Texas Estate Planning
Everyone should do some basic estate planning—that is, planning to make sure that your wishes are followed after your death, your family is spared unnecessary expense and delay, and someone you trust will be in charge if you ever become unable to manage things on your own.
All adults in Texas should consider making the following estate planning documents:
- a will, to leave your assets and name your executor
- a durable power of attorney for finances (POA), to name someone to take care of your finances if it’s ever necessary
- a living will (called a Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates or just an advance directive in Texas), to spell out your end-of-life wishes, and
- a medical power of attorney (POA), to name someone to make sure your health care wishes are honored.
Texas residents may also want to consider taking measures to avoid probate. Although Texas probate is simple compared to that of many other states, many people prefer to avoid probate court proceedings altogether, saving their families money and hassle. But to avoid probate, you’ll need do some planning ahead of time. Probate can be easily avoided with a living trust or other methods.
The articles below cover the basics of Texas estate planning issues.
Ready to create your will?
A will can help you protect your family and your property in Texas.
Learn how to make a living trust in Texas.
If you die without a will in Texas, your assets will go to your closest relatives under state intestate succession laws.
Learn the rules about who can be your executor in Texas.
A durable POA allows someone to help you with your financial matters if you ever become incapacitated—here's how to make one in Texas.
Thanks to independent administration of estates and small estate procedures, Texas has simple and efficient probate.
Texas offers some probate shortcuts for "small estates." These procedures make it easier for survivors to transfer property left by a person who has died.
Probate court proceedings can be long, costly, and confusing. Learn how Texas families can save time, money, and hassle
Texas has never officially considered adopting a death with dignity law. However, citizen groups are actively working to legalize aid in dying in Texas.
To be part of the solution to the ongoing need in Texas for donated organs and tissues, take the following steps to become a donor after your death.
Learn important Texas laws about burial, cremation, death certificates, and other post-death matters.
Learn the rules that govern home funerals in Texas.
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