Estate Planning
Most Texans don’t have a will. Their families pay the price.
We make it simple to protect what you’ve built — so your family gets your legacy, not a courthouse.
Start now — before the decision gets made for you.
Your Last Word — Honored
A will isn’t just a document. It’s your final act of love. Without one, a Texas probate judge decides who gets your home, your savings, and your heirlooms. We make sure you decide — not the court.
Skip Probate Completely
Probate in Texas can take 12–24 months and cost 3–5% of your estate. A revocable living trust bypasses the court entirely. Your family gets what you leave them quickly, privately, and without a fight.
Stay in Control — Always
If something happens to you tomorrow, who handles your bank accounts? Your medical decisions? Without a Power of Attorney, your family needs a court order to help you. A properly drafted POA prevents all of that.
Lady Bird Deed — The Texas Secret Weapon
A Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed) lets you pass your home directly to your heirs — no probate, no court, no cost. You keep full control of the property while you’re alive. When you pass, it transfers automatically. This is one of the most powerful and underused estate planning tools in Texas, and most attorneys never even mention it.
No Plan = The Courts Decide. Not You.
When someone dies without a will in Texas, the state’s intestacy laws take over. That means a judge — who never met you — decides who gets your house, your savings, your business, and your personal property. Your family gets dragged through probate court for months. Legal fees eat into the estate. And sometimes, the people you love most end up with nothing. All of it is avoidable. One afternoon with us changes everything.
Texas State Bar
NAELA Member
Elder Law Attorney
The Woodlands, TX
Straightforward Answers. Personalized Plans. Zero Runaround.
“I’ve helped hundreds of Texas families get their affairs in order — from simple wills to complex trust structures. My job is to make this easy, affordable, and done right the first time. You should know exactly what you’re getting and why.”
Richard Shea — Texas Elder Law Attorney, The Woodlands, TX
What Our Clients Say
Average 4.9 Rating Across Texas
“I had been putting off my will for years. Richard made the whole process fast, clear, and surprisingly affordable. We finished everything in two visits.”
Sandra M., The Woodlands, TX
“Richard explained every document in plain English. No legal jargon, no pressure. My husband and I finally feel like our family is protected.”
Deborah K., Conroe, TX
“Before I even retained Shea Law Firm’s services, Richard responded to my emails just to be helpful. He goes above and beyond for every client.”
Steffanie J., Dallas, TX
“Rich answered every question I had and never made me feel rushed. When my mom passed, we didn’t have to worry about a single thing because everything was already in order. That peace of mind is priceless.” — Michelle S., Humble, TX
3-Step Process
Strategy Call
We listen first. No jargon, no pressure. We explain exactly what you need, what it costs, and what happens if you don’t act. You leave with clarity.
Custom Document Package
We draft your Will, Trust, Powers of Attorney, and Lady Bird Deed — tailored to Texas law and your specific family situation. Nothing generic.
Signed. Protected. Done.
You leave with fully executed documents and complete peace of mind. We don’t just hand you papers — we make sure you understand every single one.
Probate-Free Transfers
A Lady Bird Deed passes your home directly to your heirs with zero court involvement. Your family skips the legal system entirely.
No Estate Too Small
If you own a home, a car, or a bank account in Texas — you need a plan. We work with families at every income level.
Documents Done in Days
No months-long process. We move fast because we know your family can’t afford to wait. Most plans are completed within 1–2 weeks.
Your Complete Texas Estate Plan
Everything your family needs, prepared by a Texas-licensed elder law attorney who does this every day.
- Last Will & Testament
- Revocable Living Trust
- Durable Power of Attorney (Financial)
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Directive to Physicians (Living Will)
- Lady Bird Deed (Real Property Transfer)
- HIPAA Authorization
Protect Your Legacy Now
One call is all it takes. We’ll tell you exactly what you need and what it costs — no surprise fees, no pressure.
Serving The Woodlands & All of Texas
Don’t leave your family with a mess. Leave them a plan.
Every day without an estate plan is a risk your family is carrying for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will if I already have a living trust?
Yes — and here’s why. A trust only controls assets that have been transferred into it. A “pour-over will” catches anything you forgot to transfer and funnels it into the trust at your death. Without it, those assets go through probate. Both documents work together.
What is a Lady Bird Deed and do I need one in Texas?
A Lady Bird Deed (also called an Enhanced Life Estate Deed) lets you transfer your home to your heirs automatically when you pass — without probate. You keep full ownership and control while you’re alive. If you own a home in Texas, you almost certainly want one.
How much does estate planning cost in Texas?
It varies based on what you need, but our goal is to make this affordable for every Texas family. We’re transparent about fees upfront — no hourly surprises. Most complete estate plans are far less than people expect. Call us and we’ll give you a real number.
What happens if I die without a will in Texas?
Texas’s intestacy laws decide who gets your assets — not you. If you’re married with children from a prior relationship, the results can be especially painful for your surviving spouse. The court doesn’t know your wishes, your family dynamics, or what you would have wanted.
How long does it take to complete my estate plan?
Most clients complete their full estate plan within 1–2 weeks of the initial strategy call. We move quickly because we know delays create risk. You don’t need to come in multiple times — we make this efficient and respect your time.
Can I use a DIY will or online legal service?
You can — but the savings often aren’t worth the risk. Texas has specific signing and witnessing requirements. A will that doesn’t meet them is invalid. We’ve seen online wills cause expensive probate problems for families. An hour with an attorney is a small price for certainty.