A will is the clearest way to say who gets what. Without one, Texas courts decide for you.
Most people put off will preparation because life feels too busy. But we've seen what happens when a Houston family loses someone without a will in place. The estate goes through Texas intestate succession laws, and the court decides everything. That means your wishes don't count. It means your kids may not be protected. A legally valid will names your executor, your beneficiaries, and your children's guardian.[1] Without that document, Harris County Probate Court fills in the blanks. We work with families in Bellaire, Memorial, and across Houston who waited too long. Don't be one of them.
You've never written a will. Texas law will distribute your assets for you, and it may not match what you want. That's a problem we can fix today.
A new child or spouse changes everything. Your old will may not cover them, or you may need to name a guardian for the first time.
Wills written years ago often don't reflect current assets or family situations. An outdated document can cause real problems in probate court.
Stepchildren, ex-spouses, and second marriages make distribution complicated. A clear will spells out exactly who gets what.
If you own a business in Houston, your will needs to address what happens to it. Without clear instructions, ownership disputes can tear a company apart.
Larger estates need a will that works alongside trusts and other tools. We help you protect what you've built from unnecessary taxes and court delays.
A will written without legal guidance can be challenged or thrown out. We've seen that happen in Harris County Probate Court. Troy Moore works directly with every client. No paralegals writing your documents and handing them off. You get one attorney who knows your family's situation and drafts a will that holds.
Will preparation is one part of a solid estate planning strategy. Call Troy Moore today and get a clear plan in place before it's too late.
The process is straightforward, and we keep it that way.
We start with a conversation about your family, your assets, and your goals. Troy listens first. Then he explains your options clearly. No legal jargon, no pressure.
Troy drafts your will to match your specific wishes and Texas law requirements. We cover executor appointments, beneficiary designations, and guardian nominations for minor children. You review every detail before anything is finalized.
Texas law requires specific signing formalities to make a will valid. We walk you through the signing process correctly. Your will is legally executed and ready to protect your family.
Will preparation costs in Houston vary based on your estate's complexity. A simple will for an individual costs less than a plan covering a blended family, a business, or multiple properties. Factors like the number of beneficiaries, trust coordination, and special asset instructions all affect the final fee. We give you a clear quote before any work begins. No surprise bills, no hidden add-ons. Houston families with estates in areas like West University Place or Memorial often need more detailed planning. We price that work fairly.
Here are the questions Houston families ask us most often.
Most simple wills in Houston range from $300 to $800. More complex estates can run higher. The final cost depends on your family structure, assets, and whether you need a trust alongside the will. We give you a flat-fee quote upfront so there are no surprises.
In most cases, we can complete your will within one to two weeks. The first consultation usually takes about an hour. After that, Troy drafts the document and you review it. Signing can happen quickly once you're satisfied with the language.
Texas does allow handwritten wills, called holographic wills. But they're easy to challenge in probate court, and small errors can make them invalid. We've seen families lose months in Harris County Probate Court over a DIY will that didn't meet legal standards. An attorney-drafted will is worth the cost.
A will goes through probate court after you pass. A trust can transfer assets directly to your heirs without court involvement. Many Houston families use both together. Troy can explain which tools make sense for your situation during your first consultation.
Texas intestate succession laws take over. The court distributes your assets based on a fixed legal formula, not your wishes. Your spouse, children, and other relatives may receive shares you never intended. And if you have minor children, a judge picks their guardian. A will prevents all of that.
If you've had major life changes since signing your will, it may not reflect your current wishes. Marriage, divorce, new children, new assets, or a move to Texas from another state are all reasons to review it. We offer will reviews and can tell you quickly whether your document needs updating.
A Texas will generally covers your personal property and Texas real estate. But property you own in another state may require an ancillary probate proceeding in that state. We flag these issues during your consultation so your plan accounts for everything you own.
