Kerrville solo practice serving Kerr County and the surrounding Texas Hill Country counties since 2001. Handles probate and trust administration, guardianships, and estate planning, and also takes real estate, business entity, and civil litigation work. John W. Carlson is board certified in estate planning and probate law and bills at a set hourly rate.
What to Do When Someone Dies in Kerr County, Texas
How probate works in Kerr County: the County Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.
Probate Court Record
Kerr County Court
Kerr County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
700 Main Street, Suite 122, Kerrville, TX 78028
Website
E-filing
Self-represented filing
Attorney of record required
Self-help forms
E-filing
Required for attorneysAttorneys must e-file probate cases through eFileTexas; self-represented filers may e-file or file on paper. When an application to probate a will is e-filed, the original will goes to the clerk within three business days. On paper: Original wills: filed with the clerk on paper within three business days after the application is e-filed.
Accepted payment
- At the counterCash, Money order, Credit card.Cashier's checks and money orders are accepted in person or by mail and cash in person; personal checks are not taken for most transactions, though checks from a title company, bank or law firm are. Card payments carry a third-party fee of 3 percent with a $2 minimum.
County forms
- Small Estate Affidavit ApplicationSmall estate affidavit to collect a decedent's estate without formal administration.
- Small Estate Affidavit ChecklistChecklist of what to file with a small estate affidavit.
- Probate When a Decedent Dies With a WillCounty instruction sheet for probating an estate with a will.
- Probate When a Decedent Dies Without a WillCounty instruction sheet for an estate with no will.
Fax
1-830-792-2274
Departments
- Court hearings (County Clerk)1-830-792-2261Probate and guardianship hearings are held in person in the Commissioners Court Room on the first floor of the courthouse; video appearance needs a motion showing good cause.
About the court
- Probate cases are filed with the County Clerk in the courthouse and heard by the County Judge in the County Court. Only the executor, administrator, guardian or attorney of record may receive letters, which are always original issuances.
Verified October 16, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Kerr 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 Kerr County, probate runs through the County Court at 700 Main Street, Suite 122, Kerrville.
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 Texas intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Texas estates take 6 months to 12 months to move through this process. Creditors have 4 monthsTex. Estates Code §§ 308.051-308.056, 355.001-355.004, 355.060, 355.064, 355.102Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the written notice the representative sends them, not from publication.
What Probate Costs in Kerr County
What probate costs in Kerr County, Texas 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 County Court at 700 Main Street, Suite 122, Kerrville.
The County Court charges $360Tex. Loc. Gov't Code §§ 133.151(a)(1), 135.102(a)(1) (consolidated filing fees); SB 41 (87th Leg., Acts 2021, ch. 472)Verified Oct 17, 2026 to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Texas are negotiated, typically 2.2%Modeled estimate under Tex. Est. Code § 352.051 (reasonable and necessarily incurred fees; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.5%Modeled estimate under Tex. Est. Code § 352.051 (reasonable and necessarily incurred fees; no statutory percentage): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Texas allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payTex. Est. Code §§ 352.002, 352.003Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Texas requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%Industry surety premium estimate; the bond itself under Tex. Est. Code § 305.101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Texas typically runs 6 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the County Court
Probate cases in Kerr County, Texas are filed at the County Court.
Beside the filing office, the court lists a separate line for Court hearings (County Clerk).
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Texas requires an attorney of record to open formal probate, and informal probate is not available; a qualifying small estate can still be collected without one.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Kerr County Self-Filing Assessment.
Kerr County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Proposed orders, testimony and exhibits for a hearing are e-filed as no-fee documents at least three business days before it; death certificates are not e-filed.
The application fee includes the order probating the will. Letters and certified copies may be requested and paid for through e-filing with the oath or a written request.
SourceDocument Requirements
The original will is mailed by certified USPS, FedEx or UPS marked "Attn: Probate Clerk", or hand delivered to Room 122, within three days after the application is filed.
SourceRecords Access
Probate record requests take 72 hours to review and process, and a $5 search fee is paid up front when the case number is not known.
SourceWhat to Bring
Filed with the opening petition at the County Court: Application to admit the will to probate and/or for letters testamentary or of administration (Tex. Est. Code ch. 256 / ch. 301; contents per § 301.052) — drafted by counsel, no statewide form; Original will and any codicils, filed with the application (Tex. Est. Code ch. 256); Certified copy of the death certificate / proof of death; Citation issued by the county clerk and served — by posting where the will is produced in court — before the court may act on the application, and proof of that service (Tex. Est. Code §§ 258.001, 258.003; §§ 256.151(4), 301.151(4))Tex. Est. Code ch. 256 (probate of wills / application; § 256.052 contents; § 256.003 four-year limit to admit a will), ch. 301 (application for letters testamentary or of administration; § 301.052 contents; § 301.002 four-year deadline to apply for letters), ch. 305 (qualification & bond), ch. 306 (granting & issuance of letters); ch. 401-404 (independent administration)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Death Certificates and the Justice of the Peace in Kerr County
In Texas a death is registered locally, and in Kerr County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by County Clerk, Kerr County as well as by Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section.
