You do not have to hire a lawyer. We, however, see many cases a year where individuals have prepared their own wills and simple trusts, using as a guide an old will or trust, some book or internet article. A quick look at the will or trust reveals that it does not comply with Texas law. Therefore, at the very least, more steps have to be taken to probate the will, which is expensive. Often, however,  the improperly drafted will or trust may also be open to contest by family members who do not feel that the will invalid and or does not leave to them what they think they deserve, It is much less expensive in dollars, as well as emotional upheaval in a family to hire an experienced and knowledgeable estate planning lawyer in Texas lawyer from the first to properly advise you on your estate needs and to properly draft your estate planning documents.