Carrollton Probate Court Records
Carrollton probate court records are filed at either the Denton County Clerk or the Dallas County Clerk, depending on which part of the city the deceased person lived in. Carrollton spans both Denton and Dallas Counties. This means you need to know which county applies before you file or search for a probate case. Denton County has a free online search portal and two statutory probate courts. Dallas County has three probate courts and its own record search system. Both counties offer e-filing through eFileTexas. Once you know the right county, the filing process follows the same Texas Estates Code rules that apply statewide.
Carrollton Overview
Carrollton Probate Records by County
Carrollton sits in both Denton and Dallas Counties. Under Texas Estates Code Chapter 51, probate is filed in the county where the deceased person lived. If they lived in the Denton County part of Carrollton, you file with the Denton County Clerk. If they lived in the Dallas County part, you file with the Dallas County Clerk.
You can check which county a particular address falls in by looking at the property tax records or contacting either county. The street address usually makes it clear once you know the county line.
| Denton County Clerk | Juli Luke 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76209 (940) 349-2010 |
|---|---|
| Dallas County Clerk | George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building Dallas, TX (214) 653-7099 (Central Records) |
Denton County has two statutory probate courts. Dallas County has three. Both counties handle the full range of probate matters. The fee schedules are similar but not identical, so check with the specific county clerk before filing.
How to Search Carrollton Probate Records
For Denton County records, the free portal at denton.tx.publicsearch.us lets you search by name, document type, and date range. Records go back to 1876. The Denton County Courts case lookup shows active and closed cases.
For Dallas County records, the Dallas County record search portal covers open cases. For closed probate records, contact the Central Records Division at (214) 653-7099 or email DCClosedProbateRec@dallascounty.org.
The statewide re:SearchTX system covers both counties. If you are not sure which county has the case, search both.
The DSHS Vital Statistics office handles death certificates, which are often needed in probate proceedings.
A certified death certificate is typically required when filing a probate application in either Denton or Dallas County.
Filing Probate in Carrollton
Once you know which county to file in, the process is the same statewide. Independent administration under Texas Estates Code Chapter 257 is the most common type. The executor handles the estate with minimal court oversight.
Muniment of title under Chapter 256 works for estates with no unpaid debts besides a mortgage. Small Estate Affidavits handle estates under $75,000. When there is no will, an heirship proceeding under Chapter 304 determines the legal heirs.
E-filing through eFileTexas is available for both counties. Attorneys must e-file. Self-represented filers can use eFileTexas or file in person at the appropriate county clerk's office.
Carrollton Probate Court Fees
Filing fees in both Denton and Dallas Counties are about $360 for a new probate application. The exact amounts differ slightly because each county has its own fee schedule. State-mandated surcharges are the same.
Other typical costs:
- Certified copies: $5 per document plus $1 per page
- Letters Testamentary: $2 each
- Citation service: varies by method
- Subsequent filings: about $120
Fee waivers are available in both counties under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Court forms are at txcourts.gov.
Probate Legal Help in Carrollton
The Texas State Law Library offers free research guides. TexasLawHelp.org has self-help probate materials. The State Bar of Texas referral line is (800) 252-9690. Both Denton and Dallas Counties have law libraries at their courthouses.
Dallas County has a Small Estates Help Desk for qualifying residents. Legal aid organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area may also help Carrollton residents who meet income guidelines.
County Links and Nearby Cities
Carrollton spans Denton and Dallas Counties. Visit the county page that applies to your situation for full details on the probate court system.
View Denton County Probate Court Records View Dallas County Probate Court Records
Nearby cities include Lewisville, Denton, Plano, Irving, Richardson, and Frisco.