Your attorney
Catherine Calder
Founding partner · 22 years in practice · English
“Most people put off their will because it feels heavy. I try to make it feel like a relief instead.”
Fictional attorney · stock photo
Wills & trusts
A will your family can actually follow
You’ve been meaning to do this. Most families finish in two short meetings and one signing appointment, and we tell you the flat fee before we start.
- Typical starting fee
- Will package from $850
- First meeting
- 30 minutes, $150, credited to your fee if you hire us
Start here
Before your first meeting
- Make a rough list of what you own and what you owe: your home, bank and retirement accounts, life insurance and vehicles.
- Think about who you’d trust to be in charge (your executor) and, if you have children under 18, who would raise them.
- Bring any old will or trust, and the deed to your home if you have it.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. That’s what the meeting is for.
How we help
What we can do for you
Wills
Say who receives your property and who will settle your estate. Name a guardian for young children.
Living trusts
Keep your estate out of probate and out of the public record. Helpful if you own property in more than one state or have a blended family.
Powers of attorney
Choose who can handle your money and your medical decisions if you can’t.
Directive to physicians
Write down your wishes about end-of-life care, so your family doesn’t have to guess.
Transfer on death deeds
Pass your home straight to someone you choose, without probate, while you keep full control during your life.
Fees
What it costs
Flat fees where we can. You get the total in writing before we start.
First consultation
$150for 30 minutes
Credited to your fee if you hire us. At our office, by video or by phone.
Example fee for this concept site.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Will package, one personWill, financial and medical powers of attorney, directive to physicians, HIPAA release | $850Flat fee |
| Will package, coupleThe same documents for both of you | $1,350Flat fee |
| Living trust package, coupleTrust, back-up wills, deed to your home, powers of attorney | $3,200Flat fee, starting at |
| Transfer on death deedIncludes recording with the county | $395Flat fee |
| Updating an existing plan | $250Flat fee, starting at |
County recording fees are extra and usually under $50. Example fees for this concept site.
All fees and payment plansTimeline
How long it usually takes
Week 1
A 30-minute consultation, then a short questionnaire you can fill in at home.
Week 2
A planning meeting where we make the decisions together.
Weeks 3–4
You read the drafts. We answer every question and make changes.
Signing day
About 45 minutes at our office. We provide the witnesses and the notary.
Questions
Questions people ask
Do I really need a lawyer for a will?
Not always. Texas accepts a will written entirely in your own handwriting. But homemade wills often miss things that matter later, like a “self-proving” page that saves your family a step in court. We make sure yours works the way you expect.
What happens if I die without a will in Texas?
Texas law decides who inherits, and it may not match your wishes. For example, if you’re married and have children from an earlier relationship, your spouse may not receive everything. A court also has to decide who’s in charge.
How often should I update my will?
Look at it every three to five years, and after big changes: a marriage, a divorce, a new child, a move to another state, or a big change in what you own.
Will my will become public?
Once a will goes through probate, it’s part of the court record. A living trust usually stays private. Read Do I need a will or a trust? for the differences.
Do I need a will or a trust?
What each one does, what each one costs, and simple rules of thumb for Texas families.
By Catherine Calder · 2-minute read · Updated October 30, 2026
Other ways we help
Something else going on?
A loved one passed away
We’re sorry. We’ll explain what has to happen next and handle the court for you.ProbateDivorce or custody
Calm, honest advice about your children, your home and your money.Family lawStarting a business
Set up your LLC properly, with an agreement that fits how you’ll actually work.Small business formation
Next step
Talk to us about wills & trusts
30 minutes with an attorney. $150, credited to your fee if you hire us. A call back the same day.