ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY AUSTIN TX
Estate planning is about protecting the people you love and ensuring your wishes are honored. Austin's growing population of tech professionals, young families, and retirees all benefit from comprehensive estate plans — yet most Austinites have no will at all. Our Austin estate planning attorneys create personalized plans covering wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations.
What We Can Do For You
Last will and testamentDirects distribution of your assets and names guardians for minor children — every adult needs one
Revocable living trustAvoids probate, protects privacy, and provides seamless asset management if you become incapacitated
Durable power of attorneyAuthorizes someone to manage your financial affairs if you are incapacitated
Healthcare power of attorneyNames someone to make medical decisions if you cannot make them yourself
HIPAA authorizationAllows designated persons to access your medical information
Beneficiary reviewCoordinates IRA, 401(k), and life insurance beneficiary designations with your overall estate plan
Key Information
1
Travis County Probate Court
1000 Guadalupe St, Austin — probate proceedings for Austin residents who die with or without a valid will.
2
Texas Secretary of State
Statutory Durable Power of Attorney and other documents may require recording in some circumstances.
3
Texas Department of State Health Services
Birth and death records relevant to estate administration are maintained here.
4
Financial Institutions
Coordinating beneficiary designations and account titling with your estate plan requires communication with banks and investment accounts.
What You Should Know
Consult an Austin estate attorney immediately after any estate matter
Document all evidence, communications, and relevant records from the start
Know your deadlines — statutes of limitations and filing deadlines are strict in Texas
Understand that a free consultation costs nothing and protects your rights
The contingency fee structure means your attorney is motivated to maximize your outcome
Early intervention dramatically improves results in almost every legal matter
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will if I'm young and healthy?▾
Yes. Without a will, Texas intestacy law determines who gets your property — and it may not align with your wishes. More importantly, a will is the only way to name a guardian for your minor children.
What is the difference between a will and a living trust?▾
A will goes through probate (a public court process). A revocable living trust avoids probate, provides privacy, and takes effect during your lifetime. For significant assets or blended families, a trust often provides better protection.
How much does estate planning cost in Austin?▾
A basic will package (will, powers of attorney, healthcare directive) typically costs $500–$1,500. A revocable living trust package ranges from $2,000–$5,000 depending on complexity.
What happens if I die without a will in Texas?▾
Texas intestacy laws determine distribution — typically to your spouse and children in specified portions. This may not reflect your wishes, and your family loses the ability to use simplified transfer procedures.