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Free attorney referral

Find a probate attorney you can trust.

Most Texas estates with real property need a probate attorney before anything else can happen. We match you with a vetted attorney in your county — usually within one business day, always at no cost to you.

Get matched See how the referral works

When you need one

Most Texas estates with real estate need an attorney. A few don't.

Texas probate courts almost always require an attorney to file the application and represent the executor at the hearing. There are a few narrow exceptions — we'll tell you honestly which path fits your estate.

Not sure where you stand? Send us a short description and we'll tell you whether you need one before we route you to an attorney.

You probably do

  • Filing a will The original must be filed with the county probate court.
  • Getting Letters Testamentary Your court-issued authority to sell. Most counties require an attorney to apply.
  • No will exists Heirship has to be formally determined before title can transfer.
  • Heir disputes Family disagreement is the most common reason a sale gets stuck.
  • Estate has debts or liens Debts must be paid in the legal order; an attorney protects you from personal liability.
  • Out-of-state heirs A Texas attorney can stand in for you at filings and hearings.

You might not

  • Small Estate Affidavit Estate value under $75K (excluding homestead) and no real property other than the homestead.
  • Affidavit of Heirship No will, everyone agrees on who the heirs are, and the title company accepts it.
  • Muniment of Title There's a will, no unpaid debts (other than a mortgage), and only real property to transfer.
  • Transfer on Death Deed A TOD deed was filed before death — the property may pass outside probate entirely.

These paths exist, but they're narrower than they sound. A 20-minute call usually tells you whether one fits.

By county

Attorney guides for the counties we know best.

Each guide covers local probate court details, typical attorney fees, and what to expect at the filing.

Don't see your county? We match attorneys in all 254 Texas counties. Request a match .

How it works

Three steps, no cost to you.

  1. Tell us your situation

    Fill out the short form below with your county and a brief description. It takes less than two minutes.

  2. We match you

    We connect you with a vetted probate attorney who practices in your county's courts. We respond within one business day.

  3. Free consultation

    Meet with the attorney to discuss your case. Most offer a free or low-cost initial consultation to assess your situation.

Common questions

Texas probate attorney FAQ

Quick answers to the questions families ask before requesting a referral.

How do I find a probate attorney in Texas?
Use the Texas Probate Process free referral service. Submit your county and a brief description of your situation, and we match you with a vetted probate attorney in your county within one business day. The referral is free, the attorney consultation is typically free or low-cost, and there is no obligation. We cover all 254 Texas counties.
Do I really need a probate attorney in Texas?
In most Texas estates that include real estate, yes. Texas probate courts require an attorney to file the application and represent the executor at the hearing. Some smaller estates qualify for simpler paths — small estate affidavits, affidavits of heirship, or muniment of title — that may not require a full attorney engagement. The free referral consultation will tell you which path applies to your estate.
How much does a Texas probate attorney cost?
Texas probate attorney fees typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 for a standard independent administration with no disputes. Complex estates, dependent administrations, or contested matters cost more. Many attorneys offer flat fees for routine probate work and hourly rates for litigation. Fees are usually paid from estate assets, not personally by the executor.
How fast can I be matched with a Texas probate attorney?
Texas Probate Process responds to attorney referral requests within one business day. Most matched attorneys offer an initial consultation within the same week. Urgent matters — such as estates approaching the four-year filing deadline or properties with imminent foreclosure — are prioritized.
Is the probate attorney referral free?
Yes. The referral itself is always free to the family. Texas Probate Process is compensated by the attorney network, not by you. The matched attorney sets their own fees for handling the probate, which are paid from estate assets.
What Texas counties does the attorney referral service cover?
All 254 Texas counties. The largest attorney network is in the major metros — Travis (Austin), Harris (Houston), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth), Bexar (San Antonio), Collin, Denton, Williamson, and Hays counties. Rural and smaller-county requests are matched with attorneys who routinely practice in that county court.

Free attorney match

Tell us about the estate.

One short form. We respond within one business day — the referral is always free.