Business Details
16 Years
experience
Elder Law Solutions for Dallas Families
Founded in 2010, our firm provides specialized legal services in probate, guardianship, Medicaid planning, and estate matters. With over a decade of experience in Tarrant County's legal system, we combine deep knowledge of Texas elder law with personalized client representation. Our practice focuses on navigating complex probate processes, creating comprehensive estate plans, and protecting vulnerable individuals through guardianship proceedings. We maintain strong relationships with local courts and financial institutions to efficiently resolve client matters. Our team's expertise extends to will contests, asset protection strategies, and Medicaid eligibility planning for nursing home care.We serve clients across seven Texas counties, offering both courtroom advocacy and proactive legal planning solutions. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our track record of successful case resolutions and client satisfaction. We prioritize clear communication and transparent guidance throughout every legal process. Our attorneys maintain active involvement in court proceedings as Attorney Ad Litem appointments. We continually refine our practice to address evolving elder law challenges while maintaining personalized service.
Services
Probate Administration
Estate Planning
Guardianship Proceedings
Medicaid Planning
Will Contests
Asset Protection
Power of Attorney
Heirship Determinations
Trust Administration
Nursing Home Planning
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have over 12 years of specialized experience in Texas elder law since 2010
- Our managing attorney completed probate ad litem certification requirements
- We serve seven Texas counties including Dallas, Tarrant, and Johnson
- Our team includes staff with prior experience in county probate clerk offices
- We offer comprehensive Medicaid planning strategies for nursing home care
Services
Probate Administration
We guide executors through Texas probate processes including will validation, asset inventory, debt settlement, and estate distribution. Our services cover independent administrations, dependent administrations, and muniment of title proceedings. We help families navigate complex heirship determinations when wills are missing, ensuring compliance with Texas Estates Code requirements while protecting beneficiaries' interests.
Estate Planning
Our comprehensive estate planning creates customized wills, trusts, and advance directives to protect clients' wishes. We design durable powers of attorney, medical directives, and guardianship designations while minimizing tax implications. Our planning addresses special needs provisions, creditor protection, and strategies to reduce will contest risks through proper execution and documentation.
Guardianship Proceedings
We establish legal guardianships for incapacitated adults through court proceedings requiring medical evaluations and background checks. Our services include preparing necessary documentation, securing court bonds, and guiding guardians through reporting requirements. We help families navigate alternatives to guardianship while protecting vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation or abuse.
Medicaid Planning
We assist families in qualifying for Medicaid benefits to cover skilled nursing care costs. Our planning considers asset protection strategies, spousal allowances, and exempt resources like primary residences. We help appeal benefit denials while maintaining eligibility dates, ensuring compliance with Texas Medicaid rules for both single and married applicants.
Will Contests
We represent parties challenging or defending will validity in Texas courts. Our services include evaluating undue influence claims, reviewing execution formalities, and analyzing prior will versions. We help beneficiaries understand contest likelihoods based on evidence while guiding executors through contested probate proceedings and court-required accountings.
People
Tracy Bush
Managing Attorney
Licensed Texas attorney since 2010 with Summa Cum Laude Juris Doctor. Specializes in probate litigation, guardianship proceedings, and Medicaid planning. Serves as Court-appointed Attorney Ad Litem in Tarrant, Dallas, and Hood Counties. Former law review editor with extensive experience in will contests and estate administration.
Barry Patrick
Probate Specialist
Over 20 years of probate experience including former Tarrant County Probate Clerk. Provides procedural expertise for estate administrations and guardianship filings. Assists clients with court expectations and document preparation requirements for complex probate matters.
Tanya Doone
Client Liaison
8+ years of experience facilitating financial institution communications. Specializes in obtaining account verifications, beneficiary designations, and insurance policy valuations. Provides patient support for clients navigating third-party documentation requests during estate proceedings.
Sindy Jimenez
Paralegal
2 years of paralegal experience supporting emergency case resolutions. Coordinates procedural steps for guardianship applications and probate filings. Maintains case progress tracking systems to ensure timely court deadline compliance for all client matters.
Crystal Maxwell
Office Manager
Coordinates Hood, Somervell, and Erath County case management. Greets Granbury office visitors and maintains client communication schedules. Organizes probate and guardianship file documentation for court submissions across multiple jurisdictions.
Questions
What probate options exist in Texas when someone dies with a will?
Texas offers several probate procedures including Independent Administration, Dependent Administration, and Muniment of Title. The appropriate process depends on estate complexity, debt levels, and beneficiary agreements.
How can I avoid guardianship for an aging parent?
Establishing durable powers of attorney and medical directives can prevent guardianship. We recommend these documents while the individual maintains decision-making capacity to avoid court intervention.
What Medicaid eligibility requirements apply for nursing home care?
Applicants must meet asset limits (excluding one home and vehicle) and income thresholds. We help structure assets to qualify while preserving resources for the non-applicant spouse when applicable.
How long do I have to probate a will in Texas?
Wills must be probated within four years of death. Delayed probate reduces available options and may prevent beneficiaries from receiving their intended inheritance through the will.
What happens if someone contests a will?
Will contests require evidence of improper execution, undue influence, or fraud. We evaluate contest viability based on medical records, prior will versions, and witness testimony to determine case strength.
Can I handle probate without an attorney?
While legally possible, Texas probate requires strict compliance with court procedures and deadlines. Most executors benefit from legal guidance to navigate complex requirements and avoid personal liability for mistakes.
