Engagement Letter
(Estate Planning) (TX)

Summary

This Engagement Letter sets forth terms of representation in an estate planning matter in Texas. It can be used when representing a single individual or a married couple, with optional provisions that address representation of both spouses and potential ensuing conflicts of interest. This template includes practical guidance, drafting notes, and optional clauses. The rules governing ethics and professional responsibility in Texas are found in three sources: • The Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct • Texas Lawyer's Creed • State Bar of Texas Professional Ethics Committee, Non-binding Ethics Opinions It is strongly recommended that the issue of possible conflicts be dealt with at the outset of the engagement, through use of an engagement letter like this. Such an approach also has the benefit of dealing with fees at the beginning of the engagement, a recommended policy. For more information on ethical issues in estate planning, see Ethical Issues in Estate Planning (TX).