We’re often asked whether a revocable trust is necessary for a solid estate plan in Texas. The short answer? It depends—on what you own, who you love, and what kind of peace of mind you’re looking for. A revocable trust can be a useful tool, but it’s not a magic solution, and it’s not always the right fit.
A revocable trust is a legal document you create during your lifetime to hold your assets. You stay in control of the trust—you can amend it, revoke it, and manage the assets however you see fit. One of the main reasons people turn to a trust is to avoid probate. But here in Texas, probate isn’t the nightmare some folks imagine. In many cases, it’s relatively simple and efficient, especially when your documents are clear and your family gets along.
Still, there are some good reasons to consider a trust. If you own property in other states, a trust can help you avoid multiple probate proceedings. If you’re part of a blended family, want to keep your affairs private, or prefer to lay out how and when your loved ones receive their inheritance, a trust can give you more control and privacy than a will alone.
But here’s something we always stress: avoiding probate doesn’t mean avoiding administration. Someone still has to gather your assets, pay your debts, file your taxes, and distribute what’s left. And that’s hard work. With a revocable trust, that work just happens outside of court, handled by your trustee instead of an executor.
And it only works if the trust is funded. That means retitling your accounts and property into the name of the trust—something many people forget to do. If the funding step gets skipped, the trust may not function as intended.
Revocable trusts do come with more upfront cost than a will-based plan. For some families, the extra flexibility and privacy are well worth it. For others, a carefully prepared will and power of attorney do the job just fine.
We believe a revocable trust is just one tool in the toolbox. Let’s talk about your situation and figure out what actually serves your family best.
– Will Powell Watson
