Lubbock County, Texas

County Court

The County Judge is the most visible official in county government.  Often thought of as the county's chief executive officer, the Texas Constitution vests broad judicial and administrative powers in the County Judge, including serving as the presiding officer of the county's policy-making body, the Commissioner's Court, which is responsible for budgetary matters and administrative duties for Lubbock County.

The County Judge also handles widely varying judicial matters such as conducting hearings for probating the estate of a deceased person, establishing guardianships for incapacitated persons and minors, and presiding over civil commitments to mental hospitals.  The County Judge is also responsible for emergency management, calling elections, and representing Lubbock County in many administrative functions.

PLEASE NOTE: the County Judge and court staff cannot give legal advice or answer legal questions.  If you need legal advice, you should consult with an attorney.

WARNING:  do not attempt to contact the Judge by mail, e-mail, phone, or in person about any pending criminal or civil matter.

YouTube Live Stream-  THE RECORDING OF LIVE STREAMED HEARINGS IS PROHIBITED

* Post-Covid, all hearings return to in person *

Lubbock County Court Hearing Procedures (updated 3/21/22)

1. PROBATE

• Probate defined
• Court policy regarding Pro Se Applicants 
• Court procedures for probate hearings (updated 8/25/2020)
• Court policy regarding administration and heirship (updated 4/28/2022)

COURT INSTRUCTIONS:

• Independent Executor
• Dependent Administrator
• Independent Administrator
• General Probate Pleadings
• Check 10 points in the Will
• TEMPORARY ADMINISTRATION- PLEASE READ (updated 5/2/2022)
• Muniment of Title
• Appointment of Resident Agent
• Small Estate Affidavit Form 
  • Pro Se Instructions for filing a Small Estate Affidavit (updated 9/2/2020)
  • Small Estate Affidavit Checklist (updated 9/18/2020)
  • Pro Se Applicant Information Form (updated 3/10/2021)
  • Order Approving Small Estate Affidavit
• Intestacy Chart - Page 1
• Intestacy Chart - Page 2
• Frequently Asked Questions 

2. GUARDIANSHIP

    Court Investigator, Ashley Wharff: 806-775-1023

• Guardianship defined
• Court Procedures for guardianship hearings
• Standing Order Appointing Court Investigator (updated 6/23/2020)
• Court Policy regarding Applications for Successor Guardian (updated 6/23/2020)
• Required written firearms admonishment

COURT INSTRUCTIONS:

• Guardian of the Estate
• Guardian of the Person
• Guardian of the Person and Estate
• Registration, Training, and Background Check
• JBCC Rules regarding Background Checks
• GUARDIANSHIP REFERRAL FORM
• Certificate of Medical Examination
• Annual Report of the Guardian of the Person
• Annual Account for Guardianship of the Estate
• Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims
• Guardianship Bill of Rights
• Texas Guide to Guardianship
• Frequently Asked Questions    

3. MENTAL HEALTH

• Emergency Detention
• Notice to Peace Officers who have arrested or detained a Ward of this Court 
• Resources in Lubbock County 
• Resources in Lubbock County pg 2
• Mental Health TX
• The difference between an intellectual disability and mental illness

4. ATTORNEY AD LITEM

• Ad litem manuel
• Search for approved guardianship attorneys
• Attorney ad litem application
  • If you would like to be added to the wheel, please fill out the application and return to agschwend@lubbockcounty.gov
• Court appointment fee schedule

5. LUBBOCK COUNTY LOCAL RULES

6. TEXAS ESTATES CODE

7. In-person hearings begin September 7, 2021 (updated 7/27/2021)

• Department
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