To probate a will in Galveston County you file an application with the county's probate court, in the county where the decedent lived. The clerk posts notice for ten days, a hearing is held to prove the will and appoint the executor, and Letters Testamentary are issued the same day.
Which court, and where
Galveston County has a probate court that handles probate, guardianship and related matters, with filings administered through the County Clerk's office. Probate business is centered at the county's justice center on 59th Street in Galveston, and the county also operates a north county annex serving the League City and mainland communities.
Venue depends on where the decedent lived, not where they died or where the property sits. Someone who lived in League City, Texas City, Dickinson, Friendswood or on the island is generally a Galveston County matter, even if they passed away at a hospital in Houston.
Our League City office at 2600 South Shore Boulevard exists for exactly this reason. Most of the work happens by phone or Zoom regardless, but the office is there when meeting in person is easier.
What gets filed
- An application to probate the will and for issuance of Letters Testamentary, identifying the decedent, the applicant, the will and the beneficiaries.
- The original will. Not a copy — the original, with the original signatures.
- A certified death certificate.
- The filing fee, typically $350 to $500 depending on what is being filed. When we handle the case this is paid by our firm as part of the flat fee.
Once filed, the clerk posts a notice at the courthouse. The hearing cannot occur until that notice has been posted for ten days, which is a floor rather than a schedule — the actual date depends on the court's docket.
The hearing
The hearing is short; most last under ten minutes. The applicant appears, is sworn, and answers standard questions establishing that the decedent died, that venue is proper, that the will is the last will, that four years have not passed since the death (or that the applicant was not in default for the delay), and that the applicant is not disqualified.
If the will is self-proved — signed with a notarized self-proving affidavit — no witnesses need to be located. Most Texas wills drafted by an attorney are self-proved. If it is not, a witness to the signing must testify, which can be difficult years later.
Galveston County requires in-person attendance at the hearing. Plan on appearing at the courthouse rather than by video. We run a practice session beforehand so you know exactly what will be asked, and the attorney is there with you.
After the hearing
The judge signs an order admitting the will, the executor signs the oath, and the clerk issues Letters Testamentary. Those Letters are the document that unlocks everything — banks, title companies and the DMV all want a certified copy, usually one issued recently.
From there the executor must publish notice to creditors within one month, give written notice to secured creditors within two months, notify the beneficiaries named in the will, and file an inventory or an affidavit in lieu of inventory within 90 days.
Common questions
Do I have to appear in person for a Galveston County hearing?
Is Galveston County faster than Harris County?
The decedent lived in League City. Which county is that?
This page is general information about Texas law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every estate is different. For advice about your situation, call 713-588-5914 for a free consultation.
Questions about your situation?
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