Access Austin Probate Records
Austin probate court records are filed through Travis County. The city of Austin does not run its own probate court. When someone in Austin passes away, their estate goes through the Travis County Probate Court. The County Clerk serves as the Clerk of the Probate Court and keeps all the records. You can search for Austin probate cases online with case data going back to June 1986, and document images from December 2005 to the present. The Probate Division office is at 5501 Airport Boulevard in Austin, a location that is easy to reach from most parts of the city.
Austin Overview
Where Austin Probate Cases Go
Austin residents file probate at the Travis County Probate Division. Under Texas Estates Code Chapter 51, probate belongs in the county where the person who died last lived. For Austin, that is Travis County.
The Travis County Clerk runs the Probate Division. They handle wills, estate administration, guardianships, mental health commitments, and eminent domain cases. The office is not at the main courthouse. Instead, the Probate Division is at 5501 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX 78751. Call (512) 854-9188 for questions.
| Office | Travis County Probate Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 5501 Airport Boulevard Austin, TX 78751 |
| Phone | (512) 854-9188 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | Travis County Probate |
Online case data updates every 24 hours. Document images from December 2005 forward are available but they are redacted to protect sensitive information like Social Security numbers. For full unredacted copies, you need to visit the office or file a written request.
Search Austin Probate Court Records
Travis County has one of the better online systems for probate records in Texas. Case data goes back to June 1986. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. Document images start from December 2005. The search tool shows case numbers, party names, document filings, and hearing dates.
The statewide re:SearchTX system run by the Texas Office of Court Administration also covers Travis County. Use both systems for the most complete picture. The county system tends to have more detailed local data while re:SearchTX gives you a statewide view.
For in-person research, visit the Probate Division at 5501 Airport Boulevard. Staff can look up cases and pull files. Bring the name of the person who died or the case number if you have it. Certified copies are available on the spot.
Austin Probate Records Types
Austin probate court records cover the same types of cases as other Texas counties. The most common is independent administration under Texas Estates Code Chapter 257. This gives the executor power to manage the estate with minimal court oversight. Most Austin estates go this route.
If the estate is simple, a will can be admitted as a muniment of title under Chapter 256. No executor gets appointed. The will just serves as proof of who gets what. Small estates under $75,000 might qualify for an affidavit under Section 205 instead of full probate.
The Travis County Probate Court also handles guardianship records, heirship determinations under Chapter 304, mental health commitments, and eminent domain cases. The four-year deadline for filing a will to probate still applies in Travis County just like everywhere else in Texas.
Austin Probate Court Resources
Austin has a unique advantage for probate research. The Texas State Law Library is right in the city at 205 West 14th Street. It is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
The library has legal research guides on estates and probate, along with access to legal databases. Staff can help you find what you need. You can also create a free online account to access their digital collection from home.
All official probate forms are at txcourts.gov. TexasLawHelp has step-by-step guides. Attorneys must e-file through eFileTexas, but self-represented parties can file in person at the Probate Division. If you need a death certificate for probate, the DSHS Vital Statistics office in Austin handles those. First copy costs $20.
Note: The State Bar of Texas referral service at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with an Austin probate attorney.
Austin Probate Fees and Costs
Travis County probate filing fees are around $360 for a new case. Certified copies, letters testamentary, and search fees follow the standard Texas schedule. Call the Probate Division at (512) 854-9188 for exact amounts.
E-filing adds a $30 state fee per new case and $2 per envelope. If you can't pay, the fee waiver form is at txcourts.gov. Qualifying individuals on government benefits or earning below 125% of the federal poverty line can get fees waived.
Nearby Cities
Cities near Austin with probate court records information:
Round Rock • Georgetown • Leander • San Antonio • Temple • Killeen
Travis County Probate Court Records
Austin is the county seat of Travis County. All probate filings for the city go through the Travis County Probate Division. The county page has more details on the full probate system.