Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys
Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys Near You
Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys understand what is at stake, do you?
Why Choose Our Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys
Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys?
What truly sets us apart from most so-called “law firms” is this — we’re a true trial law firm.
We don’t farm your case out. We don’t just dabble in one area. We fight cases in court, and we handle multiple areas of law in-house, so you don’t have to bounce from firm to firm to get the justice you deserve.
Remote Services
Our team will serve your legal needs from wherever you are. You never have to walk into a law firm office. If you have Internet, our Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys can do the rest.
We Fight
Most law firms would like you to believe they fight in court, they do not. Most attorneys make excuses rather than showing up for the fight- Not here. Our Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys are here for you.
5 Star Firm
We do not pay, beg, or haggle for our reviews. That is why we don't have 100 or 1000. Our reviews are real and they tell the tale. Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys are here for you.
Transparent Pricing and Fees
We list all fees upfront—no hidden costs. Every two weeks, you’ll receive an itemized invoice. Transparent billing, and updates as you need keep you informed at every step.
Seasoned Professionals
Every case gets supervised by veteran attorneys. We do not hire kids to do our work. Your case is just as important as the next to us. Our Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys are here for you.
Comprehensive Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys
Trust Formation & Funding
Trusts offer privacy, probate avoidance, and potential tax savings. -Revocable Living Trusts: Maintain control while keeping assets out of probate. -Irrevocable Trusts: Shield assets from creditors and reduce estate taxes. -Special Needs Trusts: Provide for disabled loved ones without jeopardizing benefits. -Charitable Remainder Trusts: Support causes you care about and enjoy income/tax advantages. Once your trust documents are signed, we assist you in funding the trust—transferring titles, retitling accounts, and coordinating with financial institutions to ensure enforceability. Our Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys are here for you.
Probate & Estate Administration
Navigating Texas probate requires precision and efficiency. -File necessary court documents such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. -Inventory and appraise estate assets, from family homes to business interests. -Notify creditors, pay valid debts, and handle tax filings (federal and state). -Distribute assets to beneficiaries in compliance with your will or Texas law. Our top rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys streamline probate processes reduce delays, avoid unnecessary fees, and relieves your family of administrative burdens.
Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives
Prepare for incapacity with clear, legally enforceable documents.
-Durable Power of Attorney for financial affairs.
-Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directives for health-care decisions.
-HIPAA Authorizations to grant agents immediate access to medical records.
By appointing trusted agents, you ensure your financial and medical wishes are honored—even if you cannot speak for yourself.
Our Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys are here for you.
Wills & Codicils
A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. - Designate guardians for minor children (with backup guardians). - Specify the distribution of real estate, investments, and personal belongings. - Include instructions for digital assets (online accounts, cryptocurrency). - Offer periodic reviews to update your will after life changes. By combining a detailed will with strategic codicils, you can adjust your plan over time without redrafting the entire document—saving you time and expense. Our top rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys are here for you.
Common Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by our Clients.
Estate planning is the process of arranging how your assets, guardianships, and healthcare decisions will be managed during life and distributed after death. In Texas—a community-property state with unique probate rules—having a customized plan prevents lengthy court proceedings, minimizes estate taxes, and ensures your wishes are honored by Texas courts and loved ones.
Our Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys are here for you.
A full Texas estate plan typically includes:
Last Will and Testament: Directs asset distribution and guardian appointments.
Revocable Living Trust: Avoids probate and maintains privacy.
Durable Power of Attorney: Authorizes someone to handle financial affairs if you’re incapacitated.
- Medical Power of Attorney & Advance Directive: Specifies healthcare decisions and end-of-life care.
HIPAA Authorization: Grants your agent access to medical records.
Our Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate attorneys
A Last Will and Testament names an executor to settle your estate, designates beneficiaries, and appoints guardians for minor children. After you pass away, the will is submitted to the appropriate Texas probate court (often the county of your residence). The court supervises the executor as they pay debts, file taxes, and distribute assets per your instructions.
Our Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate attorneys
Texas is a community-property state, which means most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned. However, certain items—like heirlooms, gifts, and personal injury awards—may be classified as separate property. Our attorneys carefully trace each asset’s origin, negotiate fair distributions, and, if necessary, litigate contested property disputes to safeguard your financial interests.
A Revocable Living Trust holds title to assets you fund into it. Because the trust, not you personally, owns the property at death, those assets pass directly to beneficiaries without court supervision. This probate avoidance saves time (often months) and reduces administrative costs under Texas Estates Code § 22. That ensures a smoother transition for your heirs.
Probate in Texas involves:
Filing an application for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Notifying heirs and creditors.
Inventorying assets.
Paying valid debts and taxes.
Distributing remaining assets.
Average timeline: 4–12 months for uncontested estates; complex or contested cases can extend beyond a year.
A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) designates an agent to manage banking, real estate, and investments if you become incapacitated.
Without a DPOA, your family may need to petition the Texas guardianship court—an expensive, public process—to make basic financial decisions on your behalf.
Our Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate attorneys
A Medical Power of Attorney appoints someone to make healthcare decisions when you cannot. An Advance Directive (Living Will) specifies your treatment preferences—life support, feeding tubes, organ donation. Together, they ensure your healthcare wishes are followed under Texas Health & Safety Code § 166 and relieve loved ones of guesswork in emotional moments.
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3–5 years or after any major life event:
Marriage, divorce, or birth of a child
Acquisition or sale of significant assets (real estate, business interests)
Relocation to another state
Changes in tax laws affecting Texas estates
While DIY forms and online templates exist, they often omit critical Texas-specific provisions, leading to unintended tax consequences, contested wills, or dysfunctional trusts.
An experienced Texas estate planning attorney ensures all documents comply with the Texas Estates Code, accurately reflect your wishes, and withstand legal challenges.
