Strategic Asset Protection & Legacy Shielding Under Texas Law
Texas offers one of the most robust legal frameworks in the country for protecting family wealth. At Robbins Estate Law, we leverage the specific protections afforded by the Texas Estates Code and the Texas Property Code to ensure your assets are shielded from unnecessary taxation and the complexities of the public court system.
Whether we are utilizing Independent Administration under Texas Estates Code § 401 to streamline the probate process, or drafting Living Trusts governed by Texas Property Code § 112, our goal is to provide a "Texas Advantage" that simplified forms cannot match. By integrating advanced strategies like Statutory Durable Powers of Attorney and Multiple-Party Account designations under Estates Code § 113, we build a multi-layered shield around your family’s future.
Discover Your Perfect Estate Plan– Start Our Online Questionnaire
NO HIDDEN FEES
Clear, upfront pricing. No surprises– ever.
EXPERT EXPERIENCE
Thousands of cases handled—plans that truly protect you.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED, ALWAYS
Free questions for life- we're always here as a resource.
We know estate planning can feel overwhelming. That's why we've simplified it. Our interactive Estate Planning Questionnaire guides you through key questions about your goals, family, and financial situation—quickly and effortlessly.
- Clear and straightforward: Answer simple, guided questions at your own pace.
- Customized for your needs: Based on your answers, you'll receive personalized recommendations.
- Skip the confusion: Understand important concepts like probate, asset protection, and tax implications—without legal jargon.
Whether you're looking to protect your family from probate costs, secure assets for your heirs, or optimize your estate for tax benefits, our questionnaire makes it easy to identify the perfect plan for you.
Ready to get clarity?
Start your personalized Estate Planning Questionnaire today.
We Understand Why You Postpone Estate Planning or Writing Your Will
Estate planning can be overwhelming, especially when thinking about your own death or mortality.
We know the fear of dealing with lawyers coupled with thinking about your own death can paralyze the decision-making process.
- "I don't know where to start."
- "Will these lawyers give me a fair deal?"
- "Estate planning sounds too complicated."
- “Does estate planning take a long time?"
After successfully managing over 2,000 estate plans for families – what if we told you it's easier than you think?
Put an End to Fears of Leaving Your Family Unprepared
Your assets transfer faster to your family
If you have an estate plan in place and ready, you'll give your family the peace of mind because your assets will transfer faster to the right person
Avoid expensive attorney fees that can pile up
A family with no estate plan will incur additional costs, attorney fees, and administrative fees that could've been avoided
Peace of mind for your family forever
At one of the worst possible stages of anyone's life, securing an estate plan now means your family won't have to deal with legal burdens on top of emotional grief
Client Testimonials
Why Families Trust Us for Estate Planning
Hear from real people like you.
Looking for an HONEST attorney who is caring and responsive to you? Kyle is the real deal! When my best friend died unexpectedly at age 55 and left no will, his family was lost and grieving, and I stepped in to help take care of the "business" end of things. I knew nothing about wills and probate, but it was my great fortune to have found Kyle randomly by doing a google search. The only thing more impressive about Kyle than his vast knowledge is his huge heart. He understands how painful a loved one's death can be and he does everything in his power to make things easy. He communicates clearly in "layman's terms", follows up often and in a timely manner, and just has a real warmth and sincerity about him that gives a grieving family a little bit of comfort and faith in knowing that they are in good hands and not being taken advantage of. I was so impressed that I immediately retained him to handle my own will and estate planning. I would recommend Kyle to anyone in need of a probate/estate planning attorney, without reservation.
My husband and I recently used Kyle's colleague Lorenza Cigarroa to develop our estate plan. I was apprehensive about the process and had postponed it for years. Lorenza made it easy. She was very knowledgeable, patient, professional, willing to answer any questions, and, on top of all that, she is a very genuine and nice human being. Lorenza spent quite awhile meeting with us and developed an estate plan based on our unique needs. I felt like we were in really good hands. You really don't need to look any further, as Kyle and Lorenza know what they're doing. I highly recommend Robbins Estate Law.
Robbins Estate Law is in a word, integrous. I needed a basic Will and Power of Attorney, Mr. Robbins was open and honest with me. As a single woman with no dependents and few assets, he felt it would be taking advantage of me to sell me a large estate plan, instead, he provided me with a quality resource that fits my needs. I am shocked that a firm would care more about doing what is right than a paycheck. A few decades down the road, they will be the only firm I will be calling.
Estate Planning Made Easy: Clear Steps for Peace of Mind
We've streamlined estate planning into clear, manageable steps to make protecting your family feel effortless. Let us handle the complexities and the details, so you can focus on the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved ones are secure.
Vision Meeting
Share your goals with us. We'll listen closely and outline a clear, personalized plan with transparent pricing.
Design Meeting
Together, we'll create your custom estate plan in a relaxed session designed specifically for your needs.
Plan Review
We'll carefully review your plan together, ensuring every detail accurately reflects your wishes.
Signing Celebration
Wow, you’ve done it! We'll finalize your documents together and acknowledge that your family is protected. A feeling we want everyone to feel.
Lifelong Support
Enjoy ongoing access to support and answers whenever you need them, at no additional cost.
Ready to Protect Your Legacy?
Take the first step toward protecting your family by scheduling your Vision Meeting today.
Find an Attorney Near You
While we service all of Texas, we have four office locations you can visit for in-person consultations. Contact us today!
Why you can trust us
Estate Planning Expertise Meets Empathy
We do the most estate planning and probate cases in the Austin, TX area.
We know estate planning and probate inside out because we've done it a thousand times.
We specialize only in Estate Planning, Probate Administration, and Estate Litigation.
