Estate Planning for McLennan County, Texas Property Owners

For most McLennan 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 McLennan County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the County Judge Probate Court. The two tools that keep a McLennan 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, McLennan County property passes through the County Judge Probate Court — 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 McLennan County

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

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for McLennan County are recorded with the County Clerk in Waco, TX 76701.

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

Recording Office Record

County Clerk

McLennan 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 McLennan County

FirmKilleen, TX

Michalk, Beatty & Alcozer, L.P.

Serves 6 counties

Bell County probate practice in Killeen, where Jay R. Beatty personally handles each probate case from filing through closing — wills, intestate estates, contested estates, and muniment of title. Also builds revocable living trusts for clients who want property to pass outside probate. Hablamos espanol; serves Fort Cavazos families across Central Texas.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 2 more

Office
3106 S W S Young Drive, Building D, Suite 401Killeen, TX 76542
Free consultationVirtual consultations

FirmWaco, TX

Milam & Fanning, PLLC

Serves 4 counties

Waco firm on Austin Avenue serving McLennan County, including Lorena and the Baylor University area, and appearing in the McLennan County Courthouse. Its estate planning work covers wills, trusts, transfer-on-death deeds, directives to physicians, and guardianship designations for children and vulnerable adults.

PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipTrustsWills

Office
1521 Austin Ave.Waco, TX 76701

FirmWaco, TX

Rainey & Rainey Attorneys At Law PLLC

Serves 8 counties

Waco elder law and estate planning firm serving McLennan County and the surrounding Central Texas counties, with a second office in Georgetown. Handles Medicaid planning, guardianship, probate, heirship proceedings, Miller trusts, and special needs trusts, plus wills and powers of attorney. Elisa Dillard Rainey is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA).

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawGuardianshipand 5 more

Office
3809 W. Waco DriveWaco, TX 76710

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 McLennan 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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