2007 Legislation

This is the jumping off point for information on legislation affecting estate planning, probate and trust law in the 80th Texas Legislature. The regular session ended in May 2007 and most legislation became effective September 1, 2007.

• 2007 Texas Legislative Update --  Glenn Karisch's summary of the changes affecting trust law, probate and guardianships, including the full text of Probate Code and Trust Code changes.

• Ten Things to Change Now -- Glenn Karisch's list of things lawyers should do to be ready for the law changes that took effect September 1, 2007.
• Section 128A Forms -- Under the 2007 amendment to Probate Code Section 128A, personal representatives are required to give notice to beneficiaries within 60 days after a will is probated. The new requirement applies to decedent's dying on or after September 1, 2007. See the 2007 Texas Legislative Update for more information. Here are Glenn Karisch's forms for use in connection with that section:
  • Notice to Beneficiaries in pdf, MS Word and Wordperfect formats.
  • Waiver of Notice in pdf, MS Word and Wordperfect formats.
  • Receipt and Waiver of Notice in pdf, MS Word and Wordperfect formats. (For use in cases where the personal representative can distribute a specific gift to the beneficiary within 60 days of probating the will. The form serves as a receipt and a waiver of the Section 128A notice requirement.)
  • Affidavit of Compliance in pdf, MS Word and Wordperfect formats.
• Judge Steve King's Section 128A Package -- Judge Steve King of Tarrant County also has suggested forms for use to comply with the new requirements of Section 128A. The package is available in Word format.
• Legislative Update Supplement for Corporate Fiduciaries

• Texas Legislature Online -- Access the state's online bill information website.