Tarrant County Probate Court helps families, beneficiaries, executors, and attorneys resolve estate-related legal matters after a person’s death or when guardianship is needed. The court oversees probate administration, reviews wills, supervises estate proceedings, and manages cases that fall within its probate jurisdiction. It plays a key role in protecting the rights of heirs, creditors, and other interested parties while providing probate services required by Texas law.
Many people visit the Tarrant County Probate Court to file probate petitions, begin estate administration, or handle guardianship and trust matters. The court reviews legal documents, schedules hearings, and issues orders that help move each case forward. This page covers the court’s responsibilities, probate process, filing requirements, forms, office information, and other services available to Tarrant County residents.
Probate Matters Handled by the Court
The Tarrant County Probate Court hears cases involving estate administration, wills, guardianships, and trusts. As part of broader Tarrant County services each case follows Texas probate laws and requires specific court filings before a judge can issue legal orders.
Estate Administration
Estate administration begins after a person’s death and focuses on collecting estate assets, paying valid debts, and distributing property to beneficiaries. The court supervises this process by reviewing the probate petition, appointing an executor or administrator when needed, and approving certain actions until the estate settlement is complete.
Wills and Probate Proceedings
The court reviews wills to determine whether they meet Texas legal requirements before probate proceedings begin. After a will is accepted, the court authorizes the executor to administer the estate according to the deceased person’s wishes or, if no valid will exists, under Texas inheritance laws for legal heirs.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
The Probate Court hears guardianship cases involving minors or adults who cannot manage personal or financial affairs. The court reviews evidence before appointing a guardian and may monitor the guardianship or conservatorship through required reports and court orders.
Trust Administration
Trust administration involves managing trust assets according to the terms established by the person who created the trust. Although trust administration is separate from matters handled by the juvenile court the court may resolve disputes involving trustees or beneficiaries and review matters related to trust administration when legal action is necessary.
How to File a Probate Case
Filing a probate case begins by submitting the required forms and supporting documents to the Tarrant County Probate Court. The court reviews the filing, schedules hearings when needed, and issues orders according to Texas probate law. The probate filing process varies depending on the type of estate and the legal matter involved. A complete probate petition, accurate legal documents, and the required court fees help move the case through the probate process more efficiently.
Starting a Probate Case
A probate case usually begins when an executor, family member, or another interested party files a probate petition with the court. The petition provides information about the deceased person, estate assets, beneficiaries, and any existing will. After the court reviews the filing, it may schedule a hearing before issuing the next court order.
Typical steps include:
- Filing a probate petition with the court
- Submitting the original will, if available
- Providing information about the deceased person’s estate
- Requesting the appointment of an executor or administrator
- Attending any required probate hearings
Required Documents
The court requires several legal documents before a probate case can proceed. The exact paperwork depends on the type of probate matter, though most cases require similar records during the initial filing.
| Required Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Probate Petition | Opens the probate case. |
| Original Will (if available) | Allows the court to determine its legal validity. |
| Death Certificate | Confirms the deceased person’s death. |
| Executor Information | Identifies the person requesting authority to manage the estate. |
| Estate Asset Information | Lists property and other assets involved in the estate. |
Court Fees and Filing Requirements
Every probate filing must meet the court’s filing requirements, including payment of applicable court fees. Filing costs vary based on the type of probate case and the documents submitted. Reviewing current fee schedules and filing requirements before submitting paperwork can help reduce delays.
Before filing, applicants should:
- Confirm the correct probate case type.
- Complete all required court forms.
- Gather supporting legal documents.
- Pay the applicable filing fee.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for future reference.
What to Expect During Probate Proceedings
A probate case moves through several legal stages before an estate is settled. The Tarrant County Probate Court reviews filings, conducts probate hearings, issues court orders, and supervises the probate process until the estate administration is complete. Each case follows its own timeline based on the estate, the documents filed, and whether any legal disputes arise. The court works with the executor and interested parties to complete the estate settlement according to Texas law.
Probate Hearings
A probate hearing allows the judge to review the probate petition and any supporting documents before making legal decisions. During the hearing, the court may admit a will to probate, appoint an executor, consider objections, or request additional information if needed. Some estates require only one hearing, while others may have multiple hearings before the case is resolved.
Court Orders and Estate Administration
After reviewing the case, the court issues orders that allow the probate process to move forward. These orders give the executor legal authority to manage estate assets, pay outstanding debts, notify beneficiaries, and complete other responsibilities required by law. The executor must follow every court order until the estate administration is complete.
Estate Distribution Process
Once the estate administration is finished, the remaining property is distributed to beneficiaries according to the will or Texas inheritance law if no valid will exists. Before closing the case, the court reviews the executor’s final reports and confirms that all legal duties have been completed.
