For most Gonzales 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.
For a Gonzales County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the County Court. The two tools that keep a Gonzales 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 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.
A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Gonzales 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Gonzales County are recorded with the County Clerk in Gonzales, TX 78629.
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 Gonzales County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Recording Office Record
Gonzales County
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $25 |
| Each additional page | $4 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 118.011(a)(2), § 118.0216, § 118.025
Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
FirmSeguin, TX
Established in 2019, Texas Horizons Law Group offers estate planning and probate services on a flat-fee basis from offices in Seguin and New Braunfels. Over 80 years of combined legal experience in estate planning, probate, real estate, business, and oil and gas law.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness SuccessionPower Of AttorneyTrusts
Solo PracticeLaredo, TX
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
Solo PracticeRockwall, TX
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
FirmBeaumont, TX
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
FirmAustin, TX
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
FirmFrisco, TX
Frisco firm established in 1994 serving Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties, including clients settling a Texas estate from out of state. Its seven lawyers counsel executors through estate administration and probate, prepare death tax and fiduciary income tax returns, and resolve estate and trust conflicts. Most partners are board certified in estate planning and probate law.
PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 2 more
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.
Data sourced from Texas statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Texas.
Forms and tools for property owners in Gonzales County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Texas.
