Estate Planning for Gillespie County, Texas Property Owners

For most Gillespie 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 Gillespie 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 Gillespie 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, Gillespie 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 Gillespie County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Gillespie County are recorded with the County Clerk in Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

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

Recording Office Record

County Clerk

Gillespie 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 Gillespie County

Solo PracticeKerrville, TX

John W. Carlson & Associates

Since 2001 · Serves 4 counties

Kerrville solo practice serving Kerr County and the surrounding Texas Hill Country counties since 2001. Handles probate and trust administration, guardianships, and estate planning, and also takes real estate, business entity, and civil litigation work. John W. Carlson is board certified in estate planning and probate law and bills at a set hourly rate.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateGuardianshipTrusts

Office
260 Thompson Drive, Suite 10Kerrville, TX 78028

Solo PracticeBoerne, TX

Law Office of Lasca A. Arnold, PLLC

Serves 7 counties

Boerne practice in the Texas Hill Country serving Kendall, Bexar, Comal, and Kerr counties, limited to estate planning and probate administration. Lasca Arnold takes executors through probate for letters testamentary, determination of heirship and letters of administration, muniment of title, and small estate affidavits. Free consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateAsset ProtectionPower Of Attorneyand 2 more

Office
140 E Bandera RdBoerne, TX 78006
Free consultation

FirmFredericksburg, TX

Schoessow Law Firm, PLLC

Serves 6 counties

Fredericksburg law firm handling estate planning, probate, real estate, and business matters in the Texas Hill Country. Chris C. Schoessow is board certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization; Gayle D. Schoessow also practises with the firm.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawReal Estate

Office
1325 E. Main StreetFredericksburg, TX 78624

Solo PracticeFredericksburg, TX

The Parker Law Firm

Since 2005 · Serves 6 counties

Fredericksburg law firm focused on estate and business planning, business and real estate transactions, and probate and trust administration. Attorney Eric Parker is board certified in estate planning and probate law and has served the Texas Hill Country since 2005.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateGuardianshipand 2 more

Office
905 S. Adams StreetFredericksburg, TX 78624

Solo PracticeLaredo, TX

The J.M. Dickerson Law Firm PLLC

Serves 5 counties

Laredo firm serving Webb and Zapata counties since 1995, with a second office in New Braunfels. Joseph Michael Dickerson is board certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and handles probate court filings, creditor and beneficiary notice, asset inventories, and distribution, plus wills, trusts, and business formation.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateTax PlanningAsset ProtectionBusiness Formation

Office
2 Lindenwood Dr.Laredo, TX 78045
Free consultation

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
See all 9 firms serving Gillespie 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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