Wills Attorney in Austin, Texas

A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. Without one, Texas law — not your wishes — determines who inherits your assets, who raises your children, and who manages your estate. The Austin will attorneys at Cowan & Associates, PLLC draft legally precise wills that give your family clarity and protection.

Do I Need a Will?

If you own any assets, have children, or care about who receives your property after death, you need a will. Without one, you die "intestate" under Texas law, which distributes your assets according to a fixed formula that may not reflect your actual wishes — and can create significant conflict among family members.

Types of Wills We Draft

• Simple Wills — Direct transfer of assets to named beneficiaries, straightforward and cost-effective
• Tax-Planned Wills — Incorporating credit shelter trusts, marital deduction planning, and other strategies to minimize federal estate tax
• Wills with Testamentary Trusts — Creating trusts inside your will for minor children, spendthrift beneficiaries, or special needs
• Pour-Over Wills — Working alongside your living trust to capture any assets not yet in the trust

What a Well-Drafted Will Covers

• Designation of your executor (personal representative)
• Distribution of specific assets and your residuary estate
• Guardian designation for minor children
• Testamentary trust provisions for minors or other beneficiaries
• Disinheritance clauses when applicable
• Directions for personal property and sentimental items

Texas Will Requirements

For a will to be valid in Texas, it must generally be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two credible witnesses over age 14. Alternatively, Texas recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills signed by the testator without witnesses — though these carry greater risk of contest. Our attorneys ensure your will meets all legal requirements to minimize challenges.

Will Contests

A contested will can be devastating to a family. We draft wills with contest prevention in mind, including proper execution procedures, clear capacity documentation, and no-contest clauses where appropriate. If you're involved in an existing will dispute, we also represent clients in will contest litigation.