This means that even though four years have passed since the statute was enacted, LegalZoom is still not aware of this change in the law.įurthermore, even before statutory pet trusts were authorized, it was still possible for a pet owner to create a traditional trust to provide for a pet. Under the current state of the law, Texas will not recognize an oral will unless it was made before September 1, 2007, and even then, only in very limited circumstances.Īnother mistake I noticed was under the subheading “Providing for Pets.” LegalZoom stated the following: LegalZoom is apparently also not aware that effective January 1, 2006, Texas enacted Section 112.037 of the Property Code which authorizes statutory pet trusts. LegalZoom is apparently not aware that effective September 1, 2007, Texas repealed Sections 64 and 65 of the Probate Code, which authorized oral wills.

According to LegalZoom, Texas recognizes oral wills. The first mistake I noticed concerned LegalZoom’s statement about oral wills. And lawyers keep up with these changes in order to best advise their clients. They constantly change because of new case law and statutes. And had I not been a Texas lawyer who focuses on estate planning, I might have trusted that the site was providing me with accurate and current information.īut a few moments after I started reading LegalZoom’s website copy, I noticed a couple of glaring mistakes. Having heard so much about LegalZoom, I recently visited its website.Īt first glance, the LegalZoom site looked like it provided state-specific advice regarding Texas wills.

And many forgo professional advice because they are lured by the lower costs and believe the document LegalZoom creates will be just as effective as one created by an attorney.

LegalZoom advertises itself as a cheaper alternative to an attorney.

Legal zoom will texas