Estate Planning & Probate in McLennan County, Texas
Most McLennan 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 Judge Probate Court details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the County Judge Probate Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in McLennan County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a McLennan County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in McLennan County→The Probate Process in McLennan 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 McLennan County, probate runs through the County Judge Probate Court at 501 Washington Ave Suite 215, Waco.
Full McLennan Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
County Judge Probate Court
McLennan County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
McLennan 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 Judge Probate Court
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, in First floor of the Courthouse Annex building. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 254-757-5000 for details.
Address probate mail to: "McLennan County Clerk -- Attention: Probate, P.O. Box 1727, Waco, TX 76703". Per the County Clerk FAQ: Visa, Mastercard, cash, cashier's checks, or money orders, made payable to McLennan County Clerk.
Texas Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in McLennan County.
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