About Judge Watson
Judge Fransheneka (Fran) Watson leads Harris County's newest probate court with a focus on service and modern approaches to judicial administration. As the presiding judge of Court No. 5, she has built a courtroom that embraces technology and accessibility while maintaining the rigor expected of a statutory probate court.
One of Judge Watson's notable contributions is the creation of a Texas Descent and Distribution reference chart, a practical resource that helps attorneys and families quickly understand how assets are distributed under Texas intestacy law. This kind of proactive resource development reflects her commitment to making the probate process more understandable for everyone involved.
Court No. 5 is located at 1115 Congress Street, which is a different building from Courts 1 to 4 (201 Caroline Street). While both buildings are in downtown Houston and within walking distance of each other, it is important to note the different address when planning your visit.
Docket Overview
Court No. 5 handles the full range of probate matters, will probates, heirship determinations, independent and dependent administrations, guardianships, trust disputes, and related civil litigation.
For the most current docket schedule and hearing procedures, visit the official Court No. 5 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. 5, note that this court is at a different address from Courts 1 to 4. Plan to arrive at 1115 Congress Street, 5th Floor approximately 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled hearing. Bring a valid photo ID for security screening.
Most uncontested probate hearings in Court No. 5 take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Dress neatly and professionally. Your attorney will guide you through the testimony process.
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 specific instructions.
Court-Specific Notes
Different Location. 1115 Congress Street
Court No. 5 is not at the Harris County Civil Courthouse (201 Caroline). It is located at 1115 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Houston, TX 77002. The buildings are about a 10-minute walk apart in downtown Houston. Double-check your court assignment before heading to the courthouse.
- Location: 1115 Congress Street, Houston, TX 77002, 5th Floor
- Phone: 832-927-1405
- Office hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
- Zoom: Available for most uncontested hearings
Court 5 Filing Checklists
Court No. 5 is unique among Harris County's probate courts in that it publishes detailed filing checklists for common probate proceedings. These checklists reflect Court 5's specific filing expectations and are an excellent resource for understanding what the court requires.
Checklist for Probating a Will
Required documents and steps for filing an application to probate a will in Court No. 5.
Download PDF →Checklist for Probate of a Copy of a Will
Filing requirements when the original will cannot be located and a copy must be admitted.
Download PDF →One Minute Prove Up Checklist
Quick-reference guide for attorneys preparing testimony at an uncontested prove-up hearing.
Download PDF →Checklist for Heirship and Administration
Required documents for filing a determination of heirship and application for administration.
Download PDF →Additional Court 5 resources, including policies & procedures, MERP information, and depositions on written questions, are available on the full Court 5 checklists page.
Kyle's Experience in Court No. 5
Kyle Robbins regularly appears in Probate Court No. 5. He knows the procedures, the staff, and how to present your case effectively. He is familiar with Court 5's specific filing checklists and ensures all filings meet Judge Watson's expectations.
Request a Free Consultation← Back to Harris County Probate Process Guide · Texas Descent & Distribution Chart
Who You Will Actually Deal With
The elected judge is not the only person who matters to your case. Court No. 5's associate judge is Hon. Lily Leal, 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 Akida Washington, Chief of Staff.
Court No. 5 contacts
- Court: 832-927-1405
- 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. 5 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. 5 and you are not certain which of these applies to you, that is exactly the question worth a free call.
Talk to a probate attorney →Probate Court No. 5 FAQs
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.