Estate Planning for Caldwell County, Texas Property Owners

For most Caldwell County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a Caldwell County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the County Court at Law. The two tools that keep a Caldwell County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Clerk, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Caldwell County property passes through the County Court at Law — even simple Texas probates run 4+ months and start with $360 in filing fees. Texas also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Caldwell County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Caldwell County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Clerk during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, a Texas transfer on death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentTex. Estates Code 114.001 to 114.106Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathTex. Estates Code 114.001 to 114.106Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a TexasTOD deed →Caldwell Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Caldwell County are recorded with the County Clerk in Lockhart, TX 78644.

The County Clerk charges $25 for the first page plus $4 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page transfer on death deed in Caldwell County comes to $29. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Recording Office Record

County Clerk

Caldwell County

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$25
Each additional page$4
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 118.011(a)(2), § 118.0216, § 118.025

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 8, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Caldwell County

FirmSan Marcos, TX

David K. Sergi & Associates, P.C.

Since 1993 · Serves 6 counties

Founded in 1993, Sergi & Associates handles estate planning and probate administration for individuals in Hays County and the surrounding Central Texas counties. Prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives, helps executors and administrators settle estates, and handles will contests.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationPower Of AttorneyTrusts

Office
329 S Guadalupe StSan Marcos, TX 78666

FirmAustin, TX

Eccles, McIntosh & Paymaster, PC

Serves 5 counties

Austin firm on W. 16th Street working primarily in Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties, and case by case across Central Texas and the major metros. The attorneys handle dependent and independent administrations, intestate estates, heirship determinations in probate court, muniment of title, affidavits of heirship, and annual accountings. Two partners are also CPAs.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 8 more

Office
506 W. 16th St.Austin, TX 78701

FirmAustin, TX

Law Office of Todd A. Wilson

Serves 6 counties

Austin firm on South MoPac serving Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Blanco, and Caldwell counties. Handles probate administration — including flat-fee uncontested probate and probate by Zoom or submission — trust administration, and will and trust contests, alongside wills, trusts, and special needs planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 5 more

Office
4425 S Mopac Expy, Bldg II Ste 201Austin, TX 78735
Free consultation

FirmDallas, TX

Ford+Bergner LLP

Serves 4 counties

Boutique estate-law firm whose Dallas office sits downtown on Main Street, with Houston and Austin offices and fourteen attorneys. Handles probate administration, fiduciary services, contested guardianships, and estate, trust, and guardianship litigation, and says it has worked in 112 of Texas' 254 counties. Free consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationTrust Litigationand 3 more

Office
901 Main Street, 33rd FloorDallas, TX 75202
Free consultation

FirmSan Antonio, TX

Hailey-Petty Law Firm, PLLC

Serves 7 counties

San Antonio and Austin firm handling independent and dependent administration, muniment of title, small estate affidavits, letters testamentary, and trust administration for families across Bexar, Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties. Also handles guardianship and Medicaid crisis planning. Free 45-minute estate planning and probate consultations.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationTrust AdministrationProbateand 2 more

Office
17721 Rogers Ranch Parkway, Suite 130San Antonio, TX 78258
Free consultation

Solo PracticeSan Antonio, TX

Law Offices of Ryan Reiffert, PLLC

Serves 2 counties

San Antonio attorney handling estate matters for business owners and families in Bexar County, with a San Marcos office by appointment. Covers probate and its alternatives — affidavits of heirship, small estate affidavits, and muniment of title — plus trust administration, wills, trusts, asset protection, and business succession planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax Planningand 6 more

Office
8118 Datapoint DrSan Antonio, TX 78229
See all 14 firms serving Caldwell County→

Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.

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