If you don't have a plan, the state decides what happens to your assets. Don't let that happen.
Most Houston families put off estate planning until something goes wrong. A health scare, a sudden death, a family argument over who gets what. By then, it's harder and more expensive to fix. Estate planning covers more than just a will. It includes who makes medical decisions if you can't. It covers who controls your finances. It shows how your assets pass without a court fight. Texas is a community property state, which means how you title assets matters a lot. Families in areas like Bellaire and Memorial Villages often have more at stake than they realize. A solid plan keeps your family out of Harris County Probate Court entirely.[1]
If you die without a will in Texas, the state's intestacy laws decide who gets your property. That outcome may not match what you wanted at all.
Blended families create real legal complications. Without a clear plan, a surviving spouse and children from a prior relationship can end up in a dispute.
Buying a home in Houston is a big step. But without an estate plan, that property could get tied up in probate court before your family sees a dime.
A diagnosis or decline in health makes planning urgent. Powers of attorney and healthcare directives need to be in place before a crisis hits.
If you own a business and something happens to you, what happens to it? A proper estate plan spells out exactly who takes over and how.
Laws change. Families change. A plan you made ten years ago may leave gaps that cost your heirs time and money. We review and update plans too.
At most big firms, you meet the attorney once and then deal with a paralegal. That's not how we work. Troy Moore handles your case personally from start to finish. He's been doing this since 2001 and has built more than 3,000 plans for Texas families. He explains things in plain English. No legal jargon, no runaround. And if something urgent comes up, you can reach him directly.
Don't wait for a health scare to start planning. Our estate planning services help Houston families protect what they've built and keep their loved ones out of probate court.
The process is straightforward and we walk you through every step.
We sit down and talk through your family, your assets, and your goals. Troy listens first. Then he tells you exactly what documents you need and why. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Troy drafts your will, trust, powers of attorney, and any other documents your situation calls for. We use our Probate Avoidance Package™ when it makes sense to keep your family out of court entirely. Everything is reviewed with you before it's finalized.
We walk you through the signing process and make sure everything is properly executed under Texas law. You leave with a complete, legally valid plan. And if your situation changes down the road, we're here to update it.
Estate planning costs vary based on what you need. A simple will costs less than a full revocable living trust with powers of attorney. Families with real estate, a business, or minor children usually need more documents. In Houston, property values have climbed high. Texas homestead protections can be significant. Getting the right plan matters more than getting the cheapest one. We quote a flat fee up front so you know exactly what you're paying before we start. No surprise invoices, no hourly billing that balloons on you.
Here are honest answers to the questions Houston families ask us most.
Most estate plans in Houston range from $500 to $3,500 depending on complexity. A simple will costs less than a full trust package. We charge flat fees, so you know the number before we start. No surprises.
For most families, we can complete a full estate plan in one to two weeks. We start with a consultation, then draft your documents, then schedule a signing appointment. If your situation is urgent, we can move faster.
Online wills are legal in Texas, but we've seen them cause real problems. Missing signatures, wrong language, no trust provisions. A document that looks valid can still fail in court. For most Houston families, the cost of a proper plan is worth it.
A will goes through probate court after you die. A living trust does not. Both name who gets your assets, but a trust keeps your family out of Harris County Probate Court entirely. For families with real estate or significant assets, a trust often makes more sense.
Texas intestacy laws take over and decide who gets your property. That process goes through probate court and can take months. Your family has no say in the outcome. And if you have minor children, a judge decides who raises them, not you.
If your plan is more than five years old, it probably needs a review. Marriage, divorce, new children, new property, and changes in Texas law can all create gaps. Last month a client called us after finding a will that still named an ex-spouse as executor. We fixed it fast.
Yes, and it matters more than most people realize. Texas community property rules affect how assets are titled and who has a legal claim to them. How you hold property with a spouse can change what your heirs actually receive. Troy builds every plan with Texas community property law in mind from the start.
