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Texas Estate Planning Guide
Estate Planning for Young Families in Texas
If you have young children, the most important thing a will does isn't about money — it's about who raises them. Here's what estate planning really means when you're a young family in Texas.
By Rick Villarreal, Attorney · Licensed in Texas since 1996
When you're young with kids, estate planning feels like something to deal with "later." But this is exactly the stage when a plan matters most — because the single biggest thing a will does for a parent is name who would raise your children if you couldn't. Without that, a court decides, with no guidance from you.
1
Name a guardian for your children
This is the heart of it. In your will, you name who would raise your minor children. No other document does this, and without it the choice falls to a judge.
2
Decide how they'd be provided for
A will lets you direct how money and property are managed for your children until they're old enough — rather than a lump sum landing in their lap at 18.
3
Protect each other as spouses
Powers of attorney let you and your spouse act for each other in a medical or financial crisis — the kind of everyday protection young couples rarely have in place.
4
Keep it out of the state's hands
Without a will, Texas intestacy law decides who inherits — and for families with kids from prior relationships, the result is often not what either parent intended.
The guardianship decision is the whole reason to start now
Ask any parent who they'd want raising their kids, and they have an answer. But unless it's written in a will, that answer carries no legal weight. Naming a guardian is the one estate-planning step that's genuinely urgent for young parents — and it's a big part of why a simple will is worth doing now, not "someday."
You don't need a complicated plan
Young families usually don't need anything elaborate. A straightforward will for each parent — naming a guardian and directing how children are provided for — plus powers of attorney, covers the essentials. It's affordable, flat-fee, and done quickly.
Why now beats later
The whole point of a plan is to be in place before it's needed. "Later" is exactly the gap that leaves a family exposed. Getting the basics done now — and updating them as life changes — is the responsible move.
Ready to protect your family?
A quick call is all it takes to get started. No obligation, always at no charge.
Getting started
A flat-fee will or Complete Estate Plan covers what a young family needs, guardianship included. Most orders completed within one business day.
This article is general information about Texas law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is different — for advice about your own will, speak with a licensed Texas attorney.
Name a guardian — before anything else
For young parents, a flat-fee will puts the guardianship decision in your hands, not a court's. Most orders completed within one business day.
(713) 588-5914Rick Villarreal, Attorney — Texas Estate Planning
(713) 588-5914 • [email protected] • MyTexasWills.com
State Bar of Texas since 1996 • Consultations are always at no charge.
State Bar of Texas since 1996 • Consultations are always at no charge.