Use This County Probate Reference Before You File
This page is built for the detailed county-level checks that generic probate guides usually miss: local filing fees, clerk contact details, administrative orders, e-filing rules, and hearing logistics for Smith County.
Local Fee Schedule
Review county-specific probate filing charges before you estimate total case cost.
Court Rules and Orders
Check the local rules, judge procedures, and administrative orders that can change how a case moves.
Clerk and Filing Logistics
Confirm where to file, whether e-filing is allowed, and how hearings or notices are handled locally.
Smith County Probate Court Guide
Smith County probate court information · Updated January 2026
Filing & Fees
Fee Schedule Signals
Source ↗Probate Filing Fees
Specific fee amounts are not available for this county. Contact Probate Division at (903) 590-4677 or (903) 590-4678 for current probate filing fee schedule. Will safekeeping fee is $11.
Document Fees
Contact Probate Division at (903) 590-4677 or (903) 590-4678 for current probate filing fee schedule. Will safekeeping fee is $11.
Required Documents
E-Filing & Filing Methods
Source ↗Records portal
Use this county-linked source to check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record.
Timelines & Proceedings
Deadlines & Creditor Claims
Key Deadlines
- Will Deposit
- 0 days
- Creditor Claims
- 4 months
- Known Creditor Notice
- 60 days
Creditor Claims
- Period Starts
- first publication of notice to creditors
- Statute
- Texas Estates Code Chapter 308
Publication Requirements
Notice to Creditors
- Duration
- Once
Notice of Petition/Administration
- Beneficiaries
- Known creditors
- Surviving spouse
Related Proceedings
Property Recording
Source ↗Guardianship
Texas guardianship is governed by the Texas Estates Code and requires court approval.
guardian of person
Guardian responsible for the physical well-being and care of the ward
guardian of estate
Guardian responsible for managing the ward's property and finances
Guardian Training
Court Rules & Orders
Local Rules
- Smith County does NOT have a Statutory Probate Court - probate handled by County Court at Law No. 3
- County Court at Law No. 3 (Judge Clay White) handles all probate and guardianship matters
- E-filing mandatory for attorneys since January 1, 2014
- Pro se parties may e-file but are not required to do so
- Probate and guardianship hearings held on Monday afternoon
- Uncontested hearings held at 200 E. Ferguson Street, Suite 100 (first floor)
- Indexes available online, but images only available at County Clerk's office
- Effective December 4, 2025: Valid ID required for all in-person document filings (per Senate Bill 16)
Sources (6)
- https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/county-clerk
- https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/county-clerk/probate
- https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/county-courts-at-law-judges/county-court-at-law-3
- https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/county-courts-at-law-judges
- https://smith.tx.publicsearch.us/
- https://efiletexas.gov/