Probate Resources
In-depth guides, timelines, and answers to common probate questions in Harris County.
The Complete Harris County Probate Guide
Everything a Houston family needs, in one place: whether you even need probate, the five Harris County probate courts, which procedure fits your situation, the step-by-step process from filing to closing, and what it costs. Includes interactive tools to check whether you need probate, find your path, and estimate your costs.
Read the Complete Guide →Harris County Executor Checklist
All 200 tasks across nine phases, each tagged with who does it, plus a directory of Harris County phone numbers an executor actually needs.
Harris County Probate FAQ
Short, plain-English answers to common probate questions, from how the courts work to which county you file in.
Court 5 Filing Checklists
Download official checklists from Probate Court No. 5 for will probate, heirship, and more.
Texas Descent & Distribution Chart
Interactive chart showing who inherits when someone dies without a will in Texas.
Transfer on Death Deed (Chapter 114)
Why the deed must be on file with the Harris County Clerk before the owner dies, what a will cannot do to it, and a validator for whether the deed took effect.
Texas Estates Code Guides
The probate chapters of the Estates Code in plain English, with Harris County guidance and interactive tools.
Harris County Probate Courts
The five courts and their judges, filing fees and requirements, and the step-by-step probate process.
Probate Records Search
How to look up a Harris County probate case, read the docket, order certified copies, and what an empty result means.
Harris County Probate Courts
Probate Court No. 1
Judge Jerry Simoneaux, Jr., 201 Caroline St, 6th Floor
Probate Court No. 2
Judge Pamela Medina, 201 Caroline St, Suite 680
Probate Court No. 3
Judge Jason Cox, 201 Caroline St, 7th Floor
Probate Court No. 4
Judge James Horwitz, 201 Caroline St, 7th Floor
Probate Court No. 5
Judge Fransheneka Watson. 1115 Congress St, 5th Floor
From the Blog
Read All Blog Posts →What Happens to a 401(k) or IRA When a Harris County Relative Dies
Inherited IRA rules explained for Harris County families. Learn what happens to a 401(k) or IRA after death, the 10-year rule, and when probate is involved.
Nov 4, 2026
Read More →Medicaid Estate Recovery in Harris County: Can the State Take Your Parent's Home?
Texas MERP can file a probate claim against a Harris County estate after a Medicaid recipient dies. Learn what assets are at risk and how probate affects the claim.
Nov 4, 2026
Read More →How to Disclaim an Inheritance in Harris County and Why Someone Would
Learn how to disclaim an inheritance in Harris County, Texas, the rules, deadlines, tax angles, and what happens to property after a valid disclaimer.
Nov 4, 2026
Read More →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.