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Key requirements for creating a valid will You must be 18 years old or older. Be of sound mind, which means you can understand the process of creating a will. Written without undue influence or under duress. Written on paper, either typed/printed or handwritten in the testator's handwriting.

Yes, you can! In Texas, you have two options for a DIY will: Holographic, or handwritten will: these wills are written by hand and do not require a signature in front of a notary or witnesses to be valid as long as the document meets all the necessary criteria.

Probate is necessary for a surviving spouse in Texas if the deceased owned separate property, had children from a previous relationship, or left assets solely in their name. Texas community property laws grant surviving spouses automatic ownership of half the marital assets, but the deceased's half may require probate.

Holographic wills, also called handwritten wills, are accepted in Texas. To be valid, a holographic will must be written entirely in your handwriting and signed by you. As long as you follow these two requirements, you don't need witnesses to make your holographic will valid.

How Do I Make My Will Valid in Texas? Signature: You must sign the original will in your own handwriting or direct someone to sign it for you in your presence. Witnesses: Two people aged 14 or older must witness the signing of the will. Notary: Your will does not require a notary in Texas to be valid.

If the property owner is deceased, he or she can no longer sign the deed. In that case, you need something different such as an Affidavit of Heirship, a probated Will or a court order determining heirship. First the deceased owner's name must be removed from the record ownership of the house (the title).

How Do I Change My Will in Texas? People who have a Will that no longer reflects their intentions can change it. There are two basic ways to change a will: (1) by writing a new Will; or (2) by amending a current Will with a codicil. Creating a new Will has become the preferred way to change an estate plan.

Transfers of real property must be in writing and notarized. Deeds should be recorded in the county where the property is located. To ensure a legal change to the property title, you'll want the services of an attorney. A qualified attorney will prepare and file the real estate transfer deed.

The County Clerk only requires an Affidavit of Death to make the transfer effective. You do not need additional proof of death to take ownership. However, you must give the title company a death certificate, obituary, or other acceptable document if you want to sell the property or use it as collateral.