Vital Records Office Record
County Clerk
Kerr County · County Clerk
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
700 Main Street, Suite 122, Kerrville, TX 78028
Website
Certified copies
At the counter, issued while you wait
Local rule
- A death certificate is usually issued at the counter in 5 to 15 minutes. The applicant brings a valid driver license or state identification.
Certified copy fees
| First certified copy | $21 |
| Each additional copy ordered at the same time | $4 |
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Coroner or Medical Examiner Record
Justice of the Peace
Kerr County · Justices of the Peace
Website
Serves this county
The justice of the peace of the precinct where the death occurred
Verified November 2, 2026 · Source
Transferring Property in Kerr County
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 Kerr County are recorded with the County Clerk at 700 Main Street, Suite 122, Kerrville, TX 78028. Phone: 1-830-792-2255. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
The County Clerk charges $25 for the first page plus $4 for each additional page.
Kerr County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC and ePN.
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Kerr County
Phone
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Office
700 Main Street, Suite 122, Kerrville, TX 78028
Website
E-recording
Fees
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $25 |
| Each additional page | $4 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | No transfer tax applies to TOD deeds |
Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 118.011(a)(2), § 118.0216, § 118.025
Verified October 17, 2026 · Source
Forms that put a death on the title
- Free forms: Affidavit of Heirship Form
Probate Attorneys Serving Kerr County
Texas allows independent administrationTex. Est. Code §§ 401.001 (testate/will), 401.002 (testate/agreement), 401.003 (intestate/agreement)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so the personal representative manages, pays and distributes the estate without returning to the court for approval at each step. A probate attorney earns the fee when the estate is contested, includes a business or out-of-state real estate, has unclear or insolvent debts, or when beneficiaries disagree.
Probate attorney fees in Texas are based on reasonable compensation, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Kerr County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the County 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.
Boerne practice in the Texas Hill Country serving Kendall, Bexar, Comal, and Kerr counties, limited to estate planning and probate administration. Lasca Arnold takes executors through probate for letters testamentary, determination of heirship and letters of administration, muniment of title, and small estate affidavits. Free consultation.
Fredericksburg law firm handling estate planning, probate, real estate, and business matters in the Texas Hill Country. Chris C. Schoessow is board certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization; Gayle D. Schoessow also practises with the firm.
Fredericksburg law firm focused on estate and business planning, business and real estate transactions, and probate and trust administration. Attorney Eric Parker is board certified in estate planning and probate law and has served the Texas Hill Country since 2005.
Laredo firm serving Webb and Zapata counties since 1995, with a second office in New Braunfels. Joseph Michael Dickerson is board certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and handles probate court filings, creditor and beneficiary notice, asset inventories, and distribution, plus wills, trusts, and business formation.
Rockwall solo practice serving Rockwall, Dallas, Kaufman, and Collin counties, and Texas statewide since 1994. Michael Cramer drafts wills, revocable living trusts, and special needs trusts, handles trust administration, and litigates will and trust contests. Services are offered in English and Spanish, and the initial case evaluation is complimentary.
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.
Legal Sources
(9)·
- Tex. Est. Code §§ 352.002, 352.003
- Tex. Est. Code §§ 401.001 (testate/will), 401.002 (testate/agreement), 401.003 (intestate/agreement)
- Tex. Est. Code ch. 256 (probate of wills / application; § 256.052 contents; § 256.003 four-year limit to admit a will), ch. 301 (application for letters testamentary or of administration; § 301.052 contents; § 301.002 four-year deadline to apply for letters), ch. 305 (qualification & bond), ch. 306 (granting & issuance of letters); ch. 401-404 (independent administration)
- Tex. Estates Code §§ 308.051-308.056, 355.001-355.004, 355.060, 355.064, 355.102
- Tex. Loc. Gov't Code §§ 133.151(a)(1), 135.102(a)(1) (consolidated filing fees); SB 41 (87th Leg., Acts 2021, ch. 472)
- Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 118.011(a)(2), § 118.0216, § 118.025
- Kerr County Court, official page
- Kerr County Clerk, official page
- Kerr County vital records and death investigation offices, official page
Data sourced from Texas statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Texas
Free tools for settling an estate in Texas: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Texas.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Texas: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysTex. Estates Code §§ 309.001, 309.051, 309.056, 309.101Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsTex. Estates Code §§ 308.051-308.056, 355.001-355.004, 355.060, 355.064, 355.102Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
See the Steps
How Do I Settle a Trust?
Settling a trust in Texas happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's trust statuteTex. Prop. Code § 111.001 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.
See the Steps
Can I Self-File Probate?
Texas requires an attorney of record to open formal probate, and informal probate is not available; a qualifying small estate can still be collected without one.
Get the Answer
Hire a Texas Probate Attorney
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