Estate Planning & Probate in Smith County, Texas
Smith County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the County Court at Law No. 3.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the County Court at Law No. 3, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Smith County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Smith County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Smith County→The Probate Process in Smith 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 Smith County, probate runs through the County Court at Law No. 3 at 200 E. Ferguson St, Suite 100, Tyler.
Full Smith Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
County Court at Law No. 3
Smith County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Smith 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 Court at Law No. 3
The County Court at Law No. 3 schedules probate hearings Uncontested probate/guardianship hearings on Mondays (1st floor, Courthouse Annex at 200 E. Ferguson St). Compliance hearings on Tuesdays and select Fridays. Some Zoom options available for applicants/witnesses outside the region.
Only contested matters and compliance cases are transcribed. Zoom options available for applicants/witnesses outside the region. Court forms available at Laserfiche portal.
Texas Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Smith County.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
