Business Details
27 Years
experience
Houston's Trusted Estate and Asset Protection Attorneys
Akiens Law Firm has been a trusted name in estate and business planning since 1999, providing tailored legal solutions for individuals, families, and entrepreneurs. Our team of Board Certified attorneys specializes in asset protection, wills and trusts, probate, tax planning, and business entity structuring, leveraging over two decades of combined experience. We pride ourselves on staying ahead of evolving legal standards, having adapted our methods since the .com boom era to incorporate modern strategies. Clients benefit from our holistic approach, which balances competitive advantage with meticulous attention to detail.Our Houston-based practice is rooted in personalized service, offering free consultations to ensure every client receives actionable advice aligned with their unique needs. Double Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning & Probate and Tax Law, we maintain the highest professional standards through continuous education and active participation in legal organizations. Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition from prestigious institutions like Marquis Who's Who and numerous industry awards.
Services
Asset Protection
Wills and Trusts
Probate Services
Business Planning
Tax Planning
Gun Trusts
Pet Trusts
FERS Benefits Planning
Prenuptial Agreements
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Over 25 years combined experience in estate and tax law
- Double Board Certified in Estate Planning & Tax Law
- Holistic approach balancing asset protection and business strategy
- Free no-obligation legal consultations available
- Active participation in Houston legal and business communities
Associations and certifications
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- College of the State Bar of Texas
What people say
Flawless execution
Superior expertise
Compassionate approach
Thorough consultations
Quick follow-up
Services
Asset Protection
Our Houston-based attorneys help protect personal and business assets through strategic planning. We utilize Texas-specific legal protections for homesteads, retirement plans, and personal property. Clients receive tailored solutions to safeguard assets from creditors while minimizing tax liabilities, combining legal expertise with personalized financial strategies that adapt to evolving regulations.
Wills and Trusts
We create comprehensive estate plans including revocable and irrevocable trusts. Our services establish guardianship arrangements, appoint trustees, and ensure proper asset distribution. The firm specializes in dynasty trusts and specialized arrangements for unique assets like firearms and pets, providing customized solutions that protect clients' legacies across multiple generations through meticulously drafted documentation.
Probate Services
Our team manages probate proceedings for contested and uncontested estates in Texas. We handle tax filings, asset distribution, debt settlement, and court representation. With extensive experience in complex probate cases involving will challenges, we provide compassionate guidance during difficult times while ensuring efficient resolution of estate matters through proper legal procedures.
Business Planning
We assist entrepreneurs with business entity selection and structuring. Our services cover contract drafting, buy/sell agreements, and tax-efficient business planning. The firm specializes in creating legal frameworks that balance asset protection with operational flexibility, helping businesses establish optimal structures for growth while complying with state and federal regulations.
Tax Planning
Our double Board Certified attorneys develop comprehensive tax strategies for estate and business transfers. We help clients minimize estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes through advanced planning techniques. With expertise in federal tax law, we create solutions that preserve wealth across generations while ensuring compliance with evolving tax regulations and reporting requirements.
People
Karen Akiens
Managing Attorney / Owner
Karen Akiens is a double Board Certified estate planning attorney with 25+ years of experience. She holds a Juris Doctor, MBA, and Master of Law in Tax from Temple University, and maintains advanced legal education through the College of the State Bar of Texas. Her practice focuses on complex estate planning, probate, and business law, serving Houston clients since 1999.
Allyson Burson
Probate and Funding Paralegal
Allyson Burson handles probate documentation and estate tax filings while pursuing her law degree at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She manages client communications and administrative services for the firm, bringing organizational expertise and attention to detail to her role supporting the attorneys in probate matters.
Jess Early
Estate Planning and Funding Paralegal
Jess Early supervises the drafting of estate planning documents at Akiens Law Firm while completing her law degree at South Texas College of Law. She provides technical expertise in creating and reviewing legal documents, ensuring accurate implementation of estate plans, and managing beneficiary designation processes for clients' financial assets.
Yvonne Santellana
Probate Paralegal
Yvonne Santellana brings extensive probate experience to the firm, having worked in legal and financial sectors for 20+ years. She assists with all aspects of probate proceedings, maintaining direct client communication throughout the process. Her background in business and financial matters enhances her ability to handle complex estate administration tasks.
Samula Bell
Legal Assistant
Samula Bell provides essential support to attorneys and paralegals in client file management and document preparation. She coordinates appointments, handles client communications, and ensures proper execution of legal documentation. Her organizational skills contribute to the smooth operation of client transactions and signing processes.
Questions
What estate planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive estate planning including wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, healthcare directives, and specialized trusts like pet trusts and gun trusts.
Do you offer free legal consultations?
Yes, we offer free no-obligation consultations to help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
What makes your firm different from other estate planning attorneys?
Our attorneys are double Board Certified in Estate Planning & Probate and Tax Law, with over 25 years of combined experience implementing modern, creative legal solutions.
How do you handle complex probate cases?
We manage contested and uncontested probate matters with proven strategies, including will challenges, estate tax filings, and complex asset distribution issues.
Can you help with business succession planning?
Yes, our business planning services include entity structuring, buy/sell agreements, and succession planning to ensure smooth business transitions across generations.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Houston and surrounding communities including The Woodlands, Magnolia, and Northwest Houston areas.
