probate Courts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Full Harris Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Statutory Probate Courts (5)
Harris County · Probate Courts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Harris 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 Statutory Probate Courts (5)
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, in Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library, 1019 Congress Street, 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 713-755-5183 for details.
Application to probate a will must be filed within 4 years of date of death A late-filing drop box is available outside the courthouse; Clerk Probate Department counter hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Texas Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Harris County.
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