Texas Estate Planning Attorney: Wills, Trusts & Probate
Texas Estate Planning Attorneys: Wills, Trusts & Probate Near You
We Understand What is at Stake- Do You?
Why Choose Our Texas Estate Planning Attorney: Wills, Trusts & Probate
At JW Zepeda Law Firm, PLLC, our mission is to provide every Texan with a clear, actionable estate plan that endures life’s uncertainties. As your dedicated Texas estate planning attorney, we blend deep legal expertise with a personal touch—ensuring your wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate processes are crafted precisely to protect your legacy, minimize taxes, and safeguard your loved ones.
Legal Minds, Wise Ways
We Adapt to Your Needs
Estate planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. We start by listening to your unique family goals, asset profiles, and concerns—then deliver tailored solutions grounded in decades of courtroom experience.
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Key Advantage At Our Firm
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80+ Years of Combined Experience managing complex estates throughout Texas.
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U.S. Marine Veteran Leadership: J.W. Zepeda brings military discipline and tenacity to every case.
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Multilingual Service: Fluent in English & Español.
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Trial-Ready Representation: Prepared to defend your plan if disputes arise.
A Highly Rated Firm
“JW was everything I needed in a lawyer when I was seeking legal advice and help. He's honest and unafraid of doing what's right. If ever again I find myself in need of legal assistance, I won't hesitate to call JW. Thank you, JW, for you service, not only to me, but to our country, as well.”
- Lauren H, Hill Country
Wills & Codicils
A will is the foundation of any estate plan.
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Designate guardians for minor children (with backup guardians).
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Specify distribution of real estate, investments, and personal belongings.
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Include digital-asset instructions (online accounts, cryptocurrency).
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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 time and expense.
Trust Formation & Funding
Trusts offer privacy, probate avoidance, and potential tax savings.
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Revocable Living Trusts: Maintain control while keeping assets out of probate.
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Irrevocable Trusts: Shield assets from creditors and reduce estate taxes.
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Special Needs Trusts: Provide for disabled loved ones without jeopardizing benefits.
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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.
Probate & Estate Administration
Navigating Texas probate requires precision and efficiency.
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File necessary court documents such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
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Inventory and appraise estate assets, from family homes to business interests.
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Notify creditors, pay valid debts, and handle tax filings (federal and state).
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Distribute assets to beneficiaries in compliance with your will or Texas law.
Our streamlined probate process reduces delays, avoids unnecessary fees, and relieves your family of administrative burdens.
Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives
Prepare for incapacity with clear, legally enforceable documents.
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Durable Power of Attorney for financial affairs.
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Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directives for health-care decisions.
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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.
Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
Our Six-Step Estate Planning Process
We believe that a transparent, collaborative approach yields the strongest estate plans.
1. Discovery & Goal Setting
In a detailed intake meeting, we map your family tree, assets, values, and concerns.
2. Risk Assessment & Strategy
We analyze potential liabilities, and probate pitfalls.
3. Custom Drafting
Senior attorneys prepare your wills, trusts, and directives—then refine them based on your feedback.
4. Execution & Notarization
We coordinate signings with witnesses and notaries to satisfy Texas statutory requirements.
5. Funding & Transfer
Our team helps retitle assets into trusts and update beneficiary designations.
6. Review & Update
We schedule periodic check-ins (or upon major life events) to keep your plan current.
This process ensures no detail is overlooked and gives you confidence in the durability of your plan.
J. Vaelzquez
I want to share my experience with JW Zepeda Law Firm because they truly made a difference during a very difficult time for me. I was just five days away from a trial, and after speaking with several attorneys, no one was willing to take my case because it seemed too challenging to handle in such a short time. However, JW Zepeda Law Firm not only agreed to help but fully committed themselves and worked tirelessly during those days.
From the very start, the attorney was upfront and honest about what I could expect, and that gave me a lot of confidence. Plus, for the level of professionalism, dedication, and effort they put into my case, I can honestly say their fees are more than fair and very competitive, especially compared to firms that charge significantly more.
