Texas Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Texas, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Texas guide.
- Will
- Texas will requirements include age, mental capacity, proper witnesses, and signature. Covers attested wills, holographic wills, and invalidating mistakes. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How revocable living trusts avoid probate in Texas: creating and funding a trust, the pour-over will, how trusts compare to TODDs, and typical costs. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Guide to Texas powers of attorney under Estates Code Chapters 751-752. Covers statutory forms, agent powers, and signing requirements. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Guide to Texas Medical Power of Attorney and Directive to Physicians under Health and Safety Code 166. Covers signing and witness rules. Read the guide
Texas estate planning guides
Texas Estate Planning Basics: The 5 Documents Everyone Needs
Texas estate planning starts with 5 documents: will, financial POA, medical POA, advance directive, and HIPAA release. What each does and when to update.
Texas Will Requirements: What Makes a Valid Will
Texas will requirements include age, mental capacity, proper witnesses, and signature. Covers attested wills, holographic wills, and invalidating mistakes.
Texas Power of Attorney Guide (Estates Code 751)
Guide to Texas powers of attorney under Estates Code Chapters 751-752. Covers statutory forms, agent powers, and signing requirements.
Texas Healthcare Directive Guide
Guide to Texas Medical Power of Attorney and Directive to Physicians under Health and Safety Code 166. Covers signing and witness rules.
Texas Guardianship Planning Guide
Guide to Texas guardianship under Estates Code Title 3. Covers minor and adult guardianship, supported decision-making, and alternatives.
Texas Revocable Living Trust: Avoid Probate and Control Your Estate
How revocable living trusts avoid probate in Texas: creating and funding a trust, the pour-over will, how trusts compare to TODDs, and typical costs.
Texas Trust Administration: Managing a Trust After the Grantor Dies
Administering a Texas trust after the grantor dies: trustee duties under the Texas Trust Code, accounting, beneficiary rights, and how it differs from probate.
Texas Transfer on Death Deed: How to Avoid Probate for Real Property
Texas Transfer on Death Deed (TODD): creating and recording one under Estates Code 114, requirements, revocation, and how it compares to alternatives.
Not sure what you need in Texas?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.