Fort Bend County is one of the many counties that make up the greater Houston area. According to the US Census Bureau, the average household income in Fort Bend county is $97,000. This dwarfs neighboring Harris County’s MHI by over $35,000 per household.
What this ultimately means, is when a loved one dies in Fort Bend County, it is very important to consult with the local laws and processes before moving forward with the probate process.
While Texas probate laws carry similarities throughout the state, since each probate process is carried out in their respective county, it is important to understand the differences between each county.
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Unlike neighboring Harris County, Fort Bend County does not have any statutory probate courts. In Fort Bend County uncontested probate matters are heard on designated Monday afternoons.
While there are no statutory probate courts in Fort Bend county, probate cases are heard by the County Courts at Law:
The judges for all six courts have agreed to the Fort Bend County Local Court Rules, but each judge has their own manner of hearing cases and operating their court. What works in one court in Fort Bend County may very well not work in another court in Fort Bend County. This can be demonstrated with a quick visit to the Fort Bend County website where some courts have explicitly stated unique requirements.
What this ultimately highlights, is the importance of consulting the local rules and procedures for each court. This is also the reason many individuals opt to hire a probate attorney who regularly handles cases in the Fort Bend County probate courts.
In Fort Bend county, you can check the status of all filings by visiting this webpage and scrolling down to the penultimate bullet in the body paragraph.
For questions about filings that are not accessible through the search tool, the County Clerk can be reached in several ways. Calling (281) 341-8685 will give an automated machine with the option to connect to an operator within the County Clerk office. The Clerk’s office can also be reached at cclerk@fortbendcountytx.gov.
For civil and probate matters, it is best practice to call 832-471-1806 to get ahold of someone who can directly assist you.
Alternatively, the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office can be reached via mail:
Fort Bend County Clerk
301 Jackson Street, Suite 101
Richmond, TX 77469
Fort Bend County provides general probate forms to the public. You can find these forms on the Fort Bend County website here.
With that said, there are some probate forms that can not be found on the Fort Bend County Clerk’s website. Referring to the County Clerk’s Office is the quickest way to find any forms not listed online. Additionally, the County Clerk’s Office will usually have the paper forms available in person.
We are experienced probate attorneys and we frequently represent clients with sensitive probate matters in Fort Bend County. We know the Fort Bend County probate courts, the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office, and the Fort Bend probate rules.
Do you need help with a probate matter in Fort Bend County or the surrounding communities?
Alternatively, you can always give us a call at 281-219-9090.
