Harris County Probate Courts

Probate Court No. 2. Judge Pamela Medina

About Judge Medina

Judge Pamela Medina brings a strong background in corporate trusts and estates law to Harris County Probate Court No. 2. Before taking the bench, she spent years advising families and institutions on complex estate planning, trust administration, and fiduciary matters, experience that gives her a deep understanding of the legal and financial issues that arise in probate proceedings.

Judge Medina is known for her commitment to community education about the probate process. She has participated in outreach efforts to help Houston families understand their rights and responsibilities when a loved one passes, particularly in underserved communities where knowledge about probate law may be limited.

In the courtroom, Judge Medina runs an organized and respectful docket. Attorneys practicing before her appreciate her thorough understanding of estate and trust law, and families can expect a judge who takes the time to ensure proceedings are handled correctly and fairly.

Docket Overview

Court No. 2 handles the full range of probate matters, will probates, heirship determinations, independent and dependent administrations, guardianships, trust disputes, and related civil litigation. The court maintains regular docket settings throughout the week.

For the most current docket schedule and hearing procedures, visit the official Court No. 2 page. Specific hearing times and Zoom meeting details are provided when your case is set for hearing.

What to Expect

If you need to appear in person at Probate Court No. 2, plan to arrive at the Harris County Civil Courthouse at 201 Caroline Street approximately 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled hearing. You will pass through a security screening at the courthouse entrance, bring a valid photo ID and leave prohibited items at home or in your vehicle.

Most uncontested probate hearings in Court No. 2 take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Dress neatly and professionally. Your attorney will guide you through the testimony process, which typically involves answering straightforward questions about the decedent, the will, or the estate.

For Zoom hearings, ensure you have a stable internet connection, a quiet background, and that your camera is on. Your attorney will provide the Zoom link and any specific instructions for Court No. 2's remote hearing procedures.

Court-Specific Notes

  • Location: 201 Caroline Street, Suite 680, Houston, TX 77002
  • Phone: 832-927-1402
  • Office hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
  • Zoom: Available for most uncontested hearings

Kyle's Experience in Court No. 2

Kyle Robbins regularly appears in Probate Court No. 2. He knows the procedures, the staff, and how to present your case effectively. Whether your matter is heard in person or via Zoom, Kyle handles the preparation, filings, and courtroom presentation so you can focus on your family.

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Who You Will Actually Deal With

The elected judge is not the only person who matters to your case. Court No. 2's associate judge is Hon. LaKisha Ledbetter-Anderson, and routine uncontested prove-ups are frequently heard by the associate judge rather than by the elected judge. Day-to-day docket scheduling runs through Astrid Rivas, Court Manager.

Court No. 2 contacts

  • Court: 832-927-1402
  • Courtroom clerk: 713-274-8580
  • County Clerk probate department: 713-274-8585
  • Office hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday

Court staff can tell you when a hearing is set. They cannot give you legal advice or tell you which proceeding to file, and the County Clerk is barred from doing so as well.

Before you file

Can I file in Court No. 2 without a lawyer?

For most probate matters, no. The Harris County Probate Courts publish a Policy Regarding Pro Se Applicants that answers this directly:

Under Texas law, individuals applying for letters testamentary, letters of administration, determinations of heirship, and guardianships of the person or estate must be represented by a licensed attorney.

Harris County Probate Courts, Policy Regarding Pro Se Applicants

Those four proceedings cover the large majority of probate cases. The reason is not red tape. An executor or administrator does not act only for themselves, they act for the estate's beneficiaries and creditors. Representing someone else's interests in court is the practice of law, so a non-lawyer who prepares and files those pleadings is engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. The court makes the same point in its own FAQ: you do not need to be a lawyer to serve as executor, but the executor must be represented by counsel.

The two narrow exceptions

The policy allows a pro se applicant to proceed only when they truly represent nobody but themselves. In practice that means two routes:

  • Muniment of title, but only where you are the sole beneficiary under the will and the estate has no debts other than those secured by liens against real estate. Being eligible for a muniment is not the same thing as being eligible to file one yourself. Most muniments have more than one beneficiary, and those still require counsel.
  • Small estate affidavit, where there is no will and the non-exempt estate is under $75,000. The policy cites the old Texas Probate Code section 137, which is now Texas Estates Code chapter 205.

The court adds two warnings worth repeating. First, whether a muniment of title is even the right procedure is, in its words, a legal decision best made by a lawyer. Second, swearing that an estate has no creditors when it does is a perjury exposure, not a paperwork error.

If you are headed to Court No. 2 and you are not certain which of these applies to you, that is exactly the question worth a free call.

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Probate Court No. 2 FAQs

Judge Pamela Medina presides over Harris County Probate Court No. 2. The court's associate judge is Hon. LaKisha Ledbetter-Anderson, and routine uncontested prove-ups are frequently heard by the associate judge rather than the elected judge.
Court No. 2 holds Zoom hearings for most uncontested matters. Your attorney receives the Zoom details when your case is set and will advise whether your specific hearing can be handled remotely. Contested and evidentiary hearings are more likely to require an in-person appearance.
For most matters, yes. The Harris County Probate Courts' published Policy Regarding Pro Se Applicants requires a licensed attorney for applications for letters testamentary, letters of administration, determinations of heirship, and guardianships. The narrow exceptions are a muniment of title where you are the sole beneficiary with no unsecured debts, and a small estate affidavit.
Court No. 2 is in Suite 680 at 201 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77002, rather than on the 6th or 7th floor proper like the other downtown probate courts, so allow a few extra minutes to find it after clearing security. The main line is 832-927-1402 and the courtroom clerk line is 713-274-8580. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.

Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, contact us for guidance specific to your situation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Most Harris County probate matters can be handled remotely. Request a free consultation or call us directly.

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