Texas Estate Planning Guides

Plain-English answers to your Texas will questions

Straightforward guides on wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning in Texas — written by a licensed attorney practicing since 1996.

Wills: the essentials

Start here
Requirements
What makes a will valid in Texas?
Age, sound mind, witnesses, and the self-proving affidavit — the rules that keep a will out of trouble.
 Cost
How much does a will cost in Texas?
The real price range, what drives it, and how flat-fee pricing works.
 DIY or lawyer
Do I need a lawyer to write a will?
When a do-it-yourself will works, where they go wrong, and what an attorney adds.
 No will
What happens if you die without a will?
How Texas intestacy law divides your estate — often not the way you'd expect.
 Handwritten
Are handwritten wills valid in Texas?
Yes — but one strict rule voids more of them than any other.
 Notarizing
Does a will have to be notarized?
The will and the affidavit are treated differently — here's the plain answer.

The documents in your plan

Beyond the will
Health care
What is a Medical Power of Attorney?
Names someone to make health decisions for you if you can't.
 Finances
Durable Power of Attorney in Texas
Lets a trusted person handle your finances if you become incapacitated.
 Living will
What is a Directive to Physicians?
Your wishes about life-sustaining treatment, in your own words.
 Avoid probate
Transfer on Death Deed in Texas
Pass your home to your children outside of probate, while keeping control for life.
 Full plan
What's in a complete Texas estate plan?
The four documents that work together to protect you and your family.
 Will or trust
Will vs. trust in Texas: which do you need?
How they differ, and why Texas changes the usual answer.
Trusts
How an AB trust works
How married couples use an AB trust, and when it’s worth the added complexity.

Planning for your stage of life

Where you are now
Young families
Estate planning for young families
The most important thing a will does for parents: naming who raises your children.
 Retirees
A checklist for Texas retirees
Make sure your plan matches the life and property you have now.

In your area

Local
Houston
Estate planning attorney in Houston
 League City
Estate planning attorney in League City
 Harris County
Estate planning attorney in Harris County
 Galveston County
Estate planning attorney in Galveston County
 Fort Bend County
Estate planning attorney in Fort Bend County
 Montgomery County
Estate planning attorney in Montgomery County

Have a question these didn't answer?

The fastest way to get a straight answer for your own situation is a quick phone call. No obligation, always at no charge.

(713) 588-5914
Rick Villarreal, Attorney — Texas Estate Planning
(713) 588-5914  •  [email protected]  •  MyTexasWills.com
State Bar of Texas since 1996  •  Consultations are always at no charge.
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