Tarrant County Probate — Local Court Rules & What Heirs Need to Know

Probate in Tarrant County, Texas

Tarrant County, home to Fort Worth and approximately 2.1 million residents, operates two dedicated statutory probate courts. As part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Tarrant County handles a high volume of probate cases and has established detailed local rules to manage its caseload efficiently.

The Fort Worth area's growing economy and rising property values (median home price approximately $310,000) mean that an increasing number of estates involve significant real property. The county's local rules emphasize efficient case disposition, including specific requirements around trial settings, motion practice, and alternative dispute resolution.

The information below is based on the current local rules of the Statutory Probate Courts of Tarrant County. Consult a Tarrant County probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Tarrant County court information

Tarrant County local probate rules — key provisions

Case assignment and numbering (Rule 1.03). Cases are assigned to equalize the caseload between the two probate courts. If a prior case involving the same facts or parties was previously handled by one court, the new case may be assigned to the same court. Ancillary matters (lawsuits by or against the personal representative that do not relate to routine administration) are designated with an "A" suffix after the cause number, with subsequent ancillary matters using sequential letters (B, C, etc.).

Ancillary vs. contested matters (Rule 1.03). Tarrant County distinguishes between "ancillary matters" (lawsuits such as note collection, personal injury, or breach of contract brought by or against the estate) and "contested matters" (all other litigated matters with opposing parties). This distinction affects case numbering and procedural requirements.

Trial setting requirements (Rule 2.01). Cases are set for trial on written or oral request when counsel represents the case is ready. No trial setting may be made sooner than 45 days from the request date unless all counsel agree or the court grants leave. Any opposing counsel must file a written objection within 7 days; the objecting counsel must then request a hearing, and unless the court determines the case is not ready for trial, the case will be set on the date requested or the nearest available date. Counsel must provide a good-faith time estimate after consulting all parties — misrepresentation of the required time may result in sanctions.

Certificate of conference for motions (Rule 2.04). No motion will be set for hearing unless the moving counsel certifies that a conference was held (or attempted) with opposing counsel on the merits. The certificate must follow a substantially prescribed form explaining the date of conference and result, or why it could not be held.

ADR referral (Rule 2.01(a)). The court may refer any case to alternative dispute resolution on its own motion or by party agreement. Any party or counsel may also move unilaterally for such referral if agreement cannot be reached (Rule 2.01(a)). This includes mediation and other Chapter 154 procedures.

Deposition guidelines (Rule 2.05). Tarrant County has specific deposition rules: parties who filed or were sued in Tarrant County must give depositions there if requested; expert witness fees must be reasonable (calculated at the same hourly rate charged to the retaining party); and less than 10 days' notice for depositions is presumed unreasonable. Counsel must attempt to agree on deposition logistics before issuing notices.

Continuance and settlement notification (Rule 2.02). Motions for continuance must be filed at least five days before the trial or hearing date. If counsel agree to a continuance, the counsel who initiated the request must immediately notify the court. If the parties reach a settlement, the counsel for the plaintiff, movant, or party seeking affirmative relief must notify the court. Failure to do so may result in sanctions.

Dismissal for want of prosecution (Rule 1.11). Each court may set for dismissal pending matters (including ancillary and contested matters) not set for trial or hearing that have been on file for at least one year.

Emergency proceedings (Rule 2.06). Applications for emergency relief (restraining orders, temporary administration, temporary guardianship, receivership) must first be filed with the clerk and assigned to a court before being presented to a judge, unless impossible. The application goes to the assigned judge first; only if that judge is unavailable may it be heard by another probate judge.

Tarrant County probate timeline

Below is a general timeline for probate in Tarrant County. Individual estates vary based on complexity, disputes, and type of administration.

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See also: Texas Inheritance Advance · Dallas County Probate · Harris County Probate · Bexar County Probate · Travis County Probate