Estate Planning · DFW · Austin · Houston
Texas Wills & Estate Planning Attorneys
Putting off a will doesn't make the decisions go away — it just leaves them to Texas law instead of to you. Dooley Noted Law helps Texas families create clear, valid wills that reflect their actual wishes, not a default the state fills in for them.
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We'll walk you through your options, rights, and next steps under Texas law — no pressure, no runaround.
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Wills in Texas
Why Does Every Texas Adult Need a Will?
If you die without a valid will in Texas, state intestacy law decides who gets what — not you. Depending on your family situation, that can mean assets going to relatives you wouldn't have chosen, or a surviving spouse receiving less than you'd expect. A Texas will lets you name your own beneficiaries, choose an executor you trust, and designate guardians for any minor children.
Wills aren't just for people with significant assets. Anyone with property, dependents, or specific wishes about how their affairs should be handled benefits from having one in place — and having one drafted correctly matters just as much as having one at all.
At Dooley Noted Law, we draft Texas wills that are legally sound and written in plain language, so your family understands your wishes instead of guessing at them.
SERVICES
What We Handle
Last Will & Testament Drafting
We prepare a last will and testament in Texas tailored to your assets, family structure, and specific wishes.
Executor Selection & Guidance
We help you choose an executor and clarify what that role actually involves, so there's no confusion when the time comes.
Guardianship Designations
For parents of minor children, we help you name guardians and structure the will to reflect who you want raising your kids if the unexpected happens.
Will Updates & Amendments
Life changes — marriage, divorce, a new child, a new asset. We help clients update an existing will so it still reflects their current wishes.
Coordination With Other Estate Documents
We make sure your will works alongside other estate planning tools, like trusts and powers of attorney.
Will Contests & Disputes
If a Texas will is being challenged — or you believe one should be — we help clients understand their options and represent them through the process.
What Makes a Will Valid in Texas?
Texas has specific requirements for a will to be legally enforceable. Generally, the person making the will must be at least 18 (or otherwise legally qualified), of sound mind, and the will must be in writing and signed. Most wills also require two witnesses who watched the signing and signed the document themselves.
Texas is one of the few states that also recognizes holographic wills — handwritten wills that don't require witnesses, as long as they're entirely in the testator's own handwriting and signed. While these can be valid, they're also more likely to raise questions later about intent or authenticity, which is part of why most attorneys recommend a formally drafted and witnessed will instead.
Without meeting the applicable requirements, a will can be challenged or set aside entirely — which defeats the purpose of having one in the first place.
What to Expect Working With Dooley Noted
You'll work directly with your attorney, who will walk through your assets, your family situation, and your specific wishes before drafting anything. We explain your options in plain language and make sure the final document actually reflects what you want — not a generic template.
We handle Texas estate planning for clients across DFW, Austin, and Houston, with a virtual-first approach that lets consultations, document review, and signing logistics happen without requiring time off work.
Ready to Move Forward?
Tell us about your situation. We'll review your case and be in touch soon.
Payment collected at booking.
Initial Consultation
We review your assets, family situation, and specific wishes to understand what the will needs to cover.
Draft the Will
We prepare a will that names your beneficiaries, executor, and any guardians for minor children.
Review & Revise
You review the draft and we make any adjustments needed before it's finalized.
Signing & Witnessing
We coordinate signing with the required witnesses so your will meets Texas legal requirements.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Why Our Families Trust Dooley Noted Law
★★★★★
"I was very pleased with my outcome and follow through. I would definitely recommend this law office to friends and family."
Michele M.
★★★★★
“My entire experience with Dooley Noted Law was above and beyond what I expected. I was given precise, clear instructions and direction in return my questions, of which there were many, were responded to quickly and explicitly."
Sandy D.
★★★★★
"Everything was great! Very quick and efficient, great communication along the way! I really can't say enough positive things!! Thank you!!!"
Joseph M.
READY TO MOVE FORWARD?
Get the Legal Guidance You Need to Protect Your Family's Future
Contact Dooley Noted Law for a free case review, or book a consultation directly with a licensed Texas estate planning attorney.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Wills in Texas
Not finding your answer here? Schedule a free case review and we'll walk you through your specific situation.
What happens if I die without a will in Texas?
Texas intestacy law determines how your assets are distributed, based on your family situation — not your personal preferences.
Do I need a will if I already have a trust?
Often, yes. A will and a trust generally serve different purposes, and a will can still cover assets or situations a trust doesn't address.
Can I write my own will in Texas?
Texas does recognize certain handwritten (holographic) wills, but self-drafted wills are more likely to face challenges over validity or interpretation than a properly drafted and witnessed one.
How often should I update my will?
It's worth revisiting after major life events — marriage, divorce, a new child, or a significant change in assets — to make sure it still reflects your wishes.
What's the difference between a will and probate?
A will states your wishes; probate is the court process that carries them out after death. Having a valid will can make Texas probate more straightforward.