Find Richardson Probate Records
Richardson probate court records go through either Dallas County or Collin County, depending on where in the city the person lived. Richardson spans both counties. Most of the city sits in Dallas County, but the northern part falls in Collin County. Under Texas law, probate is filed in the county where the deceased last lived. That means Richardson residents may need to check with one county or the other. Both counties have online search tools and courthouse offices where you can look up cases, file documents, and get copies of probate records.
Richardson Overview
Richardson Probate Records Filing
Richardson does not have its own probate court. Under Texas Estates Code Chapter 51, probate is filed in the county where the deceased last resided. Since Richardson spans two counties, the correct filing location depends on the person's address.
Dallas County has three probate courts. They are located in the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building in downtown Dallas. The Dallas County Clerk maintains probate records. For closed records, you can email DCClosedProbateRec@dallascounty.org or call (214) 653-7099.
Collin County handles probate through its County Courts at Law. The Collin County Clerk's office in McKinney has a probate division. The Judicial Records portal lets you search probate cases going back to 1984. The probate e-filing contact is (972) 548-6495.
| Dallas County | Central Records: (214) 653-7099 Email: DCClosedProbateRec@dallascounty.org |
|---|---|
| Collin County | County Clerk: (972) 548-4185 Probate E-filing: (972) 548-6495 |
| Collin Address | 2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2104 McKinney, TX 75071 |
If you are not sure which county a Richardson address falls in, check the county tax records or call either clerk's office. They can tell you which county has jurisdiction for a particular address.
Search Richardson Probate Court Records
Because Richardson spans two counties, you may need to search both systems. The Dallas County Record Search portal covers Dallas County probate filings. The Collin County Judicial Records portal covers the Collin County side.
The statewide re:SearchTX system covers both counties. This is a good starting point if you are not sure which county has the case. You can search by name and see results from all Texas courts.
For a Richardson probate records search, you should have:
- Full name of the person who died
- Case number if you know it
- Which county the person lived in
- Approximate date of death or filing
Collin County's portal has records going back to 1984 for civil and probate cases. Dallas County keeps records from 1846 to present, though the oldest ones need an in-person visit. Both counties offer free online searching.
Richardson Probate Court Resources
The Finding Probate Records Guide explains how to locate probate records across Texas, including in multi-county cities like Richardson.
This guide covers online search tools, in-person requests, and tips for narrowing your results when you are not sure which county to check.
Probate Fees for Richardson
Filing fees for Richardson probate court records depend on which county handles the case. Both Dallas and Collin Counties follow the standard Texas fee schedule, but the exact amounts may vary slightly.
In Collin County, physical copies cost $1 per page. Electronic copies are $1 for the first 10 pages, then $0.10 each. Certification is $5 per document. The search fee is $5. CD copies cost $20. In Dallas County, similar rates apply for copies and certification.
E-filing through eFileTexas adds $30 for new cases and $2 per envelope. Attorneys must e-file in both counties. Self-represented parties can file in person at either clerk's office.
Fee waivers are available. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs from txcourts.gov.
Probate Record Types in Richardson
Richardson probate court records include the full range of Texas probate cases. Will probates under Chapter 256 are the most common. A muniment of title filing works when no administration is needed. Independent administration under Chapter 257 is the standard path for most estates.
Heirship proceedings under Chapter 304 apply when there is no will. The court identifies the legal heirs and can name an administrator. Small estate affidavits under Section 205 are for estates under $75,000. All heirs sign and two witnesses are needed.
Guardianship cases, mental health commitments, and conservatorships also fall under probate court jurisdiction. Wills become public once admitted to probate. You have four years from the date of death to file a will for probate in Texas. Records involving minors may be restricted from public access.
Legal Help for Richardson Probate
The Dallas Bar Association and Collin County Bar Association both offer referral services for probate attorneys. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas may take probate cases for people who qualify based on income.
For self-help, the Texas State Law Library has research guides on estates and probate. TexasLawHelp offers step-by-step instructions and downloadable forms. Official court forms are at txcourts.gov. Original wills must be filed in person or by mail in whichever county has jurisdiction.
Note: Court staff help with forms but cannot give legal advice on your case.
Nearby Cities
Richardson is in the north Dallas metro. Several nearby cities have probate court records pages.
Dallas and Collin County Probate Records
Richardson spans Dallas and Collin Counties. Probate filings go to whichever county the deceased lived in. See each county page for full details on their probate systems.