Search Missouri City Probate Records
Missouri City probate court records are handled by Fort Bend County, not the city. If you need to look up a will, estate case, or guardianship order for someone who lived in Missouri City, the Fort Bend County courts are where those records are kept. County Court at Law No. 3 handles all probate matters in Fort Bend County. The courthouse is in Richmond, the county seat. You can check case status online through the county's records research portal or contact the County Clerk's office for copies and filing help. Probate Auditor Benny Charles schedules all probate hearings.
Missouri City Overview
Missouri City Probate Records Filing
Missouri City does not have its own probate court. Texas law says probate goes through the county. For Missouri City, that is Fort Bend County. Under Texas Estates Code Chapter 51, you file probate in the county where the person who died last lived.
Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 handles all probate matters. The court deals with wills, estate administration, guardianships, heirship cases, and small estate affidavits. Probate Auditor Benny Charles is the key contact for scheduling. He sets up all hearings and handles the court calendar.
Probate hearings run on a set schedule. Non-record matters like simple Letters Testamentary and Muniments of Title go on Wednesdays at 11:00 AM via Zoom. Record matters like administrations and heirships are heard Thursdays at 11:00 AM, also via Zoom. Contested cases get scheduled based on how urgent they are.
| Court | Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3 (Probate) |
|---|---|
| Clerk Phone | (281) 341-8665 |
| Probate Auditor | Benny Charles: (281) 344-3912 benny.charles@fortbendcountytx.gov |
| Hearings | Wed 11 AM (non-record) / Thu 11 AM (record) via Zoom |
| Website | Fort Bend County Probate |
All applicants must appear in person unless special circumstances are approved by the court. If you need to send a substitute attorney, that attorney must contact Benny Charles before the hearing date. Temporary restraining orders require immediate contact with the Probate Auditor.
Search Missouri City Probate Records
You can check the status of Missouri City probate court records through the Fort Bend County Records Research online portal. The county website has a link for this. The statewide re:SearchTX system also covers Fort Bend County filings.
For filing status questions, call the County Clerk's office at (281) 341-8665. They can tell you where a case stands and what documents have been filed. To schedule a hearing, contact Probate Auditor Benny Charles at (281) 344-3912.
To search for Missouri City probate records, you will need:
- Name of the deceased or ward
- Case number if you have it
- Name of executor, administrator, or guardian
In-person visits to the Fort Bend County courthouse in Richmond let you look at full case files and get copies.
Missouri City Probate Resources
The Texas Courts rules and forms page has all official probate forms that apply in Fort Bend County and across the state.
You can download fee waiver forms, probate applications, and guardianship paperwork from this site. All forms are free to download.
Probate Fees for Missouri City
Filing fees for Missouri City probate court records are collected by the Fort Bend County Clerk. Call (281) 341-8665 for current fee amounts. The fees follow the standard Texas schedule and depend on the type of case you are filing.
Plain copies run $1 per page. Certified copies cost $5 per document. E-filing through eFileTexas adds $30 for new cases and $2 per envelope. Attorneys must e-file. Self-represented parties can file in person.
Fee waivers are available. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs from txcourts.gov.
Probate Case Types in Missouri City
Missouri City probate court records include the full range of cases heard by Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3. Will probates under Chapter 256 can be filed as a muniment of title when no administration is needed. Independent administration under Chapter 257 is the most common path.
Heirship proceedings under Chapter 304 require separate filings for the determination of heirship and the letters of administration. Ad litem attorneys must email their reports to Benny Charles at least one week before the hearing. A separate order with an itemized invoice is needed for ad litem fees on hearing day.
Small estate affidavits under Section 205 require a death certificate filing. The court has a Small Estate Affidavit Checklist and Form available. Guardianship registration has been required since June 1, 2018 under Senate Bill 1096 through the Judicial Branch Certification Commission.
Legal Help for Missouri City Probate
The Fort Bend County Bar Association can help you find a probate attorney. Lone Star Legal Aid may also serve Missouri City residents for probate matters if you qualify based on income.
The Texas State Law Library has guides on probate. TexasLawHelp has step-by-step instructions. Court forms are at txcourts.gov. Remember, the court does not accept testimony by deposition on written questions unless special approval is given. Original wills must be filed in person or by mail.
Note: Court staff can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice.
Nearby Cities
Missouri City is southwest of Houston. Several nearby cities also have probate court records pages.
Sugar Land • Houston • Pearland • Pasadena
Fort Bend County Probate Court Records
Missouri City sits in Fort Bend County. All probate filings for the area go through Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3. For a full look at the county probate system, see the Fort Bend County page.