A will, a power of attorney, and the right beneficiary setup spare your family a slow, expensive probate later, and most Texas estate plans are flat-fee, so you know the price before you start. The right Arlington attorney builds a plan that fits your family and assets without selling you trusts you don't need. Here are the firms Arlington families rely on.
Updated January 22, 202612 min readEditorially independent
Estate planning in Texas is about deciding now who gets what, who makes decisions if you cannot, and how to keep your family out of a long court process later. The core documents are a will, a durable power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, and a directive to physicians; many families also use a revocable living trust to avoid or simplify probate. A good Arlington attorney matches the plan to your situation rather than upselling, because a couple with a house and kids needs a different plan than a blended family or a small-business owner.
Texas probate is more manageable than in many states thanks to independent administration, but a clear plan still saves your heirs time and money, and the wrong setup, or no plan at all, can send your estate through a slower court process. Tools like transfer-on-death deeds, lady bird (enhanced life estate) deeds, and properly titled accounts can pass property outside probate entirely when used correctly.
The good news on cost: most Arlington estate planning is flat-fee, so you know the number up front. A simple will-based plan commonly runs a few hundred dollars per person, a couple's package somewhat more, and a trust-based plan typically $1,500 to $3,500 or higher depending on complexity. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Here are the Arlington estate planning firms worth a call.
How we picked these 7: We cross-referenced peer rankings and directories (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Justia, Expertise.com, FindLaw) and each firm's own published practice pages. Every firm below appeared in at least two independent sources and has a verifiable Arlington-area estate planning practice. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
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Jackson, Landrith & Kulesz, P.C.
601 W Abram St, ArlingtonEstablished firmFlat fee
Practice focus: Wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, estate planning, probate
An established Arlington firm at 601 W. Abram Street with an estate planning practice covering wills, trusts, and powers of attorney for individuals and families. Listed on the firm site, Justia, and Super Lawyers.
Why they made the list: A full-service downtown Arlington firm that can handle your estate plan and any related family or real estate needs together.
Practice focus: Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, estate planning, probate, elder law
An Arlington estate planning practice that tailors plans to local needs, including property and family-business assets tied to the area. Reachable at (817) 381-9292. Listed on the firm site, Justia, and Super Lawyers.
Why they made the list: A focused estate planning attorney with attention to assets and family situations specific to the Arlington area.
Practice focus: Wills, trust-based plans, powers of attorney, advance directives
An Arlington estate planning firm that helps individuals and families prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives, with guidance on choosing between simple wills and trust-based plans. Listed on the firm site and local directories.
Why they made the list: A clear, document-first practice that walks you through whether a will or a trust fits your family.
Practice focus: Wills, estate planning, powers of attorney, probate
An Arlington estate planning firm whose attorneys help clients draft wills and understand the legal implications of each decision. Reachable at (817) 210-6369, with online scheduling. Listed on the firm site and local directories.
Why they made the list: An accessible practice for people who want their will and core documents done right without overcomplicating it.
Practice focus: Wills, trusts, succession planning, powers of attorney, probate
A firm serving the Arlington and Southlake area that creates comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and succession agreements, and helps clients name executors and avoid probate complications. Listed on the firm site, Justia, and local directories.
Why they made the list: A comprehensive planning practice that also handles the probate side if your family needs it later.
500 E Debbie Ln, ArlingtonFounded 1982Free consultation
Practice focus: Wills, trusts, estate planning, estate administration, probate
One of the largest consumer firms in Texas, founded in 1982, with an Arlington office at 500 E Debbie Lane offering comprehensive estate planning and administration, including wills, trusts, and probate, with free consultations and flexible hours. Listed on Super Lawyers, Martindale, and the firm site.
Why they made the list: A large firm with a local Arlington office and free consultations, handy if you want planning plus related services in one place.
Tell us about your family and assets and we'll match you with an Arlington estate planning attorney who can build the right will or trust. Free, confidential, no obligation.
How to choose between them in Arlington
Match the plan to your life, not a package. A simple will-based plan is plenty for many families; a trust makes sense for larger estates, blended families, privacy, or out-of-state property. A good lawyer recommends based on your situation, not a one-size-fits-all bundle.
Get the flat fee and what it includes in writing. Most Arlington estate planning is flat-fee. Confirm exactly which documents the fee covers, whether it includes powers of attorney and directives, and what future updates cost.
Ask about funding and titling. A trust only works if assets are actually moved into it, and deeds and account titling do the quiet work of avoiding probate. Ask how the firm handles funding and titling, not just drafting.
What estate planning help typically costs in Arlington
Estate planning pricing in Arlington is unusually predictable because most of it is flat-fee. As rough guidance:
Simple will-based plan: Commonly a few hundred dollars per person for a will plus core powers of attorney and a medical directive.
Couple's package: Somewhat more than a single plan, often bundled at a flat rate for both spouses.
