How to Use a Will Written in Spanish in Texas Courts

Estate planning is important for every Texan. But if Spanish is your first language, you may wonder whether a will written in Spanish is valid in Texas. The short answer is yes — but there are important limitations to keep in mind.

Texas law does not require wills to be in English. However, probate courts in Texas operate only in English. That means if you leave a will in Spanish, your loved ones will face extra steps during probate. They will need to pay for a certified translation, and the court could misinterpret your wishes.

Why Texan Wills and Trusts Does It Differently

At Texan Wills and Trusts, we offer a better solution. We provide Spanish-language versions of your estate planning documents to help you understand them clearly. But when it’s time to sign, we make sure the legal documents are in English. That way, your estate plan is valid, understandable, and ready for probate — without delays or extra costs.

Texas Requirements for a Valid Will

A will in Texas must meet the following requirements:

Legal Capacity – The person making the will must be at least 18, married, or serving in the U.S. military.
Sound Mind – The person must understand what they’re doing and who will receive their property.
In Writing – The will must be written, either typed or handwritten.
Signed by the Testator – The person making the will must sign it, or direct someone else to sign on their behalf.
Properly Witnessed – If the will is typed, it must be signed by two credible witnesses who are at least 14 years old.

👉 Important: Texas law does not require the will to be in English. However, if it’s not, you must submit a certified English translation during probate.

The Risks of Using a Will Written in Spanish

Although a Spanish-language will may be legally valid, it can cause major problems in probate. Consider these risks:

Translation Delays – A certified translation is required, which slows everything down.
Extra Costs – Translators charge fees that add to the cost of probate.
Misinterpretation – Some Spanish legal terms don’t translate perfectly into English, leading to disputes.
Judicial Confusion – A judge unfamiliar with Spanish could misunderstand your wishes.

These issues make probate more stressful and expensive for your loved ones.

The Best Practice: English Will with a Spanish Reference Copy

At Texan Wills and Trusts, we help you avoid all those problems. When you use our platform, you get:

An English-language will that meets Texas legal standards
A Spanish version for your personal review and understanding
Clear video instructions in English and Spanish showing you exactly how to sign

Why This Method Works Best

✅ Avoids Probate Delays – The English version is accepted immediately in court.
✅ Eliminates Translation Fees – No certified translator is needed.
✅ Gives You Confidence – You can review everything in Spanish before signing.
✅ Prevents Confusion – The English version protects your intentions from misinterpretation.