Estate Planning for Medina County, Texas Property Owners

For most Medina 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 Medina County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the County Clerk (Probate Division). The two tools that keep a Medina 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, Medina County property passes through the County Clerk (Probate Division) — 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 Medina County

A transfer on death deed names a beneficiary who receives Medina 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 Medina County are recorded with the County Clerk in Hondo, TX 78861.

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

Recording Office Record

County Clerk

Medina 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 Medina County

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

Solo PracticeSan Antonio, TX

The Jacobson Law Firm, P.C.

Since 1985 · Serves 7 counties

Family-owned San Antonio practice serving Bexar, Kendall, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Uvalde, and Medina counties since 1985. Dana Jacobson advises executors, trustees, heirs, and beneficiaries through probate, including estates with no will and probating a lost or improperly executed will, and prepares wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Also handles military and security clearance matters.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateBusiness LawMilitary Lawand 4 more

Office
6391 De Zavala Rd, Ste 301San Antonio, TX 78249

Solo PracticeSan Antonio, TX

Wincott Law Firm, P.C.

Serves 8 counties

San Antonio practice near Loop 410 and Broadway serving Bexar County and seven surrounding counties. Represents executors and administrators, obtains letters testamentary, and handles heirship matters, after-death property transfers, and real estate deeds, alongside wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Attorney Tammy L. Wincott is an Air Force veteran; most matters are flat-fee.

PracticesEstate PlanningEstate AdministrationProbateHeirship Declarationsand 4 more

Office
900 NE Loop 410, Building D, Suite 410San Antonio, TX 78209
Virtual consultations

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

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
See all 8 firms serving Medina 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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