New Braunfels Probate Court Records
New Braunfels probate court records are maintained by the Comal County Clerk's office. New Braunfels is the county seat of Comal County, so the courthouse is right in the city. All probate filings for wills, estates, guardianships, and heirship proceedings go through the Comal County court system. County Clerk Bobbie Koepp's office handles probate record requests, and the District Clerk, Heather Kellar, manages the district court side. You can search records online through the county's search tools or visit the courthouse in person. Comal County has been growing fast, and the probate caseload has increased along with the population.
New Braunfels Overview
New Braunfels Probate Court Offices
New Braunfels has two key offices for probate matters. The County Clerk handles probate records, vital statistics, and county court filings. The District Clerk handles district court cases. Most probate matters go through the County Clerk.
County Clerk Bobbie Koepp's office is on the first floor of the courthouse at 199 Main Plaza. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. If you need copies of probate records, you can submit a Public Information Request form. One to three documents are ready after 24 hours. Larger requests take about 48 hours.
| Office | Comal County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 199 Main Plaza, 1st Floor New Braunfels, TX 78130 |
| Phone | (830) 221-1230 |
| ccalrecords@co.comal.tx.us | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed 12-1 PM) |
The District Clerk's office is at 150 N. Seguin Ave., Suite 3009. District Clerk Heather Kellar's office handles district court records. You can reach them at (830) 221-1250 or by email at kellah@co.comal.tx.us. The Comal County District Clerk Records page has details on how to search and request district court records.
Searching New Braunfels Probate Records
Start with the Comal County online search tools. The Comal County Clerk Records page has information on how to request records and what forms you need. You can also use TexasFile to search Comal County official public records from 1846 to the present. A free account is required for TexasFile.
The statewide re:SearchTX system covers Comal County courts. This is a good starting point if you only have a name and want to see if a probate case exists. The Office of Court Administration runs this tool and updates it regularly.
For copies, you have a few options. Visit the clerk's office in person at 199 Main Plaza. Send a request by email to ccalrecords@co.comal.tx.us. Or mail your request to the office. Certified copies cost $5 per document. The first 10 pages are $1 total, and additional pages cost $0.10 each.
Note: The County Clerk's office closes from noon to 1:00 PM for lunch, so plan your visit around that break.
New Braunfels Probate Resources
The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure govern how probate cases move through court in New Braunfels. You can find the current rules and official court forms at the Texas Courts Rules and Forms page.
These rules cover filing deadlines, service requirements, fee waivers, and the format for court documents. If you are filing a probate case on your own, knowing these rules is important.
Probate Filing in New Braunfels
Probate cases in New Braunfels follow the same state law as the rest of Texas. Under Texas Estates Code Chapter 51, you file in the county where the person lived. If they lived in New Braunfels, that is Comal County.
Independent administration under Chapter 257 is the most common approach. It lets the executor handle the estate without constant court oversight. A simpler path is muniment of title under Chapter 256. This works well when the estate has no debts and does not need active management. The will gets admitted and serves as the basis for property transfers.
When there is no will, you may need an heirship determination under Chapter 304. Small estates under $75,000 (not counting the homestead) can use a Small Estate Affidavit under Section 205. All heirs must sign the affidavit. You must wait at least 30 days after the date of death before filing.
E-filing through eFileTexas is mandatory for attorneys in Comal County. Self-represented filers can use paper at the clerk's window. The state charges a $30 e-filing fee for new cases. Original wills must still be delivered in person.
New Braunfels Probate Fees
Comal County probate fees are set by the clerk's office. Here are some common costs:
- Certified copies: $5 per document
- First 10 pages: $1 total
- Additional pages: $0.10 each
- Copy fees for district court records: $1 per page
- E-filing fee: $30 per new case (state fee)
Filing fees for probate applications vary by type. Contact the County Clerk at (830) 221-1230 for the current fee schedule. If you cannot afford fees, you can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Forms are on the Texas Courts website.
Legal Help for Probate in New Braunfels
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid serves parts of the New Braunfels area. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service is at (800) 252-9690. Find an attorney at texasbar.com.
TexasLawHelp.org has free self-help guides for probate. The Texas State Law Library offers research assistance. All official probate court forms are at txcourts.gov.
Comal County Probate Court Records
New Braunfels is the county seat of Comal County. All probate matters for New Braunfels residents go through the Comal County court system. For more details, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near New Braunfels along the I-35 corridor in Central Texas.