Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Texas

Re: Which is better, online forms or prepared by atty?

The guardianship of your kids, if something happens to you and your wife, are your most precious assets.

You are always better off having the documents prepared for you by an attorney. Worst case scenario with a do-it-yourself will kit is that it hasn't met the necessary formalities required for a Texas will, and therefore is invalid. Of course since the will is being brought forth it's too late to correct the errors. So the estate is now in intestacy, and that can get quite expensive.

Powers of attorney have a few wrinkles not evident on their face, so they should at least be discussed with legal counsel. The discussion, though, would probably cost almost as much as having the instruments prepared.

Wills and powers of attorney are state-specific.

Re: Which is better, online forms or prepared by atty?

The forms seldom explicitly state the nuances of the law. As a matter of fact, I think most of them have disclaimers saying that the use of the forms is no substitute for legal advice. While you are like most people and do not have a long list of valuable assets, the things you have mean something to you and your family. So, it might be worth the money to see an attorney to make sure the law is followed whether you're in TX or not.