Dallas County, Texas Probate Court Records

Dallas County probate court records are records that detail court cases handled by the probate courts in the county. These courts generate and maintain the records of cases they handle. As specialized courts, the Dallas County Probate Courts have jurisdiction over probate matters, including guardianships, heirships, trust administration, estate administration, mental health commitments, and any civil actions related to these matters.

The primary function of the probate courts in Dallas County is to ensure that a deceased person’s assets are gathered and then managed or distributed according to the deceased’s will and Texas law. Documents typically found as part of probate records include petitions, applications, wills, codicils, court orders, judgments, testaments, administration letters, estate inventories, asset appraisements, final accountancy, and claims or liabilities against the estate.

Public Access to Probate Court Records in Dallas County

Under the Texas Public Records law, Dallas County probate records are considered public information unless they are sealed or classified as confidential by a statute or court order. Although probate court records are generally public information, certain details of the record may be considered exempt from public disclosure. Mental health records, guardianship details concerning minors or incapacitated adults, protective orders, personal identifiers, financial records, adoption information, and records sealed by court order or otherwise considered confidential cannot be accessed by the general public.

Methods for Searching Dallas County Probate Court Records

Members of the public in Dallas County have several standard methods to search for probate court records for the county. While the specific tools and interfaces may differ by county or jurisdiction, requests can generally be made in person, by mail, by email, or online using resources provided by the Dallas County Court Clerk.

For an accurate case search, record seekers may be required to provide precise search criteria, such as the full name of the party, the case number, the filing date, and the court location. It should be noted that, although public probate court records can be accessed online, closed probate court records can only be requested in person or in writing.

How to Find Dallas County Probate Cases Online for Free

The Dallas County Court Clerk offers an online search portal that allows visitors to look up Dallas County and District Court Case Information, including probate court records. Record seekers can visit the Dallas County, Texas Court Case Portal to make court payments, search for court hearing dates, and access court case records. Although users may register an account on the portal, this is not compulsory for public access. Searches on the portal can be made by choosing the smart search option and entering the proper search criteria, including the case number or the full name, in last, first, and middle format. The portal also offers advanced search options, including location filters and various search types.

Search results include case information, disposition events, and documents, which can be opened to be viewed in another format. The website also provides an instructional video on how to use the portal.

Accessing Dallas County Probate Court Records in Person

To request a Dallas County probate record in person, record seekers may either visit the Dallas County Probate Court location where the case was heard or the Dallas County Clerk Central Records Division located at:

Requests can be made during office hours at the division, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Requesters will be required to provide correct case information to ensure a quick and accurate search, including names of the parties involved, case numbers, and filing dates. Court locations may also provide public terminals where visitors may look up probate court records onsite. It should also be noted that older records may be stored off-site, hence retrieving them and processing the record request may take longer. Record seekers are advised to call ahead to inquire about record availability and access procedures before visiting the division for their request.

Requesting Dallas County Probate Court Records by Mail

Interested parties may request probate court records by submitting a written request that includes sufficient information to enable the staff to locate and process the documents. The request should contain details, such as the names of parties involved in the case, case numbers, court location, and filing dates. The written request and payment for any copies should be mailed to the county clerk at:

Probate court record requests can also be submitted by mailing the written request to the Dallas County Clerk at DCClosedProbateRec@dallascounty.org.

Dallas County Probate Court Record Access Methods

Applicable Fees for Dallas County Probate Court Record Requests

While viewing Dallas County Probate Records may be free online or at the courthouse locations and the central records division, obtaining paper copies or certified copies incurs a copy fee. Copies of the records cost $1 per page plus an additional $5 per case to certify the documents. For mailed requests, payments can be made by including a cashier's check, money order, business check, or attorney's check for the exact amount in the mail. Cash in the precise amount is also accepted during in-person requests at the Central Records Division.