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Zion's Shield
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Guided by Purpose. Grounded in Service.

At Zion’s Shield, we believe that every family deserves access to knowledge that protects what matters most. While we always recommend working with an attorney to ensure your plan truly reflects your needs, we also understand that legal guidance may not be within reach for everyone.


That’s why we’ve created this resource page—to give you a place to start. Here you’ll find free tools and statutory forms to help you begin thinking through your estate planning decisions.

Please keep in mind: these forms alone do not guarantee that your loved ones will avoid probate or other complications. Thoughtful planning takes more than paperwork. 

resources

General Information

Texaslawhelp.org contains several research articles about estate planning in Texas. Read More.

Here are some direct links to their resources:


  • Do-It-Yourself Guide for Handwritten Wills
  • Estate Planning: Planning Who Gets Your Property
  • How to Draft an Affidavit of Heirship
  • How to Minimize the Need for Probate in Texas
  • Self-Proving Wills in Texas
  • Why You Need a Will
  • Texas Supreme Court Will Forms


Transfer on Death Deeds

  • Transfer on Death Deed Kit (TexasLawHelp.org) Pass on your house or land without a will.
  • Transfer on Death Deed (eFileTexas.gov) eFileTexas's self-help section contains an interactive interview that will help you create completed forms for a transfer on death deed. Select "transfer on death deed" from the list of types of filings.
  • Cancellation of Transfer on Death Deed (eFileTexas.gov) Use these guided forms to cancel a transfer on death deed you have created. Sometimes called a "revocation." Select "cancellation of transfer on death deed" from the list of types of filings.
  • Texas Transfer Toolkit (TAJC) This toolkit from the Texas Access to Justice Commission includes information, instructions, and forms for a Transfer on Death Deed and a Cancellation of a Transfer on Death Deed, Affidavit of Death, Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle and Application for Texas Title and/or Registration.

Motor Vehicle Transfers

  • Transfer a Motor Vehicle After Death (TexasLawHelp.org) Pass on your vehicle to a beneficiary after your death.
  • Texas Transfer Toolkit (TAJC) This toolkit from the Texas Access to Justice Commission includes information, instructions, and forms for a Transfer on Death Deed and a Cancellation of a Transfer on Death Deed, Affidavit of Death, Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle and Application for Texas Title and/or Registration.

Advanced Directives

  • Forms for Advanced Directives (Texas HHS)The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has assembled several different forms to assist individuals in preparing advanced directives. Forms for a medical power of attorney, directive to physicians, and an out-of-hospital do not resuscitate form are included.
  • Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (TexasLawHelp.org)This is a sample form for a directive to physicians.
  • Living Will (Texas A&M Real Estate Center)This is a sample form for a living will from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center.
  • Advanced Directives (Texas Hospital Association)A directive to physicians and family or surrogates form is available from the Texas Hospital Association as a PDF or an MS Word document.

Medical Powers of Attorney

  • Medical Power of Attorney Form (Texas HHS)This form for a medical power of attorney is available from the Department of Health and Human Services in English and in Spanish.
  • Medical Power of Attorney (TexasLawHelp.org)Designate someone to make medical decisions for you in case you are ever seriously injured, ill, or otherwise unable to make decisions about your health.
  • Information Concerning the Medical Power of Attorney (Disclosure Statement)This disclosure statement from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center satisfies the form requirements found in Texas Health & Safety Code 166.164.
  • Estate Planning: Powers of Attorney (eFileTexas.gov)eFileTexas's self-help section contains an interactive interview to create a completed forms for a medical power of attorney and other estate planning forms.

Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders

  • Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate Form (Texas HHS)This is a sample form for an out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate order from the Texas Department of Health & Human Services.
  • Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order (Texas Hospital Association)This is a sample form for an out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate order from the Texas Hospital Association.
  • Out-Of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order (Texas A&M Real Estate Center)This is a sample form for an out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate order from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center.

Declarations of Mental Health Treatment

  • Declaration of Mental Health Treatment (Texas HHS)This is a sample form for a declaration of mental health treatment from the Texas Department of Health & Human Services.
  • Declaration of Mental Health Treatment (Texas Hospital Association)This is a sample form for a declaration of mental health treatment from the Texas Hospital Association. This form is also available in Spanish.
  • Section 137.011 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies CodeA statutory form for a declaration of mental health treatment is found in Section 137.011 of the Texas CPRC.

Disposition of Remains

  • Disposition of Remains (TexasLawHelp.org) Appoint an agent to make decisions about what happens to your body after your death.

Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Relative form

Texas families! If you're undocumented, you might worry about who will care for your kids if you face deportation. There's an easy way to protect them! It's called Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Relative form.


A parent can sign an “authorization agreement” form to give a nonparent the authority to care for and make decisions for a child. An authorization agreement lets a nonparent make decisions for a child without going to court.


Here’s how to use it:


  1. Locate the form Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Relative form.
  2. Choose a trusted caregiver, like a family member or friend who’s a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
  3. Fill out the official form called ‘Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Caregiver.’
  4. Sign the form with your caregiver in front of a notary public.
  5. Notify the other parent, if needed.
  6. ***Give copies of this notarized form to your child's school, daycare, doctors, and anyone else who cares for your child, so they know your caregiver is legally authorized.
  7. ***Make sure your child’s school lists your caregiver as an emergency contact. Provide your child and caregiver with cards listing emergency contacts and explaining the arrangement clearly.


This form lasts 6 months, auto-renews, and you can cancel or update anytime.

Protect your kids today! For free help, contact local legal aid, community groups, or visit Authorization for Nonparent Care of a Child | Texas Law Help

Disclaimers

The forms and instructions provided on this page are intended for general informational purposes only. They are not legal advice. Completing a Texas statutory form based solely on this resource may not address your individual needs or satisfy all legal requirements.


Consult an Attorney: Texas law requires personalized legal guidance.  You should consult your own licensed attorney to ensure these forms are completed correctly and tailored to your unique circumstances and goals. 


Accuracy & Changes: Laws change regularly, and statutory language can differ slightly depending on your situation. Use the most current versions of Texas statutory forms as found in the Texas Estates Code or Health & Safety Code.
 

Usage at Your Own Risk: Zion’s Shield, PLLC, assumes no liability for any reliance on or use of these materials. Your use of them is at your own risk.


Use of This Website Does Not Create an Attorney–Client Relationship: Reviewing any material on this site — including our free form instructions — does not establish an attorney–client relationship with Zion’s Shield, PLLC, any of its attorneys, or its affiliates.


Email and Online Contact Do Not Create Privilege: Sending a message or uploading a form or question via email or this site does not create an attorney–client relationship. Such communications may not be private or privileged. We only create that relationship after a signed engagement agreement is in place.


Do Not Send Confidential or Time-Sensitive Information: Online communications are not guaranteed secure. Until we formally agree in writing to represent you, do not send confidential details, and do not rely on email for time-critical matters 


This Content Is for Informational Use Only: Our materials are intended to assist in filling out Texas statutory forms. They do not substitute for legal advice. Laws and rules change, and the forms may not fit every situation .


Important Deadlines May Apply: Legal timelines can be strict. Acting on incomplete or outdated information may harm your rights. Always consult a licensed Texas attorney promptly to verify deadlines.


No Warranties • Use At Your Own Risk: We make no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of information on this site. Zion’s Shield, PLLC is not liable for losses or damages arising from your use of this content.


We May Update This At Any Time: These terms may change without notice. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer periodically.


Copyright © 2025 Zion's Shield - All Rights Reserved.


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