If the word “estate” is not in it, we don’t touch it.
Other law firms dabble in estate planning, but we’re the only law firm that specializes only in estate planning. Because we don't practice any other law outside of estate planning, we're really good at what we do.
Graduates from Yale Law School and the University of Texas School of Law
Our team of dedicated legal specialists studied under the top law professors in the country.
The Texas Advantage: Why Independent Administration Matters
While most states have complex, court-supervised probate, Texas Estates Code § 401 allows for Independent Administration. This is a significant "Texas Advantage" that allows an executor to handle an estate without constant court oversight, saving families thousands in legal fees and months of time.
To leverage this, your estate plan must be specifically drafted to include "Independent" language. At Robbins Estate Law, we go beyond basic wills to ensure your plan utilizes:
-
Statutory Durable Powers of Attorney: Protecting your financial interests during incapacity.
-
Living Trusts (Revocable & Irrevocable): Designed under Texas Property Code § 112 to bypass probate entirely.
-
Step-Up in Basis Optimization: Utilizing the 2026 Federal tax rules to minimize capital gains for your heirs on appreciated assets like real estate and stocks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Estate Planning
What exactly is estate planning in Texas?
Any estate plan is designed to make sure that your assets pass to your family as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible. Without a proper estate plan, your assets could be tied up and spent towards the probate process for months, or even years.
What are the basic items or components in an estate plan?
- Last Will and Testament
- Revocable Living Trust
- Financial Power of Attorney
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Directive to Physicians
- HIPAA forms
Who needs a trust in Texas?
Typically, homeowners or people with six figures of investment assets could benefit from a trust. Trusts are primarily used for convenience, so the short answer is anyone who wishes to make things as simple as possible for their family could benefit from a revocable living trust.
Is a will just as good as a trust? What are reasons to choose one or the other?
A will and a trust are two very different documents. A will is a document that transfers your assets to your loved ones, but only if you hire an attorney and go in front of a probate judge to have it “probated” after you’ve passed. A trust is a private document that does not have to go through probate, even if it holds assets like your house. Trusts are usually used as tools to make administering an estate more convenient for the family, for example, by avoiding needing to hire an attorney and go in front of a probate court. Trusts are also frequently used for asset protection from creditors, divorce protection, and as a means to reduce estate taxes owed when transferring assets to your loved ones.
How much does estate planning typically cost?
Costs vary based on complexity, but most comprehensive estate plans start in the range of $5,900 to $8,900. We offer upfront, flat-rate pricing, so you know your costs clearly from the start.
How long does it take to complete my estate plan?
Our streamlined process typically takes around 2 months. We clearly outline each step and timeframe during your initial consultation.
What if I already have a will—isn't that enough?
Having a will is an essential start, but it doesn't avoid probate or provide asset protection. For greater protection, convenience, and peace of mind, a comprehensive estate plan including a trust and supporting documents is often best.
Can I update my estate plan if things change?
Absolutely. We design estate plans to evolve as your life changes. Our firm provides lifelong support, so updating your plan is simple, easy, and always reflects your current wishes.
Why shouldn't I just use an online estate planning form?
Generic online forms often fail to meet Texas-specific legal requirements, causing costly mistakes and family disputes. In fact, after handling thousands of probate cases, we've seen firsthand that online wills frequently cause the most significant issues and expenses for families. Proper, professional estate planning protects your family from unexpected financial burdens and legal headaches down the road.
Do you offer ongoing support after my estate plan is completed?
Yes. We believe in lifelong client support at no additional cost, ensuring your estate plan remains effective and aligned with your family's needs over time.
Practice Areas
Explore Our Estate Planning Services
Lawsuits, creditors, and unexpected claims can put your hard-earned assets at risk. Our estate planning attorneys create legal strategies to shield your property, business, and savings so they stay in your family’s hands.
Explore »
Are you a business owner? Are you ready to plan for what happens when you step away? Our business succession planning lawyers guide you through tax-smart strategies to ensure a smooth transition, protect your employees, and preserve your company’s future.
Explore »
When a loved one is unable to make decisions for themselves, an estate guardianship plan ensures that someone you trust can. We walk families through this process with care, so your most vulnerable family members are protected.
Explore »
Taxes can take a big bite out of your estate if you do not plan ahead. We can help reduce or eliminate unnecessary tax burdens so more of what you have built passes to your loved ones.
Explore »
Families with special needs children or adults face unique challenges. Our special needs estate planning attorneys establish trusts and guardianships that provide long-term support while maintaining access to essential benefits.
Explore »2026 Texas Estate Planning FAQs
What is the federal estate tax exemption for 2026?
For the 2026 tax year, the federal estate and gift tax exemption has increased to $15 million per individual and $30 million for married couples. While this high threshold protects most estates, proactive planning is still required to utilize spousal portability and secure a step-up in basis for appreciated assets like Texas real estate.
Does Texas have a state estate or inheritance tax?
No. Texas does not impose a state-level estate, inheritance, or "death" tax. However, residents must still comply with all federal gift and estate tax rules, including filing IRS Form 706 if the gross estate exceeds the federal exemption threshold.
How much can I gift in 2026 without filing a gift tax return?
The annual gift tax exclusion for 2026 is $19,000 per recipient. Married couples can combine their exclusions to gift up to $38,000 per recipient annually without tapping into their lifetime $15 million exemption.
Can a Revocable Living Trust protect my home from creditors in Texas?
In Texas, your primary residence already receives strong homestead protection under the Texas Property Code and Texas Constitution. While a Revocable Living Trust is primarily used to avoid probate, it must include specific statutory language to maintain your homestead property tax exemptions and creditor protections once transferred into the trust.
Blog