Archer County Probate Records Search
Archer County probate court records are filed and stored at the County Clerk's office in Archer City, Texas. The clerk handles wills, estate administration cases, guardianship matters, and all other probate filings for this North Texas county. You can search records in person at the courthouse or use statewide online tools. Archer County has historical probate records dating back to the 1880s. Whether you need to look up an old will or file a new estate case, the County Clerk in Archer City is your starting point for all probate matters.
Archer County Overview
Archer County Clerk Probate Office
The Archer County Clerk manages all probate court records. The office keeps wills, estate inventories, guardianship files, and court orders. As a small county, Archer uses the constitutional county court for probate. The County Judge serves as the probate judge and presides over all hearings at the courthouse in Archer City.
Under Texas Estates Code Chapter 51, you must file probate in the county where the person lived at death. If the deceased was a resident of Archer County, this is where you file. The clerk accepts applications, processes fees, and stores all case documents.
The Archer County website shows contact information for all county offices.
You can find the clerk's phone number and address on the county homepage.
| Office | Archer County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Archer County Courthouse 100 S Center St Archer City, TX 76351 |
| Phone | (940) 574-4615 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.archer.tx.us |
Search Archer County Probate Court Records
You can look up probate records in Archer County through the statewide re:SearchTX portal. This free tool lets you search by name or case number across many Texas courts. Not all older cases are in the system yet.
For a complete search, visit the courthouse in Archer City. The clerk can pull case files for you. Bring the name of the deceased and any dates you know. A case number helps speed up the search. You can view files for free at the courthouse. Copies are available for a per-page fee.
Archer County has digitized historical probate records going back to the 1800s. The Ancestor Hunt directory lists Archer County probate records from 1884 to 1933 and wills from 1875 to 1907. Many of these are available through FamilySearch for free. The Texas State Library and Archives may hold additional historical files.
Probate Fees in Archer County
Filing fees for probate cases in Archer County range from about $250 to $400. The exact cost depends on the type of case you file. A muniment of title under Texas Estates Code Chapter 256 may cost less than a full administration with an executor appointment.
Other costs include certified copy fees, citation and service charges, and any additional filing fees for motions or amendments. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Forms are on txcourts.gov.
Tip: Call the Archer County Clerk at (940) 574-4615 to get current filing fees before you visit the courthouse.
What Archer County Probate Records Contain
A probate file in Archer County includes the application to probate a will or for administration, the original will if one exists, a death certificate, an inventory of assets and debts, notices to creditors, and the court's final order. Under Texas Estates Code Chapter 257, independent administration cases have fewer filings because the court provides minimal oversight.
Guardianship records are part of the probate files too. They cover minors and incapacitated adults. Annual reports and accountings are required. Heirship cases under Chapter 304 include witness testimony and the court's determination of heirs.
Most probate records are public. You can view them at the courthouse. Some sensitive details get redacted under the Texas Government Code.
Filing Probate in Archer County
To open a probate case, file an application at the clerk's office. You need the death certificate and the original will if one exists. The court will set a hearing. If the will is straightforward and there are no debts, a muniment of title under Chapter 256 may be the simplest path.
When there is no will, you apply for heirship under Chapter 304. Two witnesses who are not related to the family must testify about who the heirs are. The court issues an order based on their testimony. Small estates under $75,000 may qualify for a small estate affidavit under Section 205.
Attorneys file through eFileTexas. People without lawyers can file paper documents at the courthouse.
Archer County Probate Legal Resources
Legal aid in North Texas is available through several organizations. The State Bar of Texas referral service at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with probate attorneys near Archer County. TexasLawHelp.org has free guides for self-represented filers.
The Texas State Law Library offers research help and guides on probate. The finding probate records guide walks you through the process step by step. Archer County is near Wichita County, which has more legal service options available in the Wichita Falls area.
Cities in Archer County
Archer County includes Archer City, Holliday, Lakeside City, Megargel, Scotland, and Windthorst. All probate cases go through the Archer County Clerk in Archer City. Residents near Wichita Falls should check their address to see if they fall in Archer or Wichita County.
Nearby Counties
File probate where the deceased lived. These counties border Archer County.