Trust-based plan: Typically $1,500-$3,500 or higher depending on complexity, the number of assets, and whether funding is included.
Add-ons: Special-needs trusts, business succession, and out-of-state property add to the fee; ask for the all-in number.
Ask each firm exactly which documents the flat fee covers and whether trust funding and deed work are included. The right plan is the simplest one that actually accomplishes your goals.
How long it takes
A straightforward estate plan moves quickly once you decide what you want:
Consultation: An initial meeting to map your family, assets, and goals, often an hour or so.
Drafting: The attorney prepares your documents, commonly within one to a few weeks of the consultation.
Signing: You review and sign with the required witnesses and a notary; this is usually a single appointment.
Funding and follow-up: For a trust, assets are retitled into it; revisit the plan after major life events like a marriage, birth, divorce, or move.
Red flags to watch for when hiring a estate planning lawyer in Arlington
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can promise a specific result. If a firm guarantees a win, a number, or a court ruling, walk away.
The disappearing senior partner. You meet a named partner at intake, then never hear from them again while an unsupervised junior runs the file. Ask in writing who handles your matter day to day.
Pressure to sign on the spot. Reputable firms give you the engagement letter in writing and time to read it. High-pressure intake is a volume-mill signal.
No verifiable track record. Look for named results, peer rankings, board certifications, or bar recognition — not "we have helped thousands of clients."
Vague fees. Every legitimate firm will put the fee structure, what is covered, and what triggers extra charges in a written engagement letter.
10 questions to ask in your free consultation
Most of the firms on this list offer a free or low-cost initial call. Use it. Bring a written list and write down the answers, then compare across two or three firms before you sign anything.
Who, specifically, will handle my matter day to day? Get a name and a direct email, not just the firm.
How many matters like mine have you handled in the last three years? You want a number, not a brochure line.
What is your fee, and what does it cover? Get the structure in writing before you sign.
What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for, and when? Filing fees, records, and experts add up - ask now.
What is the realistic range of outcomes? A good lawyer gives a range; a weak one promises the high end.
How long will this take? An honest estimate, with the assumptions stated.
What is my deadline, and is it at risk? Many estate planning matters carry hard filing deadlines.
How often will I hear from you? Set the communication cadence now.
What can I do to help my own case? The best lawyers will give you homework.
What is the worst-case outcome? A lawyer who refuses to discuss downside risk is selling you something.
What to bring to your Arlington consultation
You will get more out of the first call if you arrive organized. For most estate planning matters, gather:
A short written timeline. Dates, names, and what happened, in order.
The key documents. Any contracts, letters, agreements, court orders, or filings you have received.
Your correspondence. Relevant emails, texts, or messages - and do not delete anything.
Any deadlines you know about. A court date, a signing deadline, or an agency notice.
Your questions. The 10 above are a good place to start.
If you are not sure whether something is relevant, bring it anyway. It is easier for a lawyer to set aside what does not matter than to chase down what you left at home.
Talk to a vetted Estate Planning attorney in Arlington
Tell us about your situation. We'll match you with one of these firms or a similar one. Free, confidential, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions about estate planning lawyers in Arlington
How much does estate planning cost in Arlington?
Most Arlington estate planning is flat-fee. A simple will-based plan commonly runs a few hundred dollars per person, a couple's package somewhat more, and a trust-based plan typically $1,500-$3,500 or higher depending on complexity. Always ask exactly which documents the fee covers.
Do I need a will or a trust?
Many families are well served by a will plus powers of attorney and a medical directive. A revocable living trust makes more sense for larger estates, blended families, privacy, or out-of-state property because it can avoid or simplify probate. An Arlington attorney can tell you which fits.
What documents are in a basic Texas estate plan?
Usually a will, a durable (financial) power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, and a directive to physicians (living will). Many people also name beneficiaries on accounts and use deeds to pass real estate outside probate.
Is probate bad in Texas?
Texas probate is more manageable than in many states because of independent administration, but it still takes time and money. A clear plan, and tools like transfer-on-death or lady bird deeds, can keep much of your estate out of court entirely.
What is a lady bird deed?
A lady bird (enhanced life estate) deed lets you keep full control of your home during your life and have it pass automatically to named beneficiaries at death, without probate. It is a common Texas planning tool; an attorney can tell you whether it fits your situation.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review it after major life events, a marriage, divorce, birth, death, a move to or from Texas, or a big change in assets, and otherwise every few years. Outdated beneficiary designations and old wills cause many avoidable problems.
What should I bring to an estate planning consultation?
Bring a list of your major assets and accounts, the names of people you want as executor, guardian, and powers of attorney, and any existing will or trust. The clearer your goals, the faster and cheaper the plan.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one: How many matters like mine have you handled in the last three years? The answer tells you a lot. — The LawFirmSquare team
LawFirmSquare is a directory. We do not represent clients or refer cases for a fee.
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