How Do I File Probate in Presidio County, Texas?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the District Court / County Court at Law—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
If you're handling probate yourself in Presidio County, you can file your documents in person at the District Court / County Court at Law or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file, families filing without an attorney are exempt and can use paper forms.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Presidio County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
- •Original wills (must be filed in person within 3 days)
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the District Court / County Court at Law is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Presidio County Self-Filing Assessment.
In-Person Filing
The District Court / County Court at Law is located at 300 N. Highland Avenue, Marfa, TX 79843. Phone: 432-729-4812. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Probate matters are overseen by Probate Jurisdiction District Court.
What to Bring
Filing probate at the District Court / County Court at Law requires the original will (if one exists), a certified death certificate, and information about heirs and beneficiaries. The court also requires details about estate assets and known debts.
Court Resources
For procedural questions about your filing, you can contact County and District Clerk Carolina Catano at 432-729-4812 or email carolina.catano@co.presidio.tx.us. The clerk's office handles filing questions but cannot provide legal advice.
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the District Court / County Court at Law website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the District Court / County Court at Law in Presidio County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($360). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Presidio County uses the standard Texas probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Texas permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The District Court / County Court at Law staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the Texas self-filing assessment before deciding.
Yes. The District Court / County Court at Law in Presidio County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
District Court / County Court at Law
Presidio County
300 N. Highland Avenue
Marfa, TX 79843
Phone:
432-729-4812Fax:
432-729-4313
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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