Probate Department
The County Clerk serves as the Clerk of the Court for County Court at Law. The Clerk’s responsibilities include receiving the filings for probate cases, preparing notices and citations, and maintaining records associated with the case. In general, the Probate Court probates the wills of deceased persons, declares the heirs of deceased persons who die without a will, establishes guardianships for incapacitated persons and minors and supervises court-ordered involuntary mental health commitments. Walker County Clerk’s office uses the Texas Estate Code Book for Rules of Filing. The Estate Code can be found on the Texas Constitution and Statutes website. For all Probate & Guardianship matters, it is recommended that you seek the advice of an attorney.
Online access to Odyssey for Probate case management, Please remember our files are public record;
however our office can only give general information in reference to cases filed.
Public Access to Court Records - Click Here
re:SearchTX now sends Case Notices to the attorneys of record on cases whenever there is new case activity. These notices will be sent to the attorney's email address on file with the State Bar of Texas. Verify your eService address by visiting the My Bar page at the State Bar of Texas. View a short video or visit Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Online Payments
To make a payment online, click the link below. There is a 5% convenience fee added to the total balance due when paying online.
Walker County Clerk Online Payment
Per Senate Bill 1139, Passed by the 84th Legislative Session: E-File Mandate effective January 1, 2016 for Walker County Per the Texas Supreme Court mandate miscellaneous order MD 12-9208, all documents that are part of probate matters must be e-filed.
Mailed documents will only be accepted by Pro-Se fillers as they do not fall under the Mandate issued by the Supreme Court. Documents mailed from an attorney will be returned unfiled so that you may e-file them accordingly.
Paper documents brought into the County Clerk’s Office will only be accepted by Pro-se filers, Original Orders from the Judge or paper documents that were accepted as Bench Filings with the proper date/time stamp by the Judge as per statute. NO FAX filings will be accepted by this office. No paper documents from attorneys will be accepted over the counter for filing in the County Clerk’s Office, unless they fall under the exceptions listed below. This mandate does not apply to individuals who are not represented by attorneys.
Exceptions to E-filing:
Wills are not required to be filed electronically. If a will is filed electronically, the original must be presented to the Clerk’s Office within 3 business days after the application is filed.
The following documents must not be filed electronically:
Documents filed under seal or presented to the court in camera.
Documents to which access is otherwise restricted by law or court order.
Please visit www.efiletexas.gov for registration information and for additional information to assist with electronic filing.
UPDATED REGISTRY INFORMATION
- Before any Registry Funds can be deposited, a Registry Information Sheet (see link below) must be filled out with the person(s) or entity(ies) information (those receiving the funds).
- The information sheet must include social security numbers and/or tax ID numbers.
- Please make sure that the interest (if deposited into an interest bearing) is addressed in your Order Releasing Funds from the Registry of the Court.
Please Note:
- All requests for issuance must be in writing (see link below).
- Fees paid to the Clerk of the Court are not refundable. Please review your documents carefully before filing a new case or documents and fees are paid. The Clerk cannot make a legal determination if you are filing in the correct court or the correct county. If you have any legal questions, please seek the advice of an attorney.
- Private Professional Guardian applications must be renewed each year.
- Please send a self- addressed stamped envelope with any copies you would like returned to your office.
- When filing an "Objection" to an Application for Sale of Real Property, please make sure that that the objection is clearly stated in the title. The clerks have an obligation to bring these to the Judge's attention as soon as possible.
- "In Camera" - Please make sure that the words "In Camera" are placed at the top of your document. This means that these documents are not to be filed for public record.
- Filer is responsible for requesting necessary additional services and paying appropriate fees, including citation, posting, personal service, orders/decrees, and fees, etc., when required.
All questions regarding hearings must be directed to the Court Coordinator, 936-436-4921
Helpful Resources:
