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Wills & Directives

Information about wills, estate planning, and advanced medical directives.

About This Guide

This guide has information you may need when planning for the possibility of becoming disabled or incapacitated, or when creating plans for your property, estate, or remains after you die.

If you need information about how to take care of someone else's will, property, or estate after they have died, see our Probate guide.

Standard Will Forms

A state law from 2015 requires the Texas Supreme Court to create simple will forms. In 2023, the Supreme Court approved the following forms in English and Spanish:

  • Will Form for a Person Who is Single, Widowed, or Divorced and Who Has Children
  • Will Form for a Married Person Who Has Children
  • Will Form for a Person Who is Single, Widowed, or Divorced and Does Not Have Children
  • Will Form for a Married Person Who Does Not Have Children

Forms

Writing a Will

A common question at the law library is: How do I write my own will? 

If you would like to create your own simple will, our library offers several e-books with templates that can help get you started! You may be able to tailor the templates in our resources to suit your individual needs.

You'll need to register for a library account online first — free and available to Texas residents.

Then see the resources we highlight in our Legal FAQ: How do I create a simple will? Is there a form for that?

Understanding the Law

Forms

Estate Planning

These resources can help you understand and control what happens to your possessions after your death.  

Transfer on Death Deeds & Lady Bird Deeds

Medical Care Planning

Having your medical care wishes down in writing can help ensure they are carried out. See the Advanced Directives for Medical Care page of this guide for more information.

Forms

Understanding the Law

Long-Term Care

These resources help you investigate options for long-term care. 

Understanding the Law

Funerals & Disposition of Remains

These resources can help you understand and control what happens to your "earthly remains."

Understanding the Law

Who can I contact?

Additional agencies, organizations and contacts that may have resources to assist you. 

Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

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