Texas: official help for families

Updated Nov 3, 2026. Sources last checked Oct 18, 2026. See sources.

The official Texas pages for the paperwork and problems families run into most, in one place. Every link goes to a government or official source in Texas, or to a free national service when we haven’t verified a state page.

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Power of attorney

The state law and any official forms for financial and health care powers of attorney. Our guide: power of attorney, explained.

Transfer on death deeds

Whether this state lets a homeowner name who gets the house without probate. Our guide: handing down the home.

Yes. Allowed. This state's law lets an owner use a transfer on death deed. Texas's law says a will can't revoke a transfer on death deed, and the deed can't be signed using a power of attorney.

Probate and small estates

Court help or law for settling an estate, including any simpler process for small estates. Our guide: what to do after a death.

Long-term care ombudsman

A free, official advocate for people in nursing homes and assisted living. Our guide: when a parent can’t live alone.

Medicaid agency

The state agency that runs Medicaid, which can pay for long-term care for people who qualify. Our guide: paying for long-term care.

Small claims court

The state’s small claims rules or court self-help. Our guide: refunds and small claims.

Utility regulator

The state commission that takes complaints about electric, gas, water or phone companies. See also find help near you.

Free national help, anywhere in the U.S.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change. Before you sign or file anything, check the official page above or talk with a lawyer or free legal aid.

Sources

Last checked Oct 18, 2026 (transfer on death deed and utility links checked Oct 20, 2026).

  1. Texas Estates Code ch. 751: Durable powers of attorney: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ES/htm/ES.751.htm
  2. Texas Estates Code chapter 114: Transfer on death deed: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ES/htm/ES.114.htm
  3. Texas Estates Code ch. 205: Small estate affidavit: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ES/htm/ES.205.htm
  4. Texas State Long-Term Care Ombudsman: https://ltco.texas.gov/
  5. Texas Health and Human Services: https://hhs.texas.gov/
  6. Texas Government Code ch. 27, sec. 27.060: Small claims cases in justice court: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.27.htm
  7. Public Utility Commission of Texas: https://www.puc.texas.gov/
  8. Report a scam: ReportFraud.ftc.gov (Federal Trade Commission): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
  9. Identity theft recovery plan: IdentityTheft.gov: https://www.identitytheft.gov/
  10. Find your state attorney general: National Association of Attorneys General: https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/
  11. Free Medicare counseling: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): https://www.shiphelp.org/
  12. Local help with bills, food and housing: 211: https://www.211.org/
  13. Free civil legal aid: Legal Services Corporation: https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/get-legal-help
  14. Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116: https://eldercare.acl.gov/

Rules and numbers change. If something here does not match what an agency tells you, trust the agency, and please let us know.