Texas Estate Planning Checklist

What's Inside

A comprehensive checklist covering wills, trusts, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, and more. Designed for Texas families by the attorneys at WG Law.

1. Step 1. Create or update your Last Will and Testament under Texas law

2. Step 2. Establish a Revocable Living Trust to avoid probate

3. Step 3. Execute a Statutory Durable Power of Attorney (Texas Estates Code)

4. Step 4. Sign a Medical Power of Attorney (Texas Health & Safety Code Ch. 166)

5. Step 5. Complete a Directive to Physicians (Advance Directive / Living Will)

6. Step 6. Review and update all beneficiary designations (life insurance, 401k, IRA)

7. Step 7. Confirm property titles are aligned with your estate plan

8. Step 8. Consider a Lady Bird Deed or Transfer on Death Deed for real property

9. Step 9. Name guardians for minor children in your will

10. Step 10. Create a Special Needs Trust if you have a disabled family member

11. Step 11. Review your estate plan for community property implications (Texas is a community property state)

12. Step 12. Store original documents securely and inform your executor of their location