Schedule a Free Consultation: Call (844) 759-9529 or submit a request online.
Initial Meeting: Discuss family goals, assets, and concerns.
- Plan Creation: We draft your customized wills, trusts, and directives.
Final Signing: Execute all documents with proper witnesses and notarization.
From start to finish, we guide you with clear advice and responsive support.
Still have more questions?
If you have other questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to help you find the answers you need!
Avoid Speaking with their attorney
Speaking to opposing counsel alone can unintentionally create admissions or misunderstandings that hurt your case. Without your attorney present, you risk agreeing to unfavorable terms, waiving rights, or saying something that could be used against you. Always let your lawyer lead those discussions.
Our top rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys are here for you.
Our Six-Step Estate Planning Process
Discovery & Goal Setting
Our top rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys in a detailed meeting, we will find out your needs and see how we can best meet your desires, values, and concerns.
Custom Drafting
Our top rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys supervise or prepare your wills, trusts, and directives—then refine them based on your feedback.
Risk Assessment & Strategy
Our top rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys assess potential liabilities and risks, such as probate or administrative pitfalls.
Execution & Notarization
Our top rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys coordinate signings with witnesses and notaries to satisfy Texas statutory requirements.
Funding & Transfer
Our top rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys help retitle assets into trusts and update beneficiary designations.
Review & Update
Our top rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys schedule periodic check-ins (or upon major life events) to keep your plan current.
What our clients say
My experience with the JW Zepeda Law Firm is a very positive one. Mr Zepeda is very easy to talk to and if you leave a message with them they get right back to you. Mr Zepeda lets you know everything up front from his experience with the law and your rights. Tells you about charges for his hire and ways to afford them. I like an upfront guy who gives it to you straight. Mature. I appreciate how he is helping me and I know he’ll do his best for you too. Please give him a call.
Susie G.
I like an upfront guy who gives it to you straight. Mature.
I was in need of an attorney to help me with some family matters. I called around and when I called Mr. Zepeda. He listened to me and gave me the best advice in regards to my needs.He listened and asked questions . He is a very caring and professional man. I would highly recommend his services. Thank you Mr.Z for your professional and your Service to our country.
Lina G.
He is a very caring and professional man. I would highly recommend...
I would definitely recommend JW Zepeda, he was patient with me, he was also straight forward and honest, he gave me great confidence in knowing that I was in good hands.
Llevelle H.
I would definitely recommend JW Zepeda, he was patient with me...
Working with JW was an absolute delight. We won!
If I had to use an attorney again, it would be JW!
Debbie H.
Working with JW was an absolute delight. We won!
We do not beg, plead, nor pay for reviews, that is why we do not have hundreds of reviews like some others… Ours are Real.
How to Prepare for Your First Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts and Probate Consultation
Getting ready for your first meeting with our Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys . The following steps help you get the most out of your time and ensures your attorney has the details they need to advise you effectively. Follow these simple steps:
Required For Service:
The High Cost of Failing to Plan: Why Families Are Torn Apart Each Year
Every year, thousands of families across the United States and Texas are torn apart—not by tragedy itself, but by what follows: the absence of an estate plan. The failure to prepare a will, trust, or probate strategy leaves loved ones in conflict, forcing courts to decide what should have been settled by clear instructions. Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys see these painful situations play out daily, and the heartbreak is avoidable.
Disputes Over Property and Assets
When someone dies without a will or trust, the state steps in with a “default” plan for distribution. This plan rarely reflects the person’s true wishes and often fuels conflict. Siblings disagree over homes, bank accounts, and even family heirlooms. Texas probate courts are full of contested cases where lifelong relationships fracture because no one took the time to plan ahead. By working with Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys, families can avoid these disputes by ensuring assets are transferred according to clear, legally binding documents.
The Burden of Probate
Probate is a lengthy, costly, and public process under the Texas Estates Code, which governs how assets are distributed and how courts manage estates without wills. Families in grief are suddenly drawn into court hearings, paperwork, and legal fees. With no plan in place, estates can be stuck in probate for months or years, draining resources and creating stress.
Each year, millions of Americans pass away without even a basic will, leaving behind chaos instead of clarity. Experienced probate counsel can streamline the process, reduce expenses, and minimize the emotional toll on loved ones. This is why working with Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys is so critical—they anticipate these hurdles and prevent them before they arise.
Strained Relationships and Emotional Fallout
Money, property, and grief create a dangerous combination. When instructions are unclear, even the closest families can turn on each other. Brothers and sisters accuse one another of greed or manipulation. Cousins stop speaking. Some spend more money fighting in court than the estate is worth. These conflicts often leave permanent scars. Estate planning is not just about protecting wealth; it’s about preserving peace and protecting relationships. Skilled attorneys ensure that disputes never gain traction by removing ambiguity and providing enforceable direction.
Financial Consequences for Survivors
Without planning, families often lose far more than they realize. Children may miss out on college funds. Spouses may lose property to creditors. Family businesses or farms are sold off to cover debts or settle disagreements. The absence of a plan can erase legacies built over generations. By consulting with Top Rated Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys, families secure not only financial stability but also continuity for the things that matter most—education, property, and heritage.
Planning as an Act of Love
The real tragedy of failing to plan is that it is entirely preventable. Drafting a will, establishing a trust, or setting out probate instructions is not only about money—it is about leaving the gift of clarity and peace to loved ones. The Federal Trade Commission’s guide on estate planning explains why taking early steps protects both assets and family harmony. Estate planning is one of the most compassionate steps a person can take. Instead of leaving behind conflict, they leave behind a legacy of care.
Our Texas Estate Planning Wills Trusts and Probate Attorneys are here for you.