Making a Will in Texas Made Clear and Confident
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Texas?
Many Texans worry about what would happen to their families if they passed without a plan in place. It’s normal to feel unsure about state laws or how to make a will that actually works. Without a valid will, Texas intestacy laws decide who inherits — often splitting assets in ways that surprise families, and leaving unmarried partners or stepchildren out entirely. With a tailored will that meets Texas’ legal requirements, you choose exactly who receives your property and who will care for minor children.
Trusted by Clients Across East Texas
What This Service Actually Covers
Choosing Who Inherits Your Assets
If you want clarity and fairness, a will lets you name the people who should receive your property. It ensures your wishes—not state formulas—decide what happens.
Naming Guardians for Minor Children
If you have young children, a will allows you to choose who raises them. Without it, Texas courts decide, which may not align with your preferences.
Selecting an Executor You Trust
Designating an executor gives someone you trust the authority to manage your estate. This step makes the probate process smoother and reduces family stress.
Supporting a Smooth Probate Process
Texas offers an independent administration option if your will authorizes it, reducing court involvement. A valid, properly drafted will makes this possible.
Complimentary Documents Often Prepared Together
Most clients complete their will alongside durable powers of attorney and advance directives to ensure someone can act if they become unable to make decisions.
Avoid These Common Issues
Dying Without a Will
Texas intestacy rules may divide assets between a spouse, children, or other relatives in ways you wouldn’t choose.
DIY Wills That Don’t Meet Texas Requirements
Missing witnesses, improper signatures, or incorrect wording can cause a will to be rejected or contested.
Not Naming an Executor
If your will doesn’t specify one, the court chooses — which can delay the probate process and create family tension.
Failing to Update an Old Will
Life changes such as marriage, children, divorce, or new property require updates to stay accurate.
From Offer to Keys:
The Texas Transaction Timeline
Offer & Negotiation
Executed Contract & Option Period
Title Search, Survey, and Lender Requirements
Repairs, Amendments, and Clear-to-Close
Closing Day & Funding
Use our guidance to understand earnest money, option fees, HOA resale certificates, and who pays which closing costs in Texas. We'll flag issues early and keep every stakeholder aligned.
Serving Homebuyers, Sellers, and Developers Across North Texas
First-time homebuyer near Allen High School? Investor renovating near Allen Premium Outlets? Small developer planning a 1-10 acre retail strip along Stacy Road? Aaron C. Lee Law Firm speaks the language of Collin County growth and helps you balance risk, timing, and goals.
Title & Closings with a Trusted Partner
Our partnership with Alamo Title means clear coordination on commitments, curative actions, and funding logistics. You get one coordinated team focused on a smooth, on-time closing.
How We Make This Simple for You
When you’re ready to create or update your will, we guide you through each decision with clarity and calm. We explain your options, outline Texas-specific considerations, and draft documents with precision so your wishes are honored.
Consultation
We walk through your family structure, assets, and goals to understand exactly what your plan needs.
Drafting
Your will is drafted according to Texas requirements and tailored to your wishes.
Review and Finalization
We review the will together, make revisions, and sign it with the proper witnesses and a self-proving affidavit.
Supporting Documents
We help you add powers of attorney and directives so your plan is complete.
How to Decide What You Need
If you want to avoid family disputes
A clear will reduces tension, sets expectations, and prevents confusion during probate.
If you want to protect minor children
Choose guardians in advance, ensuring your children are raised by the people you trust.
If you have unique property or blended family dynamics
A customized will or trust may be necessary to reflect your intentions accurately.
If you want to make probate easier for loved ones
A properly worded will allows for independent administration, minimizing court involvement.
If you're starting from scratch
We provide step-by-step guidance so you know exactly what’s needed and why it matters.
Compare Your Options Clearly
This table helps you understand when a simple will is enough — and when a trust or additional planning may be a better fit.
| Scenario / Need | Best For | Good When | Avoid If |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Will | Straightforward estates; no special instructions | You want to name heirs and guardians | Complex assets or special needs planning |
| Will + POA Package | Most families who want incapacity planning included | You want someone empowered to act before death | You don't want additional documents |
| Living Trust | Avoiding probate; blended families; property in multiple states | You want privacy and long-term control | Cost-sensitive or very simple estates |
Not sure which fits your situation? We’ll walk you through the best choice.
Your Will Questions, Answered Clearly
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Texas?
You’re not required to hire an attorney, but DIY wills often miss key legal requirements, making them vulnerable to challenges. An attorney ensures your will is valid and accurately reflects your wishes.
What makes a will legal in Texas?
Generally, you must be of sound mind, sign the will, and have two credible witnesses sign as well. A self-proving affidavit makes probate easier.
What happens if I die without a will?
Texas intestacy laws decide who inherits — which can lead to surprising outcomes, especially in blended families or unmarried partnerships.
How long do I have to probate a will?
Texas law sets a four-year deadline. After that, options become limited.
Can a will help avoid probate?
A will doesn’t avoid probate, but it can make the process significantly easier by authorizing independent administration.
Ready to Talk?
Get This Fixed Before It Gets Worse
A well-drafted will spares your family confusion, conflict, and unnecessary court involvement. With Texas-specific guidance and a clear process, we help you create a plan that protects the people who matter most.
Related Legal Needs We Can Coordinate
Real estate often intersects with estate planning and collections. We frequently help property owners align deeds with wills and trusts, and we assist investors with note enforcement when payments fall behind.