The city of Sugar Land is located just southwest of Houston and resides in Fort Bend County.
The first step in the probate process is submitting an application for probate. This application must be filed with the proper Texas probate court in the county where the decedent resided. Our probate attorneys in Sugar Land are here to help you with all your probate needs.
It’s extremely important to start the probate process in the correct jurisdiction. Probates filed in the incorrect court will likely be thrown out even after going through all the steps. This is further complicated by each court in Texas having its own set of probate proceedings and qualifications. Before filing, it’s best to consult with an attorney about the county or counties where you feel your probate should be handled.
Since the probate process will take place in the county where the decedent resided, Sugar Land probate cases will be held within the Fort Bend County Courts. 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. Each court that hears Sugar Land probate cases is located in Richmond, TX.
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.
The cost and length of probate can vary significantly depending on a number of factors such as the value and complexities of the estate, the existence of a will, and the location of real property owned by the estate. Any contests or disputes with alleged creditors over the debts of the estate can also add significant time and fees. Common expenses of an estate include executors fees, accounting fees, court fees, appraisal costs, and surety bonds. Most estates are settled through probate in about 9 to 18 months, assuming there is no litigation involved.
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’s 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:
Don’t play the guessing game with probate costs and processes. Schedule a FREE CALL with experienced probate attorneys online 24/7. 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.
Our Sugar Land Probate Attorneys provide a full range of probate services to our clients, including helping with probate administrations. Affordable rates, fixed fees, and payment plans are available. We provide step-by-step instructions, guidance, checklists, and more for completing the probate process. We have years of combined experience we can use to support and guide you with probate and estate matters.
Disclaimer: The content of this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice and should not be acted upon without consulting a qualified probate attorney.
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