Thanks to them, I now feel confident that my case is in the best hands.
If you need an attorney who truly cares about you and will represent you with integrity and expertise, don’t hesitate to reach out to JW Zepeda Law Firm.
Some Unsolicited Reviews
S. Aldrich
JW Zepeda Law Firm is absolutely the best choice you can make for retaining an attorney! I'm a client of his in a very complicated law suit, and he has shown me nothing less than 💯 compassion, patience and complete knowledge of the law and how it works!
Mr Zepeda always makes sure that I'm doing well before we discuss anything else. My personal well being is his first concern and everything else comes after that.
He brings his Christian morals and values into the situation but also brings the determination of a Marine veteran that doesn't know the meaning of quitting, giving up or ever taking anything less than complete justice requires and deserves...
He Will and Does treat every case as it was his own family and fights accordingly.
I rate him and the Law Firm a 5 star rating and Highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal advice or help with the confidence that you will only be extremely pleased and not disappointed at all. If you call or contact him and he's not available at that precise moment, he will without a doubt contact you back as soon as humanly possible. Do to him being such a great attorney he is also very busy.
He very often works on his own personal time which takes away from his family and their time together , but he does what it requires to do the best for the client. Unfortunately there are some people out there that don't acknowledge the fact that attorneys are people who have families and other important things outside of the office, but most people are considerate to the fact and more than not do respect it.
I thank JW and all of the staff at the Law Firm for taking excellent care of me, keeping me updated on everything happening, and fighting hard against any person harming innocent victims to bring them the justice they truly deserve.
I'll never have any other attorney besides the JW Zepeda Law Firm to handle any legal issues I might have in the future!! Great job guys!
L. Gonzalez
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.
Get to Know Us
"With A Servant's Heart, and Warrior's Spirit I Welcome You"
- JW Zepeda, President and Founder.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is estate planning and why is it important in Texas?
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.
2. What documents are included in a comprehensive Texas estate plan?
A full Texas estate plan typically includes:
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Last Will and Testament: Directs asset distribution and guardian appointments.
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Revocable Living Trust: Avoids probate and maintains privacy.
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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.
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HIPAA Authorization: Grants your agent access to medical records.
3. How does a Last Will and Testament work in Texas?
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.
4. What is the difference between a will and a trust?
Will: Becomes public record through probate; handles asset distribution and guardianship.
Trust: Particularly a Revocable Living Trust, avoids probate, keeps your affairs private, and can manage assets during incapacity.
In Texas, many clients use both—drafting a will that “pours over” assets into their trust and a trust to streamline administration and maintain privacy.
5. How can a Revocable Living Trust help avoid probate in Texas?
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.
6. What is the probate process in Texas and how long does it take?
Probate in Texas involves:
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Filing an application for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
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Notifying heirs and creditors.
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Inventorying assets.
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Paying valid debts and taxes.
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Distributing remaining assets.
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Average timeline: 4–12 months for uncontested estates; complex or contested cases can extend beyond a year.
7. What is a Durable Power of Attorney and why do I need one?
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.
8. What is a Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directive?
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.
9. How often should I review or update my estate plan?
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3–5 years or after any major life event:
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Marriage, divorce, or birth of a child
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Acquisition or sale of significant assets (real estate, business interests)
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Relocation to another state
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Changes in tax laws affecting Texas estates
10. Can I create or amend my Texas estate planning documents without a lawyer?
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.
11. How do I get started with JW Zepeda Law Firm for my Texas estate plan?
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Schedule a Free Consultation: Call (844) 759-9529 or submit a request online.
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Initial Meeting: Discuss family goals, assets, and concerns.
- Plan Creation: We draft your customized wills, trusts, and directives.
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Final Signing: Execute all documents with proper witnesses and notarization.
From start to finish, we guide you with clear advice and responsive support.
