Your attorney
Catherine Calder
Founding partner · 22 years in practice · English
“Most people put off their will because it feels heavy. I try to make it feel like a relief instead.”
Fictional attorney · stock photo
Probate
When someone you love has died
We’re sorry for your loss. You don’t have to sort everything out this week. We’ll tell you what needs to happen now, what can wait, and what it will cost.
- Typical starting fee
- Simple probate from $2,200
- First meeting
- 30 minutes, $150, credited to your fee if you hire us
Start here
What to do in the first few weeks
- Order several certified copies of the death certificate. Banks and agencies each want one.
- Find the original will. A copy usually can’t be probated without extra steps.
- Lock up the home and vehicles, and keep the insurance paid.
- Don’t pay the person’s debts with your own money, and don’t sell or give away their things yet.
- Collect the mail and start a list of bills, accounts and policies.
There’s no need to rush to court in the first week. Take time to grieve and gather papers.
How we help
What we can do for you
Probate with a will
We file the will with the county court, go to the short hearing with the executor, and get the “letters testamentary” that banks ask for.
Simple probate without an executor
If the only debts are secured by a lien on real estate, such as a mortgage, Texas may let the will work like a deed, without naming an executor. It’s called a “muniment of title,” and it’s faster and costs less.
When there’s no will
We help the family prove who the heirs are, or use a small estate affidavit if the estate qualifies.
Help for executors
Notices to creditors, the inventory, paying bills and dividing property, one step at a time.
Fees
What it costs
Flat fees where we can. You get the total in writing before we start.
First consultation
$150for 30 minutes
Credited to your fee if you hire us. At our office, by video or by phone.
Example fee for this concept site.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Simple probate (muniment of title)Will accepted as a transfer document | $2,200Flat fee, starting at |
| Probate with an executorThrough letters testamentary and the inventory | $3,900Flat fee, starting at |
| Small estate affidavitNo will, smaller estates | $1,800Flat fee, starting at |
| Proving the heirs when there’s no will | $3,500Flat fee, starting at |
Court costs and the newspaper notice are paid from the estate, usually a few hundred dollars; we tell you the exact amount up front. When there’s no will, the court also appoints a lawyer to look out for unknown heirs, and the court sets that fee. Example fees for this concept site.
All fees and payment plansTimeline
How long it usually takes
Weeks 1–2
We meet, review the will and file the application with the court.
Weeks 3–5
The court posts public notice, then holds a short hearing, usually 10 to 15 minutes.
Months 1–3
Notices to creditors and beneficiaries, and the inventory, which is due within 90 days.
Months 3–9
Pay final bills, transfer or sell property, and close the estate.
Questions
Questions people ask
How long does probate take in Texas?
The court hearing is usually 3 to 5 weeks after we file. Most simple estates are finished in 6 to 12 months. It takes longer when there’s a house to sell, a business, or a family disagreement.
Is there a deadline to probate a will?
Generally, yes. A will should be filed within four years of the death. After that, it can only be used in limited ways, so it’s best not to wait.
Do I have to go to court?
Usually just once, for a short hearing. We prepare you beforehand and we’re there with you.
Who pays the legal fees?
In most cases, reasonable legal fees for probating a will are paid from the estate, not by the executor personally.
What happens in Texas probate
A plain-English walk-through of the steps, the timeline and the costs, from the first weeks to closing the estate.
By Catherine Calder · 3-minute read · Updated November 2, 2026
Other ways we help
Something else going on?
Making a will
Decide who gets what, who’s in charge, and who would raise your kids.Wills & trustsDivorce or custody
Calm, honest advice about your children, your home and your money.Family lawStarting a business
Set up your LLC properly, with an agreement that fits how you’ll actually work.Small business formation
Next step
Talk to us about probate
30 minutes with an attorney. $150, credited to your fee if you hire us. A call back the same day.