Estate Planning
You don't need a large estate to need a plan. You just need people you care about.
Most people put off estate planning because it feels complicated, expensive, or like something they can deal with later. The truth is, an estate plan isn't about how much you have — it's about making sure the people you love are protected, your wishes are honored, and no one is left guessing when it matters most.
At Jennings Law Firm, Bethany works with Texas individuals and families at every stage of life and every income level to build clear, straightforward plans that actually fit their goals.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of deciding what happens to your assets, your healthcare decisions, and your dependents if you become incapacitated or pass away and having the documents in place so your goals are achieved seamlessly. Without these documents in place, the outcome may not be what you intended.
Why Most Texas Families Don't Have a Plan Yet
If you've been putting this off, you're not alone. According to Trust & Will's 2025 Estate Planning Report — the largest estate planning survey ever conducted — 55% of Americans have no estate planning documents at all, leaving their wishes and their loved ones unprotected.
The most common reasons people delay are also the most common misconceptions:
"I don't have enough assets to worry about this." Estate planning isn't just about wealth. It's about deciding who raises your children, who makes your medical decisions if you can't, and who handles your finances during a crisis. Many people believe they don't have enough assets to need a will — but in reality, estate planning benefits people across the entire economic spectrum, and involves far more than just passing on wealth.
"I'll get to it eventually." Over one-third of Americans without a will say the main reason is simply that they haven't gotten around to it. Life moves fast. The best time to put a plan in place is before you need it.
"It's too expensive." Quality estate planning doesn't have to come with a big-firm price tag. Jennings Law Firm was built specifically to make this process affordable and accessible for everyday Texas families.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Texas?
If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed through Texas intestate succession laws under the Texas Estates Code. This means a court — not you — decides who gets what.
A few things that might surprise you about dying without a plan in Texas:
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Your home doesn't automatically go to your spouse. Without proper planning, your home could end up co-owned by your spouse and your children.
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Your estate may go through a more complex, costly probate process that could have been avoided entirely.
What a Texas Estate Plan Typically Includes
Last Will and Testament The foundation of most estate plans. Your will designates who receives your property, names an executor to carry out your wishes, and — critically for parents — names a guardian for your minor children. Learn more about Wills →
Durable Power of Attorney Names someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may need to go through court to gain that authority.
Medical Power of Attorney Designates someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you're unable to do so yourself.
Directive to Physicians (Living Will) Documents your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, so your family isn't left making impossible decisions without guidance.
How Bethany Can Help
Bethany Jennings has spent sixteen years working in trust and estate law — first in private practice at a mid-sized Texas firm, then inside the wealth management and trust departments of two Texas banks. She has seen estates of every size, asset type and complexity, and she brings that depth of experience to every client she works with — regardless of the size of their estate.
When you work with Jennings Law Firm, you work directly with Bethany. There's no handoff to a paralegal, no being passed around. Just clear, honest guidance from someone who has spent her career doing exactly this.
Whether you're starting from scratch, updating documents after a major life change, or finally getting around to something you've been meaning to do for years — Bethany will walk you through it at your pace, in plain language, without unnecessary complexity or cost.
A free 30-minute call is all it takes to get started. No commitment, no paperwork, just a conversation about what you need.
Have questions first? Leave us a message or give us a call.