The probate process usually follows these stages:
- File the probate petition.
- Attend the required probate hearing.
- Receive court orders appointing the executor.
- Complete estate administration and pay valid debts.
- Distribute estate assets to beneficiaries.
- Close the probate case after court approval.
Probate Court Forms and Filing Resources
The Tarrant County Probate Court requires specific forms and supporting documents for each type of probate case. Using the correct probate forms and filing documents helps the court process cases more efficiently and reduces delays caused by incomplete paperwork. The forms needed depend on the type of probate matter, such as estate administration, guardianship, or trust-related proceedings. Applicants should review all filing requirements before submitting documents to the court.
Probate Forms
Most probate cases begin with standard legal forms that provide the court with details about the estate and the person filing the case. The required forms may vary depending on the circumstances, though several documents are commonly requested.
Common probate forms include:
- Probate Petition
- Application to Probate a Will
- Executor or Administrator Application
- Notice to Interested Parties
- Estate Inventory and Appraisement
- Final Estate Accounting
Guardianship Forms
Guardianship cases require additional paperwork before the court can appoint a guardian. These filing documents help the judge review the circumstances and determine whether a guardianship is appropriate.
Some commonly requested guardianship forms include:
- Guardianship Application
- Proposed Guardian Information
- Medical or Capacity Evaluation (when applicable)
- Oath of Guardian
- Bond Documents, if required
Official Filing Resources
The Probate Court provides court resources that help applicants prepare and submit probate filings correctly. Before filing a probate petition, applicants should confirm that they are using the most current forms and following the court’s filing instructions.
Helpful resources may include:
- Official probate forms
- Filing instructions
- Local court rules
- Filing fee information
- Court contact details
- Frequently used probate documents
Location and Contact Information
The Tarrant County Probate Court operates through two statutory Probate Courts located at the Tarrant County Courthouse in downtown Fort Worth. Before visiting, confirm the correct court number, office hours, and contact information for your probate matter.
The two Probate Courts handle estate administration, guardianship, trust matters, and other probate proceedings within their jurisdiction. Visitors should arrive early for security screening and bring any required case documents.
| Probate Court | Address | Phone Number | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probate Court No. 1 | Tarrant County Courthouse, Room 260A 100 W. Weatherford Street Fort Worth, TX 76196-0242 | 817-884-1200 | Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM |
| Probate Court No. 2 | Tarrant County Courthouse, Room 150 100 W. Weatherford Street Fort Worth, TX 76196-0242 | 817-884-1415 | Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM |
Visitor Information
- Parking: Public parking garages and metered street parking are available near the Tarrant County Courthouse.
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible entrances, elevators, accessible parking, and restrooms are available throughout the courthouse.
- Official Website: https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/probate-courts.html
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common probate matters, filing procedures, estate administration, and court services in Tarrant County. These answers provide general information to help visitors prepare before filing a probate case.
What types of cases are heard in Probate Court?
The court hears cases involving estate administration, wills, guardianship matters, trusts, and other probate-related proceedings. It reviews probate petitions and determines whether legal requirements have been met before moving a case forward. The judge may appoint an executor or guardian and issue orders related to estate management. Some matters involve contested estates, while others proceed without disputes. Each case is handled according to Texas probate law.
How do I begin the probate process?
The probate process usually begins by filing a probate petition with the appropriate court. The person filing the case must submit the required legal documents and pay the applicable filing fees. After reviewing the paperwork, the court may schedule a hearing if one is required. The judge then decides the next steps based on the type of probate matter. Filing complete and accurate documents can help prevent unnecessary delays.
What documents are usually required when filing?
Most probate filings require a probate petition, the original will if one is available, and a certified death certificate. Information about the proposed executor or administrator is commonly required as part of the filing. Some cases may require documents related to estate assets, heirs, or guardianship matters. The exact paperwork depends on the type of probate case before the court. Missing documents may delay the review process.
How long does the probate process usually take?
The time needed to complete probate varies from one estate to another. Simple estates with complete paperwork often move through the court more quickly than complex cases. Estates involving disputes, multiple beneficiaries, or large numbers of assets may require additional hearings and court orders. The court reviews each case individually before approving the final estate settlement. The overall timeline depends on the specific facts of the case.
How can I contact the Probate Court?
Tarrant County has Probate Court No. 1 and Probate Court No. 2, both located at the Tarrant County Courthouse, 100 W. Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76196. Probate Court No. 1 can be reached at 817-884-1200, and Probate Court No. 2 at 817-884-1415 during regular business hours. Visitors should contact the appropriate court before arriving to confirm office hours or filing requirements. Calling ahead can also help determine the correct court for a specific probate matter.