State-Specific Legal Forms

Texas uses 'deed without warranty' rather than the traditional term 'quitclaim deed.' The deed must be notarized and filed with the county clerk. Texas is a community property state, so both spouses may need to sign the deed.

Texas provides a statutory durable power of attorney form under the Texas Estates Code. The form must be signed by the principal and acknowledged before a notary public. Texas law presumes all POAs are durable unless stated otherwise.

Texas recognizes attested wills, holographic (handwritten) wills, and self-proving wills. A holographic will must be entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed by the testator. Texas is a community property state, affecting spousal property rights.

Texas uses the term 'Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates' for living wills. The document must be signed by the declarant and two witnesses. Texas also allows an Out-of-Hospital DNR order as a separate document.

Texas does not require an LLC operating agreement by statute, but having one is strongly recommended. The Certificate of Formation is filed with the Secretary of State. Texas has no state income tax, making it a popular state for LLC formation.

Texas is a landlord-friendly state with no statewide rent control. The Texas Property Code governs residential landlord-tenant relationships. Security deposits must be returned within 30 days of move-out, and landlords can deduct for damages beyond normal wear.

Texas eviction (forcible detainer) is one of the fastest in the country. The landlord must give a 3-day written notice to vacate before filing suit. The case is heard in Justice Court, and trial is typically scheduled within 10–21 days of filing.

Texas small claims cases are heard in Justice Court with a jurisdictional limit of $20,000. Attorneys are allowed but not required. The process is informal and designed for self-represented litigants.

Texas allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. As a community property state, marital property is divided in a 'just and right' manner, which is not necessarily 50/50. There is a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing.

Texas name changes are filed in District Court or County Court at Law. Adults must provide fingerprints for a criminal background check as part of the process. No newspaper publication is required unless ordered by the court.