*** NEW REQUIREMENT: For all Probate of Will and Heirship Dockets, ALL unsigned, proposed hearing documents must be e-filed for the Court's review prior to setting a hearing. This includes, but is not limited to, documents such as: proposed proofs of death, proposed witness affidavits/testimony, proposed orders, and proposed oaths. ***
BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY PROTOCOL DUE TO COVID-19 THAT HAS BEEN INITIATED BY THE PROBATE COURTS AND IN CONSIDERATION OF THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, ALL NON ESSENTIAL AND NON EMERGENCY IN-PERSON HEARINGS IN HARRIS COUNTY PROBATE COURT 4 WILL BE HELD REMOTELY VIA ZOOM THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2020, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
ATTORNEYS WANTING EMERGENCY HEARINGS SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TROs, APPLICATIONS FOR TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATIONS PENDING CONTEST, AND APPLICATIONS FOR TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIPS DURING THIS TIME PERIOD SHOULD CONTACT THE COURT FOR A DETERMINATION OF THE NECESSEITY OF AN IN PERSON HEARING.
PURSUANT TO THE ORDER INVOKING PROTOCOL NOW IN EFFECT (SEE BELOW IN LIST OF DOCUMENTS) CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS CAN BE CONDUCTED BY SUBMISSION OR BY A TELEPHONE HEARING. PLEASE CONTACT THE COURT FOR DETAILS.
Probate Judge Guy Herman Presiding Statutory Probate Judge for the State of Texas Administrative Orders due to COVID - 19
Harris County Probate Judges Administrative Orders due to COVID-19
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-temporarily-suspends-certain-statutes-to-allow-for-appearance-before-notary-public-via-videoconference
Appointee Fees: A certified copy of the Appointee Fee Order for payment from the Harris County Treasurer should be sent to:
Harris County Auditor's Office (courtservices@aud.hctx.net)
Accounts Payable Department Attention: Tracy McChristian
1001 Preston Street, 8th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
DUE TO CURRENT EVENTS, ORIGINAL WILLS MUST BE FILED WITH THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE PROBATE DEPARTMENT EITHER BY MAIL OR DROPPING IT OFF IN THE AFTER HOURS BOX OUTSIDE THE DOORS OF THE CIVIL COURTHOUSE. PLEASE DO NOT E-FILE THE WILL. SURETY BONDS AT THE MOMENT CAN BE E-FILED WITH THE CLERK'S OFFICE. ALL ATTORNEYS MUST KEEP ORIGINAL BONDS IN THEIR POSSESSION. YOU CAN CALL THE PROBATE DEPARTMENT AT 713-274-8585 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THEIR ADDRESS.
**Please email our Staff Attorney, Ana Vaso, at ana.vaso@prob.hctx.net, to request settings for litigious or contested matters associated with Decedents' Estates**
Probate of Will Docket and Dependent Administrations:
Probate Court 4 now offers a "ROCKET DOCKET" on Tuesdays at 9:30 A.M., for uncontested Probate of Will matters. Requirements to be set on the Rocket Docket are as follows:
- Self-Proved, Original Will;
- Attorney is the only necessary witness to prove up the Will; and
- E-Filed Proposed Proof of Death (reflecting the attorney's name as Affiant).
Submit Probate Hearing or Pass/Reset Request
Heirship Docket:
Submit Heirship Hearing or Pass/Reset Request
Guardianship Docket:
Effective Wednesday, September 4, 2019, Guardianship Dockets will be held at 9:30 A.M. every Wednesday.
Submit Guardianship Hearing or Pass/Reset Request
Attorneys may click on the
Registration for Appointment tab to fill the registration form electronically and attach your resume and certificate from the State Bar of Texas for direct submission.
Harris County Probate Court 4 will be holding a MANDATORY AD LITEM ORIENTATION for new ad litem attorneys QUARTERLY, NOT MONTHLY starting at 10:00 A.M.
Please advise staff attorney Ana Vaso, e-mail address: ana.vaso@prob.hctx.net if you will be attending the orientation.
