Estate Planning for Hockley County, Texas Property Owners

For most Hockley 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 Hockley 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 Hockley 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.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Hockley County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Hockley County are recorded with the County Clerk in Levelland, TX 79336.

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 Hockley County. A transfer on death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Recording Office Record

County Clerk

Hockley 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 Hockley County

FirmLubbock, TX

Beck Law Firm PLLC

Serves 6 counties

Lubbock firm serving Lubbock County and the surrounding South Plains, handling wills, trusts, estate tax planning, and probate alongside business and real estate work. Of Counsel Samuel Hawthorne is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both Estate Planning and Probate Law and Tax Law, and is also a licensed CPA.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateTax PlanningBusiness Lawand 2 more

Office
4910 Lakeridge DrLubbock, TX 79424

Solo PracticeLubbock, TX

Law Offices of Lee Franks

Serves 7 counties

Lubbock elder law practice serving Lubbock County and the surrounding South Plains counties. Handles probate, proving a will and transferring property to beneficiaries or determining heirs when there is no will, plus Medicaid planning and MERP, estate and disability planning, wills, and statutory durable and medical powers of attorney. Free 30-minute consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawSpecial Needs Planningand 4 more

Office
3330 70th Street, Suite 201Lubbock, TX 79413
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

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

FirmFrisco, TX

Jordan Monk Reber, PC

Since 1994 · Serves the whole state

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

Office
3211 Internet Blvd., Suite 230Frisco, TX 75034

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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