Texas Estate Planning Made Simple

Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and Texas-specific guidance — with access to state-specific forms and Texas attorneys.

Learn Texas Estate Planning

Book Owners: Download Texas Forms

Talk to a Texas Estate Planning Attorney

Texas Estate Planning is Different - Start Here

How Texas Estate Planning Works

A simple, Texas-specific path to learning, forms, and attorney guidance—when you need it.

1. Learn Texas Estate Planning Basics
Read the Texas Estate Planning Guide to understand how Texas law works and what planning options apply to you.

2. Access Texas Planning Forms
Use the book’s access code to download Texas-specific wills, powers of attorney, and planning tools.

3. Work With a Texas Estate Planning Attorney (If Needed)
If you want professional help, AEPS connects you with an experienced, Texas-licensed estate planning attorney.

What Makes Texas Different

Statutory Powers of Attorney
Texas uses statutory durable and medical powers of attorney with specific required language, making form accuracy and execution critical.
No State Estate or Inheritance Tax
Texas does not impose a state-level estate or inheritance tax, but federal estate tax planning may still apply for larger estates.
Independent Probate Administration
Texas allows for independent administration of estates, which can significantly reduce court involvement, delays, and costs when properly planned.
Lady Bird Deeds and Enhanced Life Estates
Texas recognizes Lady Bird deeds, allowing homeowners to transfer real estate at death while retaining full control during life and avoiding probate.
Vehicle Transfers at Death
Texas allows vehicles to pass at death using beneficiary designations or affidavits, often without full probate proceedings.
Community Property with Right of Survivorship
Married couples can title community property with survivorship rights, which may simplify transfers at death and offer favorable tax treatment.
Transfer on Death Deeds for Real Estate
Texas permits Transfer on Death Deeds (TODDs), allowing real property to pass directly to beneficiaries outside of probate if properly executed.
Homestead Protections
Texas provides strong homestead protections that affect creditor claims, property transfers, and estate planning decisions.

Because Texas estate planning has unique tools and shortcuts, using Texas-specific documents and guidance is essential to ensure your plan works as intended.

Texas Estate Planning Book

Estate Planning in Texas provides a clear, step-by-step overview of Texas-specific estate planning rules, common pitfalls, and planning options, so you can understand how the law works before deciding your next step.

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Texas Estate Planning Guide – Contributing Attorney

Knowing that Texas estate planning is different, the American Estate Planning Series works with experienced, Texas-licensed attorneys to ensure that its Texas-specific guidance is accurate, practical, and up to date.

The Texas guide and resources were developed with input from an experienced Texas-licensed estate planning attorney who focuses on clear, non-contested planning for individuals and families.

Catherine Martinez, Esq.
Rabalais Martinez, LLC
Texas-Licensed Estate Planning Attorney