FAQs • Wise County, TX • CivicEngage

How to search for a Person by name or older file?: If someone needs to find the name of a person in the Probate records, they can find the name in the computer if it is 1998 to present. If the case is older, the name must be searched in the index books located in the Records Department of the County Clerk's Office. This will give the person a reference (case) number. If a person requests the clerk to do the search, we must have a written request with a $10 fee.

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Court - Probate / Civil Information

1. How to probate a will?: We have to tell customers to consult with an attorney; we cannot give legal advice. We are not aware of all legalities and the laws governing probate. The Law Library is a source for information in filing the proper documents, but there are many variations. Please see the Probate Court's page for any local rules.

2. How to get a Letter of Testamentary?: The only way to get a Letter of Testamentary or any letter in an Administration/Estate is to have a court order authorizing the letters. We cannot issue any documents without a court order in a case filed in the Probate Court. Therefore, an Estate has to be probated in order to receive Letters of authority that a financial institution may require.

3. Is it necessary to probate a will?: This is a legal question that only an attorney can give the correct answer to.

4. Does the Clerk’s Office supply forms?: We do not supply forms or applications to file or supplement cases. We can only issue citations, writs, abstracts, and other court-ordered documents.

5. How do you file an Occupational Drivers License?: You file a Petition for an Occupational Drivers License that is usually prepared by an attorney. The Law Library has literature to help the pro se litigant find the proper forms to prepare the appropriate case. Petitions for Occupational License are filed with the Civil Clerk.

Civil - $500 to $100,000 (Effective September 1, 2011 the jurisdictional limit is $200,000)
Probate: Unlimited

9. Can anyone make copies of a Mental Health file?: No one can see a Mental Health File, or make copies without an Order from the Judge.

10. How to search for a Person by name or older file?: If someone needs to find the name of a person in the Probate records, they can find the name in the computer if it is 1998 to present. If the case is older, the name must be searched in the index books located in the Records Department of the County Clerk's Office. This will give the person a reference (case) number. If a person requests the clerk to do the search, we must have a written request with a $10 fee.

11. Can your office recommend an attorney?: We cannot recommend any attorney, we recommend you call the local Bar Association for helpful information regarding attorneys in this area.