Austin B. Butts, JD

Austin B. Butts, JD, is a Texas-licensed attorney with more than a decade of experience in estate planning and probate. He has reviewed thousands of estate plans, including plans created by national online services, and focuses on Texas-specific document design, probate avoidance, incapacity planning, and practical execution requirements. He is a co-founder of Texan Wills and Trusts, a document-generation platform operated by TexLaw Technologies, LLC. Texan Wills and Trusts is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Author Archives: Austin B. Butts, JD

Can You Transfer a Mortgaged Home to a Texas Living Trust?

Yes, you can transfer a mortgaged home to a Texas revocable living trust. However, it’s important to understand the implications and requirements of such a transfer to ensure that it benefits you as intended. Watch Austin Explain: Can a mortgaged Texas home go into a living trust? Austin B. Butts, JD, explains this Texas estate-planning […]

Celebrities Who Died Without a Will: Avoid Their Mistakes

In the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, it’s easy to assume that celebrities have their lives perfectly managed. However, many stars who passed away left their estates in disarray because they failed to create a will or trust, causing turmoil and financial hardship for their families. At Texan Wills and Trusts, we understand that estate […]

Top 10 Will and Trust Myths: Busting Common Misconceptions

Watch Austin Explain: Estate Planning Made Simple for Texans Austin B. Butts, JD, explains this Texas estate-planning issue and the practical choices families should understand. Here are our top 10 will and trust myths: Don’t let myths stop you from getting a comprehensive estate plan in place. Take action now to avoid future headaches. Disclaimer: […]

Understanding NFA Trusts: A Historical and Practical Review

Watch Austin Explain: Are Gun Trusts Still Necessary in 2026? Austin B. Butts, JD, explains this Texas estate-planning issue and the practical choices families should understand. A Brief History of NFA Legislation The regulation of firearms in the United States has evolved significantly over the past century, with key legislation shaping the landscape of gun […]

How to Include Cryptocurrency in Your Estate Plan

As cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum become more integral to financial portfolios, it’s essential to incorporate them into your estate planning. Properly planning for the transfer of these digital assets ensures they are passed on smoothly and securely. Here’s how you can include cryptocurrency in your estate planning with Texan Wills and Trusts. 1. Understand […]

Young Families Need High-Quality Estate Planning

Watch Austin Explain: Why Young Families Delay Estate Planning Austin B. Butts, JD, explains this Texas estate-planning issue and the practical choices families should understand. Estate planning isn’t just for the elderly. Young families need it too. Here’s why and how Texan Wills and Trusts can help. Protect Your Children’s Future Your children depend on […]

Hidden Pitfalls of Using Beneficiary Designations to Avoid Probate

Beneficiary designations on financial accounts, while convenient and often used as part of estate planning, can sometimes lead to unintended outcomes. Here’s an explanation of these potential pitfalls and how estate planning documents like wills and trusts can provide more comprehensive and controlled solutions.

Secure Your Future: Texas Declaration of Guardian Explained

A Texas Declaration of Guardian in the Event of Later Incapacitation or Need is a legal document that allows an individual (the declarant) to designate who they want to serve as their guardian in the event they become incapacitated and are unable to manage their personal or financial affairs. This document helps ensure that the declarant’s preferences are known and considered by the court when appointing a guardian.

Texas Directive to Physicians: Living Will for Life Support

A Texas Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates, commonly known as a “Living Will,” is a legal document that allows an individual (the principal) to outline their preferences regarding medical treatment in situations where they are terminally ill or irreversibly incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. This document helps guide healthcare providers, family members, and other surrogates in making decisions that align with the principal’s values and desires regarding end-of-life care.

Medical Power of Attorney: Secure Your Health Decisions Now

The purpose of a Texas Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA Authorization is to ensure that an individual’s medical care and information are managed according to their wishes and with their consent, especially in situations where they are unable to make decisions for themselves. Here’s a detailed look at each document: