County Courts
Bexar County Probate Courts
Practical court information for executors, administrators, and attorneys in San Antonio, Texas
Bexar County is the largest county in the Hill Country region and home to San Antonio — a metro area with over two million residents. The Bexar County Probate Courts — also known as the San Antonio probate court system — handle a high volume of probate cases, and because of that volume, timelines can be longer than in surrounding Hill Country counties. If the decedent resided in San Antonio or anywhere else in Bexar County, the probate case will typically be filed in the Bexar County probate court.
Below you will find the court locations, filing procedures, approximate timelines, and practical notes that matter most when you are preparing to sell an estate property in this county.
Probate Court Contact
Bexar County Probate Court (County Clerk's Office, Probate Division)
100 Dolorosa, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone
(210) 335-2216
Website
Google Maps
Notes: Bexar County has a dedicated Probate Court. It is one of the busiest in Texas. E-filing is required for most probate filings. Hearings are typically held in the Bexar County Courthouse.
What to Bring
When visiting the Bexar County Probate Court for probate matters, bring the following:
- Valid photo ID
- Original will (if one exists)
- Death certificate
- Any documents related to the estate property (deed, mortgage statements, insurance policies, tax records, HOA documents)
Pro Tip
Before filing, call the County Clerk's office to confirm current filing fees and whether any local rules apply to your specific case. Fees and procedures can change.
E-Filing Requirements
Bexar County requires mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) for virtually all probate documents. Texas Supreme Court rules require e-filing in counties with populations exceeding 500,000, and Bexar County has well over two million residents. This means:
- All probate petitions, applications, and motions must be filed electronically through a Texas e-filing service provider (EFSP) such as eFileTxCourts, File & Serve, or another approved vendor.
- Paper filings are generally not accepted for attorneys, though self-represented (pro se) filers may have limited exceptions — confirm with the clerk's office.
- The Bexar County Clerk charges an electronic filing fee in addition to the standard filing fee — budget for both.
- You will receive a confirmation email with a case number once the filing is accepted.
Practical tip: If your estate attorney handles the e-filing, confirm they are using an EFSP that is authorized to file in Bexar County. Not all vendors are set up with every county clerk's system.
Filing Fees
The filing fee for an Application for Letters Testamentary (or Letters of Administration, when there is no will) in Bexar County is approximately $300–$450, though the exact amount changes periodically. Additional fees may apply for:
- Application to Probate Will in Solemn Form
- Certified copies of Letters Testamentary
- Posting of the required notice/bond
Verify current fees directly with the Bexar County Clerk's Office at (210) 335-2113 or www.bexar.org before filing. Fees change, and your attorney can provide the most current schedule.
Approximate Timeline
Because Bexar County is one of the largest probate dockets in Texas, timelines here tend to be longer than in surrounding Hill Country counties. Here is a realistic general timeline:
Typical Timeline for Letters Testamentary
- Will probed in independent administration: Approximately 4–8 weeks from filing to signed Letters Testamentary, assuming the will is properly drafted, all heirs agree, and there are no complications.
- Complex cases or dependent administration: 8–16+ weeks, especially if the court requires an attorney ad litem, there are unknown heirs, or the estate is contested.
- Expedited proceedings (smaller estates): If the estate qualifies under the Texas Estates Code provisions for independent administration without court supervision after appointment, the process may be faster.
Important for estate sales: You generally cannot list or sell a property until Letters Testamentary (or Letters of Administration) have been signed by the judge. Start the probate filing early if a property sale is anticipated — the clock starts when the case is filed, not when you decide to sell.
Local Considerations for Bexar County
Two-Track System
Bexar County operates two probate courts, and cases are generally assigned randomly upon filing. While both courts follow the Texas Estates Code, individual judges may have different preferences regarding hearing schedules, required documentation formats, and the pace of case progression. Your attorney should be familiar with both courts.
Attorney Representation
In a county of this size, having an experienced probate attorney is strongly recommended. The courts process thousands of cases per year, and procedural missteps can cause significant delays. Self-represented filers are permitted but will find the process considerably more challenging.
Appraisal and Valuation
The probate court may require an independent appraisal or inventory of estate assets. For real property, this is typically separate from the market listing price — it reflects the property's fair market value as of the date of death for estate inventory purposes. Your estate attorney can advise on whether the court requires a specific appraisal format.
Court Location and Parking
The Bexar County Courthouse is located in downtown San Antonio. Public parking is available in nearby garages, but allow extra time for parking and security screening. If you have a hearing, arrive at least 15 minutes early. The courts are on the third floor of the Paul Elizondo Tower complex at 100 Dolorosa.
Real Estate Market Context
San Antonio's real estate market is active, but estate properties — particularly those needing repair or updated — may sit longer than well-prepared listings. A property priced and marketed correctly from day one will sell faster and for more, even in probate. Consider whether the estate benefits from light preparation before listing.
Bexar County Quick Reference
County
Bexar (San Antonio)
Court
County Clerk's Office, Probate Division
Phone
(210) 335-2216
Address
100 Dolorosa, Ste 104, SA 78205
E-Filing
Mandatory for attorneys
Letters Timeline
4–8 weeks (uncontested)
Filing Fee
~$300–$450 (verify)
Volume
High (largest in region)
Need help navigating probate in Bexar County?
As a local agent with deep knowledge of Bexar County courts and the San Antonio market, Bill can help you understand the process, connect you with the right professionals, and guide you through the sale of an estate property.
Related Resources
Educational Notice: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court procedures, filing fees, timelines, and requirements can change without notice. Always verify current information directly with the Bexar County Clerk's Office or your estate attorney before relying on any specific detail. Bill Ross is a licensed Texas real estate agent and Certified Probate Expert, not an attorney.