Estate Planning for Ellis County, Texas Property Owners

For most Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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.

Skipping this planning step means the County Court at Law decides who receives the property: a simple Texas probate takes 4+ months and opens with $360 in court 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 Ellis County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Ellis 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 →Ellis Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Ellis County are recorded with the County Clerk in Waxahachie, TX 75165.

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

Recording Office Record

County Clerk

Ellis 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 July 14, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Ellis County

FirmDallas, TX

Pyke Balen & Moncure, P.C.

Since 2000 · Serves 6 counties

Operates from Dallas and Frisco, handling probate administration, will and trust contests, guardianship, and Medicaid planning in the Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, and Rockwall county courts. Since 2000 the firm has managed hundreds of estates, from straightforward will probates to disputed multi-million-dollar matters, quoting fixed fees where possible.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 3 more

Office
7557 Rambler Road, Suite 850Dallas, TX 75231

FirmCedar Park, TX

Robbins Estate Law

Serves 5 counties

Estate planning and probate firm based in Cedar Park with six more offices across Austin, Round Rock, Bellaire, and Arlington. Handles probate administration and avoidance, muniment of title, small estate affidavits, trust administration, guardianship, will contests, and breach of fiduciary duty claims. Eight attorneys split between planning and probate teams.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 7 more

Office
13625 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Bldg 5, Ste 200Cedar Park, TX 78613
Free consultation

Solo PracticeMcAllen, TX

The Almaguer Law Firm

Serves 6 counties

Rio Grande Valley firm in McAllen serving Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy counties, with a second office in Dallas. Sharon Almaguer has practiced for more than 35 years and handles probate of wills, guardianship proceedings, elder law, and special needs planning. Virtual and in-person consultations are available by appointment in Edinburg, Brownsville, Port Isabel, and Harlingen.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawGuardianshipand 3 more

Office
801 E. Fern Ave, Suite 139McAllen, TX 78501
Virtual consultations

Solo PracticeRockwall, TX

The Cramer Law Group

Since 1994 · Serves the whole state

Rockwall solo practice serving Rockwall, Dallas, Kaufman, and Collin counties, and Texas statewide since 1994. Michael Cramer drafts wills, revocable living trusts, and special needs trusts, handles trust administration, and litigates will and trust contests. Services are offered in English and Spanish, and the initial case evaluation is complimentary.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTrust Litigationand 3 more

Office
2255 Ridge Road, Suite 208Rockwall, TX 75087
Free consultation

FirmBeaumont, TX

Germer PLLC

Serves the whole state

Beaumont-headquartered Texas firm whose estate group serves Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties from its home office. Principals Christopher D. Leavins and Gary W. Coker advise executors, trustees, and beneficiaries on settling estates and managing trusts, handle guardianships, and litigate will contests and trust disputes. Offices in five Texas cities.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 2 more

Office
550 Fannin, Suite 400Beaumont, TX 77701

FirmAustin, TX

Jackson Walker LLP

Serves the whole state

Texas firm whose Trusts & Estates group works from six offices statewide, including Austin, for families, family offices, and closely held businesses. Handles probate, trust, and guardianship administration, fiduciary advice to executors and trustees, and trusts and estates litigation, alongside wealth transfer, business succession, and charitable planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 5 more

Office
100 Congress Avenue, Suite 1100Austin, TX 78701
See all 7 firms serving Ellis 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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