The probate courts probate the wills of deceased persons, declares the heirs of deceased persons who die without a will, establishes guardianships for incapacitated persons and minors, supervises court-ordered involuntary mental health commitments, and administers all eminent domain cases initiated in Travis County.
The probate courts also have jurisdiction to hear lawsuits related to an estate of a decedent or ward as well as actions by or against a personal representative of a decedent’s or ward’s estate. These ancillary cases cover a wide range of topics, from products liability to fiduciary litigation to medical malpractice to family law.
Probate Court No. 1
The Honorable Guy Herman
Probate Court No. 2
The Honorable Nicholas Chu
Updates & Announcements
Alzheimer's and Dementia Training for Guardians due September 1, 2026 - Government Code Sec. 155.204(a)(2) requires all guardians of wards who are over 60 years old and/or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or a related disorder to complete a one-hour training course each year. All current guardians to whom the new provision applies must complete their initial training by September 1, and then annually when the Annual Report of the Person and/or Annual Account is due. For more information, please visit our Guardianship page.
Probate Court Local Rules
- Probate Court Local Rules (effective 06/2024 & posted on the TX OCA website)
- Standing Pretrial Scheduling Order for Jury Trials (Including Use of Electronic Media)
- Filing Instructions for Probate and Guardianship, including Related and Ancillary Matters
- Attorney's Fees in Probate Court (Effective April 1, 2026)
Probate Court Procedures & Documents
- How to Get Documents to the Court
- Court Policy Regarding Pro Se Applicants (Applicants without a Lawyer)
- Travis County Probate Courts List of Attorneys ad Litem (as of 11/2024)
Additional forms, documents, and other resources are available on each service area's page.
County Clerk, Probate Division Information
Website: Probate Division of County Clerk's office
Phone : (512) 854-5958
Email: [email protected]
The Clerk's office can assist with the following types of questions:
• Filing procedures & court costs
• Posting & Citation issuance
• Obtaining Letters of Testamentary
• Obtaining Letters of Guardianship
(incl. service code for background checks)
• Record Searches & Copy Requests
• E-File Questions (Filings Status & Acceptance)
The most recent version of Court Costs in Probate Court (Clerk's Fees) can be found on their site.
Online Record & E-Filing Resources
- Search online probate case data and documents Travis County Case Management System (Odyssey) Portal
- re:SearchTX provides an online platform to access public court records from Texas courts
- To e-file a document, use your Electronic Filing Service Provider. If you have not yet selected a provider, go to www.efiletexas.gov to start e-filing now.
