How much does probate cost in Texas?
Texas has no statutory percentage fee — attorneys bill hourly or, increasingly, a flat fee for an uncontested independent administration. Because independent administration avoids most court hearings, Texas is often markedly cheaper than states like California.
- No statutory percentage fee — Texas attorneys typically bill $250–$400/hour, or a flat fee for an uncontested independent administration.
- Court filing fees to open a probate generally run about $300–$450 depending on the county.
- Independent administration (the Texas default with a will, or by agreement of the heirs) skips most court supervision, which is the main reason Texas probate costs less than supervised-probate states.
- Kindred's flat administrative fee plus a fixed-price attorney's legal fee is shown as two transparent line items — never one merged fee.
Estimate your Texas costs
≈ 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.
Common questions
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