Probate in Texas, handled for you
Texas is one of the more efficient states to settle an estate in — independent administration keeps most estates out from under close court supervision. But Texas is also clear that the executor of a formal probate must be represented by a licensed attorney; you cannot file it pro se. Kindred handles all of the administrative work and coordinates a fixed-price attorney from the legal side, so it's one predictable process.
Texas requires a licensed attorney for a formal probate — and we include one. In Texas, an executor or administrator in a formal probate represents the estate's interests — not just their own — so the courts require a licensed attorney to file and handle the case. A non-lawyer preparing or filing the petition for the estate is the unauthorized practice of law. Kindred does everything around the legal filing and coordinates a fixed-price attorney for the part that legally requires one.
The four things families ask first
Hourly / flat fee
Read moreAn uncontested Texas independent administration often wraps in about 6 months; the will can be admitted at a hearing within a few weeks of filing, and the heavy lifting afterward is administrative.
Read more$75,000 (excluding the homestead and exempt property)
Read moreCounty Court or Statutory Probate Court, in the county where the person lived
What it could cost in Texas
≈ 45 hours of admin and legal work, all billed at lawyer rates.
Kindred + your attorney
Estimated difference vs. a full-service firm
$5,500
+ about 150 hours of your own time
Full-service estimated at $250–$400/hr for ~45hours; the attorney figure is an illustrative fixed fee. Illustrative only — not a quote or legal advice. Figures vary by estate. We're not a law firm; an independent attorney always handles the legal work.
Worth knowing in Texas
Muniment of title
A valid will, no unpaid debts beyond those secured by real estate, and no need for a formal administration? Texas can admit the will as a muniment of title — no executor, no administration, often 4–6 weeks — to clear title to a home. We'll tell you if it fits.
Independent administration
The low-supervision Texas default. The executor administers the estate without ongoing court approval — faster and cheaper than supervised probate — once an attorney opens the case.
Frequently asked
Do I need a lawyer for probate in Texas?
Yes. Texas courts require an executor or administrator in a formal probate to be represented by a licensed attorney — you can't file it yourself. Kindred handles all of the administrative work and coordinates a fixed-price attorney for the legal filing, so you get one predictable price for the whole thing. Kindred is not a law firm.
Is Kindred a law firm?
No. Kindred handles the administrative work of settling an estate — inventory, valuations, notices, deadlines, account closing, coordination — and pairs you with an independent fixed-price attorney for the legal work Texas requires. The two fees are shown separately.
What is a muniment of title in Texas?
It's a Texas-specific shortcut. If there's a valid will and no unpaid debts other than those secured by real estate, the court can admit the will as a 'muniment of title' — no executor is appointed and no administration is opened, often resolved in about 4 to 6 weeks. It's a common way to transfer a house. We can tell you whether your situation qualifies.
How long does probate take in Texas?
An uncontested independent administration often takes around 6 months. The will can be admitted within a few weeks of filing; the rest is gathering assets, notifying creditors, and distributing — the administrative work Kindred carries. Note the application must be filed within 4 years of death.
Last verified June 2026. Figures are illustrative and vary by estate — not a quote or legal advice. Kindred is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; we handle the administrative work and coordinate an independent attorney where one is legally required.
You don't have to carry this alone.
Tell us about the estate on a free, no-obligation call. We'll map out exactly what needs to happen — and how we'd take it off your plate.
Start with fixed-fee Estate Setup, then choose the right package.
Tell us about your situation
Has the person passed away?
Your relationship to them