Blog
Ladybird Deeds in Texas: Keep Your Home in the Family Without Probate
Ladybird Deeds, also known as Enhanced Life Estate Deeds, let you transfer your home to a named beneficiary at death without going through probate while keeping full control of the property during your lifetime. It is one of the most effective tools in Texas for...
What Are the Estate Tax Laws in Texas?
There are no state-level estate tax laws in Texas, and as of November 2025, that protection is now written into the Texas Constitution permanently. For most Texas families, the federal estate tax will not apply either, as the 2026 exemption threshold sits at $15...
Executor Duties in Texas: What You Are Responsible for and How to Get It Done
As an executor in Texas, your job is to file the will with the probate court, notify creditors, inventory the estate, pay valid debts, and distribute assets to the people named in the will. Texas law sets specific deadlines for each of these steps, and missing one can...
Why a Revocable Living Trust Is the Best Way to Avoid Probate in Texas
A revocable living trust is one of the most effective tools for avoiding probate in Texas because assets held in the trust pass directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement. Unlike a will, a trust does not become a public record, takes effect immediately...
Three Reasons to Avoid Probate in Texas
A few reasons to avoid probate in Texas include it being public, taking six months to over a year, and costing thousands of dollars even for simple estates. While Texas probate is more straightforward than many other states, it is still a burden your family has to...
What Is the Difference Between Medical Directives and a Medical POA in Texas?
A medical directive and a medical POA are both essential healthcare planning documents, but they do different jobs. A medical directive records your specific wishes in writing, while a medical POA names a person with legal authority to make healthcare decisions on...
How to Update Your Estate Plan in Texas
Estate plans in Texas should be reviewed every three to five years and updated right away after any major life event such as a marriage, a divorce, a new child enters the family, or a significant change in your finances. Jack Robinson helps families across Rockwall...
How Community Property Affects Your Estate Plan in Texas
Understanding how community property affects estate planning in Texas is essential for any married couple. Each spouse owns half of all community property, and your estate plan must work within that framework. Without a plan in place, Texas law decides what happens to...