Planning for the unexpected is never easy. But making these decisions now gives you and the people you love lasting peace of mind. At The De Leon Law Firm, attorney Yvette De Leon helps Texas families put the right documents in place and explains every choice in plain English. Based near Houston, the firm serves clients across Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Katy, Fulshear, Cypress, and throughout Texas.
What Is an Estate Plan?
An estate plan is a set of documents that decides who makes decisions for you if you cannot, and who receives what you own after you are gone. A complete Texas plan usually includes a will, a durable (financial) power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, an advance directive, and a HIPAA authorization, and for many families a revocable living trust and documents naming guardians in advance. We tailor the plan to your family, your assets, and your goals.
The Documents in a Complete Texas Estate Plan
Wills and trusts
- Simple will — names your executor, directs who inherits, and names a guardian for your minor children.
- Pour-over will — pairs with a living trust to catch any assets you did not transfer into the trust during life.
- Revocable living trust — holds your assets so your family can avoid probate and keep your affairs private.
If you cannot manage your own affairs
- Durable (financial) power of attorney — lets a trusted person manage your finances if you become unable to.
- Medical power of attorney — lets someone make health-care decisions for you.
- Advance directive / living will — states which life-sustaining treatments you do and do not want.
- HIPAA authorization — lets your loved ones and agents receive your medical information.
- Supported decision-making agreement — a less-restrictive alternative that lets a capable adult keep authority with trusted support.
Guardianship and final wishes
- Designation of guardian before need — names who a court should appoint as your guardian if you later become incapacitated.
- Appointment of a guardian for your children — names who should raise your minor children if you no longer can.
- Appointment for disposition of remains — names who controls your funeral and burial decisions.
Does Texas Have an Estate Tax?
No. Texas has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax may apply, and for 2026 it affects only estates above $15 million per person ($30 million for a married couple), a level made permanent under the 2025 federal tax law. The vast majority of families owe no estate tax at all. For most people, the real value of planning is avoiding probate delays, avoiding family conflict, and making sure the right people are in charge.
Why Choose The De Leon Law Firm?
- Personalized plans built for current Texas law and your family’s needs
- Clear, upfront fees with no surprises
- A lifetime advocate, because assets and families change and your plan should keep up
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will or a trust in Texas?
Almost everyone needs a will. Whether you also need a revocable living trust depends on your goals — a trust is mainly about avoiding probate and keeping your affairs private. We help you decide on our Will vs. Trust page and in your consultation.
Does Texas have an estate tax?
No. Texas has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax may apply, and for 2026 it affects only estates above $15 million per person ($30 million for a married couple).
What happens if I die without a will in Texas?
Texas intestacy law decides who inherits, and it often is not who you would choose, especially in blended families. Learn more on our Dying Without a Will page.
How much does an estate plan cost?
We use clear, upfront flat fees for most plans, so you know the cost before we start. Contact us for a quote based on what your family needs.
Book a Confidential Consultation
Put the right plan in place for your family. Call 713-955-6182 or contact The De Leon Law Firm to get started.