Protect Your Family, Your Assets, and Your Legacy.
The Texas Way.
If the unexpected happened tomorrow, would your family know what to do — and would everything go where you intended? If you’re not sure, it’s time to revisit your Will, Trust, and beneficiary designations.
Why Estate Planning Matters
(Even If You’re Not Wealthy)
Estate planning is not for the rich — it’s for the prepared.
Your estate plan protects your family, avoids unnecessary court costs, and ensures your wishes are honored.
Core Documents Every Texan Should Have
Estate planning in Texas is not one-size-fits-all — but there are fundamental documents nearly every adult needs to protect their family, finances, and medical decisions.
Will (Last Will & Testament)
Without a valid Texas Will, the state—not you—decides who inherits your assets.
A Will keeps your loved ones out of costly court delays and ensures your children and heirlooms go exactly where you want.
Durable Financial Power of Attorney (Durable POA)
If you become incapacitated without a Financial POA, your family must go to court for permission to manage your money.
A POA gives someone you trust immediate authority to handle bills, investments, taxes, and property without legal delays.
HIPAA Release (Medical Privacy Authorization)
Without a HIPAA release, hospitals cannot share your medical information with your family during a crisis.
This simple document allows loved ones to receive updates, talk to doctors, and coordinate care.
Directive to Physicians (Texas Living Will)
Without a Directive, your family is forced to make agonizing end-of-life decisions without guidance.
This document ensures your wishes are honored and prevents family disputes during emotional moments.
Revocable Living Trust
A Trust lets your family avoid probate entirely and prevents disputes—especially in blended families.
It keeps your finances private, controls how and when heirs inherit, and protects ranch land, royalties, and property without court involvement.
Medical Power of Attorney (Medical POA)
Texas doctors cannot take instructions from your family—even your spouse—unless you sign a Medical POA.
This document ensures the person you trust can make medical decisions in an emergency.
Declaration of Guardian (In Case of Incapacity or Death)
If you don’t choose your guardian in advance, the court may appoint someone you would never choose.
This document protects you from unwanted guardianship and prevents family conflict over who should be in charge.
Bonus: Optional Advanced Documents Many Texans Need
And because your life, assets, and family structure are uniquely yours, a fiduciary advisor can help you determine which additional estate planning documents you may need — such as Business Succession Instructions, Ranch/Land & Mineral Rights Addendums, Gun Trusts, Pet Trusts, Lady Bird Deeds, Funeral & Burial Instructions, or Digital Asset Authorizations — ensuring every part of your legacy is fully protected and aligned with your wishes.
If something happened tomorrow, would your family know exactly what to do — or who inherits what? If you haven’t reviewed your Will, Trust, or beneficiaries lately, your plan may already be out of date.
Texas-Specific Needs Most People Miss
Texas has unique laws, property structures, and asset types that require special instructions in an estate plan. Below is a deeper fiduciary-guided breakdown to help Texans avoid surprises, taxes, probate delays, and family conflict.
Pet Trusts &
Pet Stipends
Most Texans think “I’ll just have someone take the dog,” but without legal instructions, your pet is considered property, not a beneficiary.
Gun Trusts
Firearms — especially collections — must be handled legally and privately.
A Texas-compliant gun trust protects your heirs and ensures federal compliance.
Lady Bird Deed
Protect your home: Texas is one of the few states that allows an Enhanced Life Estate Deed, commonly called a “Lady Bird Deed.”
Land, Ranch, & Mineral Rights
Texans often own unique asset types that require precise planning.
