Dallas, Texas
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney and probate for Dallas families, explained step by step by a board-certified Texas estate planning attorney.
Allan Tarleton · Board Certified, Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization · U.S. Marine Corps veteran
Client reviews
“Alan and his staff were very courteous and professional in handling a legal matter for us. They were easy to reach by phone and email, and followed through with our needs. Great law firm – I would highly recommend them.”
R & S Reeves
“Making necessary decisions in the event of your death is never a pleasant topic, but Mr. Tarleton walked us through each step with care and common sense. He explained complicated concepts in simple terms. This experience was definitely made easier because we chose Tarleton Law Firm to take care of these tasks for us.”
Emily
What we prepare
An estate plan is the set of documents that says who gets your property, who handles your affairs, and who makes decisions for you if you can’t. These are the documents we prepare most often.
A will says who receives your property and who settles your estate. That person is called your executor. In Texas, a will must be in writing, signed, and witnessed by two people age 14 or older (Texas Estates Code §251.051).
A living trust holds your property under rules you set while you’re alive and after you pass. A trust you fund during life can keep those assets out of probate court. Learn more about wills and trusts.
This document names someone, called your agent, to handle your money and property if you become unable to. It has to say it stays in effect if you become incapacitated (Estates Code §751.0021).
This names someone to make health care decisions for you when you can’t speak for yourself (Health and Safety Code §166.164).
Often called a living will, this tells your doctors and family what treatment you want near the end of life (Health and Safety Code §166.033).
A signed, witnessed declaration names who should raise your children if you can’t (Estates Code §1104.152).
Probate is the court process that confirms a will and gives someone legal authority to settle an estate. Our Dallas probate lawyer page explains how it works.
Texas law
You can make a will if you’re of sound mind and at least 18, married, or serving in the military (Estates Code §251.001). The will has to be in writing, signed by you, and signed by two witnesses who are at least 14 (§251.051).
We also add a self-proving affidavit. That is a notarized statement signed by you and your witnesses. It lets the court accept your will later without calling the witnesses to testify (§251.102). Read more about whether wills need to be notarized in Texas.
A valid Texas will is
Dallas County
When someone who lived in Dallas County passes away, their will is filed in Dallas County (Estates Code §33.001). Dallas County has three probate courts that only hear estate, guardianship and related cases. All three sit in the George Allen Courts Building at 600 Commerce Street, 7th floor, in downtown Dallas. The County Clerk’s probate division, which keeps the court files and wills, is on the same floor.
Most wills we write name an independent executor. That lets your executor settle the estate with much less court supervision (§401.001). If the estate owes no debts other than a mortgage, the court can admit the will as a muniment of title. That is a shortcut that transfers property to your heirs without appointing an executor at all (§257.001).
Timing matters. A will generally has to be filed for probate within four years of the death (§256.003). While you’re alive, you can also store your original will with the Dallas County Clerk for safekeeping (§252.001).
Outside Dallas County?
Frisco families file with the Collin County Probate Court in McKinney. Terrell and Kaufman County estates are heard by the County Judge or County Court at Law No. 2 in Kaufman. Visit our Terrell estate planning attorney page.
Where Dallas wills are filed
Dallas County Probate Courts
George Allen Courts Building
600 Commerce St, 7th floor
Dallas, TX 75202
Eight steps, 4 to 6 weeks
From your first call to your signing day, we walk you through every step. Most plans are finished within 4 to 6 weeks, with faster options available.
Before we begin, we outline the scope of work and fees, so you know exactly what to expect.
We gather key details about you, your family and your goals.
We prepare your documents based on your wishes and any special situations.
You read the drafts and ask for any changes.
We keep adjusting until you’re comfortable with every detail.
A one-hour meeting where we review everything together and sign with witnesses and a notary.
If your plan includes a trust, we help you move assets into it.
You receive bound originals, digital copies and a flash drive.
About the firm
FAQ
No law requires one, but a will that misses a formality can fail. An attorney makes sure yours meets the Texas requirements and adds a self-proving affidavit. See can you write your own will in Texas.
No. A will still goes through probate court. A funded living trust, beneficiary designations and transfer on death deeds can keep some assets out of probate. See can probate be avoided in Texas.
In Dallas County, where the person lived (Estates Code §33.001). The three Dallas County probate courts are in the George Allen Courts Building at 600 Commerce Street.
Most plans are finished within 4 to 6 weeks, with faster options available.
Texas law decides who inherits, based on your family (Estates Code Chapter 201). Read what happens if you die without a will in Texas.
At our Dallas office in The Gild, 8150 N Central Expressway, Suite 1150.
The Gild, Dallas
8150 N Central Expy, Suite 1150, Dallas, TX 75206 (inside The Gild, off US-75 near Caruth Haven Ln). Park in the attached garage and take the elevators to the 11th floor.
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Book a free consultation. We’ll listen to your goals and explain your options, with no pressure to decide that day.
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Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The information on this page is general information about Texas law, not legal advice for your situation.
