Probate Court No. 4

Our mission is to serve individuals and families in times of crisis in a thoughtful, compassionate, and deliberate way, whether the crisis involves the loss of a loved one, the need for a guardianship, or a mental illness.

Effective immediately, this is notice directing all attorneys to file affidavits confirming that, if counsel have utilized Intelligent Automation, Intelligence Augmentation, Information Architecture, or Artificial Intelligence, in the preparation of any briefs or motions—including for generating, supporting, or suggesting citations—counsel have independently verified the accuracy of all citations contained in those filings. Please be advised that the Court will independently review and verify submitted citations. Sanctions may be imposed if any citations are found to be hallucinated, inaccurate, or not properly supported.

Effective March 1, 2026, all motions for summary judgement will adhere to the amended Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 166a. The amendments implement Texas Government Code § 23.303 and were promulgated pursuant to S.B. 293 and H.B. 16 from the 89th Legislature.

The Probate Courts have established a new procedure for collecting ad litem fees and approved attorney fee standards, effective immediately.

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2023, ALL LAWYERS CONDUCTING UNCONTESTED DOCKETS ON ZOOM ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE ALL WITNESSES IN THEIR OFFICE WITH THEM.  IF THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE, THEN THEY SHOULD CONTACT THE COURT TO ARRANGE AN IN-PERSON HEARING FOR THAT DOCKET. CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS MAY APPLY FOR EXAMPLE: OUT OF STATE WITNESSES.

All hearings held via Zoom will use the following universal Zoom information: 

When appearing by Zoom, be sure you are identified by your name/cause number and your audio and video are connected.

ALL ANCILLARY DOCKETS WILL BE HELD IN PERSON.