What Does Estate Planning Cost in Texas?
Compare estate planning costs across providers in Texas. See how life events affect your total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Estate planning costs in Texas vary by provider. Online services range from $30-$600 upfront plus ongoing fees. Attorneys in Texas charge around $413/hour for trusts, putting attorney-prepared trust costs between $4,130 and $6,195 for an individual plan.
Major life events like marriage, divorce, or having a child often require updating your estate plan. Some providers require purchasing an entirely new plan, while others offer amendments. Attorney amendments in Texas typically cost $1,652 to $3,304 for major changes.
Online services have lower upfront costs ($30-$600) compared to attorneys in Texas (around $413/hour for trusts). However, total lifetime cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and how often life events require updates. This calculator compares the full cost across providers.
Many online estate planning services charge annual subscription fees ranging from $0 to $240/year. These subscriptions may include document access, minor amendments, or attorney consultations depending on the provider and tier.
Trusts cost more upfront than wills but can save money long-term by avoiding probate. In Texas, an attorney-prepared trust typically costs $4,130 to $6,195, while a will costs $1,161 to $2,322. Wills require probate, which adds about $30,659 in costs for heirs on a $500,000 estate. See a detailed breakdown with the Texas trust cost calculator.
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Texas costs about $30,659 — roughly 6% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and publication costs.Tex. Est. Code §§ 205.001/205.006 (small estate), 256.003 (4-year will filing deadline), 257.001 (muniment of title), 305.101 (bond), 308.051 (publication), 352.002 (executor commission; cash-flow base with § 352.002(b) exclusions and 5% gross-FMV cap), 352.051 (attorney fees), 355.001 (general claim presentment), 355.060 (121-day claim bar), 401.001-401.003 (independent administration); Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code § 135.102 (consolidated probate filing fee, S.B. 41 2021); re-verified 2026-07-14 against tcss.legis.texas.gov (codified Estates Code text)Verified Jul 14, 2026 Estates with a trust can bypass probate entirely, potentially saving heirs thousands of dollars. Estimate probate fees with the Texas probate calculator.
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New Baby or Adoption
Your family is growing. Your protection should too. Guardian nominations, trusts for minors, beneficiary updates, and the documents new parents need in place.
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Marriage
What married couples need in place: one joint trust or two, wills, beneficiary updates, and the spousal rights your state grants you automatically.
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New Home
How to put your house in a revocable trust: the deed you record, what it does to your mortgage and property taxes, and when a TOD deed is simpler.
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Retirement
Retirement changes your financial picture. Healthcare directives, beneficiary reviews, long-term care planning, and protecting what you've built.
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