Estate Planning for Johnson County, Texas Property Owners

For most Johnson 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 Johnson County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the County Clerk Court Section. The two tools that keep a Johnson 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 Clerk Court Section 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 Johnson County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Johnson 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.

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Johnson County are recorded with the County Clerk in Cleburne, TX 76033.

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

Recording Office Record

County Clerk

Johnson 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

Verified July 14, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Johnson County

Solo PracticeWeatherford, TX

Gary F. Westenhover, Attorney at Law

Serves 8 counties

Weatherford solo practice on South Main Street with more than 40 years in the North Texas courts. Maintains an active probate litigation practice across Parker, Palo Pinto, Jack, Johnson, Tarrant, Wise, Hood, and Erath counties, and handles estate administration, guardianship, and wills and trusts. Gary F. Westenhover is board certified in estate planning and probate law.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateGuardianshipand 3 more

Office
101 South Main StreetWeatherford, TX 76086

FirmFort Worth, TX

Katten Benson Zachry Golightly, LLP

Serves 4 counties

Fort Worth elder law and estate planning firm serving Tarrant County and North Central Texas. Handles probate after a death, including independent administration, heirship determination, the 90-day inventory, and creditor notice, plus guardianship, Medicaid and long-term care planning, and supplemental needs trusts. All of its attorneys belong to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawGuardianshipand 3 more

Office
4763 Barwick Drive, Suite 100Fort Worth, TX 76132

FirmGranbury, TX

The Law Offices of Rob Christian

Serves 6 counties

Granbury firm serving Hood, Parker, Johnson, Bosque, and Erath counties, alongside a criminal defense practice. Handles probate, muniment of title for small estates, and out-of-court heirship affidavits, plus wills, trusts including special needs trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipPower Of Attorneyand 2 more

Office
1405 West Pearl StreetGranbury, TX 76048
Free consultation

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
See all 9 firms serving Johnson 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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