Garland Probate Records Search
Garland probate court records are managed by Dallas County, not the city. If you need to search for a will, estate filing, guardianship order, or other probate case for someone who lived in Garland, the Dallas County Probate Courts handle those matters. Dallas County has three probate courts that serve Garland and every other city in the county. You can search for cases through the Dallas County online portal or by contacting the Central Records Division. The Dallas County courthouse complex is in downtown Dallas, about 15 miles west of Garland.
Garland Overview
Garland Probate Court Records Filing
Garland does not have its own probate court. Texas puts probate at the county level. Under Texas Estates Code Chapter 51, probate cases must be filed where the person who died last lived. For Garland, that means Dallas County.
Dallas County runs three probate courts. Probate Courts 1, 2, and 3 split the caseload. The George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building in downtown Dallas is where probate business takes place. The Dallas County Clerk maintains all probate records. Cases get assigned to one of the three courts by rotation.
The Central Records Division handles closed probate records. You can reach them at (214) 653-7099 or by email at DCClosedProbateRec@dallascounty.org. Open cases are available through the online portal. Garland residents need to travel to downtown Dallas for in-person probate court business.
| Office | Dallas County Clerk - Probate Division |
|---|---|
| Address | George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building 600 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75202 |
| Phone | (214) 653-7099 (Central Records) |
| DCClosedProbateRec@dallascounty.org | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Search Garland Probate Records
There are a few ways to look up Garland probate court records. The Dallas County Record Search portal lets you check for cases online. You can also use the statewide re:SearchTX system run by the Texas Office of Court Administration.
For open probate cases, the Dallas County online portal is the quickest tool. It covers active and recent cases. For closed probate records, contact the Central Records Division. They accept requests by phone, email, and in person. Email them at DCClosedProbateRec@dallascounty.org with the case details.
To search for Garland probate records, provide at least one of these:
- Full name of the person who died
- Executor or administrator name
- Case or docket number
- Approximate date of filing
Dallas County has probate records dating back to 1846. Older records may require an in-person visit to the Central Records Division.
Garland Probate Resources
The Finding Probate Records Guide explains the step-by-step process for locating probate cases in Texas counties like Dallas, which serves Garland residents.
This guide covers online searching, in-person visits, and how to request copies from county clerks across Texas.
Garland Probate Filing Fees
Filing fees for Garland probate court records are set by the Dallas County Clerk. The base filing fee is $360 for a new probate case. This covers will probates, administrations, small estate affidavits, and guardianships.
Other fees add up during the case. Citations cost $8 each. Letters testamentary or administration are $2 per set. Certified copies cost $5 per document plus $1 per page. Plain copies are $1 per page. The clerk search fee is $5.
Cannot pay? File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. If your income is below 125% of the federal poverty line or you get government benefits, you may qualify. The Texas Courts forms page has the waiver. E-filing through eFileTexas adds $30 for new cases and $2 per envelope.
Note: Dallas County may have additional local fees, so verify before filing.
Probate Record Types in Garland
Garland probate court records cover the full range of Texas probate matters. Will probates are the most common. When someone dies with a will, the executor files it under Texas Estates Code Chapter 256. Simple estates may use the muniment of title process.
Independent administration under Chapter 257 is the standard route. The court gives the executor wide power with limited court oversight. Other record types include guardianship orders, heirship proceedings under Chapter 304, small estate affidavits for estates under $75,000 per Section 205, and mental health cases. Wills can be deposited for safekeeping at $5. The four-year deadline applies to all will probates.
Legal Help for Garland Probate
Garland residents can find legal help through several channels. The Dallas Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program offers free legal clinics. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas may also handle probate cases for qualifying individuals.
Dallas County has a Small Estates Help Desk for people who qualify. If your estate is simple and small, this can be a good resource. The help desk can walk you through the small estate affidavit process and explain what forms to use. For self-help, the Texas State Law Library has probate guides. TexasLawHelp provides forms and step-by-step guides. Court forms are at txcourts.gov. You do not need to e-file if you are not an attorney. Original wills must be filed in person or by mail even if the rest of the application is submitted online.
Garland has a large and diverse population. Many families in the area deal with probate for the first time when a loved one passes away. Understanding the basic steps can save time and stress. Start by finding out if the person had a will. If they did, the executor named in the will is the one who files for probate. If there is no will, a family member can apply to be appointed as the administrator of the estate.
Nearby Cities
Garland is in northeastern Dallas County. Several nearby cities also have probate court records pages.
Dallas County Probate Court Records
Garland is in Dallas County. All probate filings for Garland go through Dallas County's three probate courts. For the full county probate system details, see the Dallas County page.