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Estate Lawyers in Colleyville, TX & Southlake
Build peace of mind and protect what matters most. The Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC helps families and business owners in Colleyville and Southlake plan wisely, transfer assets smoothly, and navigate probate with clarity.
Protecting Your Legacy With Purpose and Precision
Estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about ensuring your loved ones are cared for, your wishes are honored, and your legacy is secure. At the Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC, we guide clients across Colleyville and Southlake through every aspect of estate planning, probate, and trust administration with compassion and clarity.
Our work blends strategic legal insight with deeply personal attention. Whether you’re drafting your first will, managing a complex trust, or handling probate for a family member, we tailor every plan to your assets, your values, and your family’s dynamics. Our goal is to minimize conflict, reduce taxes and fees where possible, and give your beneficiaries a clear roadmap when it matters most.
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Visit Us in Colleyville — Minutes from Southlake
We serve individuals, couples, and business owners throughout North Tarrant County with tailored estate solutions.
Firm | Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC |
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Address | 6500 Colleyville Blvd Suite 100, Colleyville, TX 76034 |
Phone | (817) 479-0534 |
Website | https://katesmithlaw.com/ |
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Comprehensive Estate Planning Services
Wills & Testamentary Planning
We draft clear, enforceable wills that reflect your wishes and reduce the risk of family conflict. From guardianship designations for minor children to tailored bequests and residuary clauses, we ensure every detail is precise and legally sound. We also advise on beneficiary designations for retirement accounts and life insurance so your plan is cohesive and effective.
Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts
Trusts are powerful tools for avoiding probate, reducing taxes, and protecting assets. We design trusts that match your financial goals — from revocable living trusts for flexibility to irrevocable trusts for asset protection, special needs trusts to safeguard benefits, and charitable trusts that support causes you value. We also guide you through funding your trust so it works as intended.
Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives
We prepare durable financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, and advance directives so someone you trust can act on your behalf if you cannot. These documents create clarity for your family and can prevent the time and expense of guardianship proceedings. Our forms are tailored to Texas law and your preferences.
Business Succession & Asset Protection
If you own a business in Southlake or Colleyville, estate planning is critical to preserving its value. We create succession strategies, buy-sell agreements, and asset protection structures to safeguard your enterprise and legacy. We coordinate with your CPA and financial advisor to align entity selection, compensation, and retirement planning with your estate plan.
Probate & Estate Administration
When a loved one passes away, we provide step-by-step guidance through Texas probate — from opening the estate and validating the will to handling creditor claims, tax filings, real property transfers, and final distributions. We also assist executors and trustees with fiduciary duties, accounting, and beneficiary communications to keep the process efficient and transparent.
Guardianships
We counsel families on seeking guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults, ensuring protection while preserving dignity. Our team handles both uncontested and contested guardianship proceedings, focusing on least-restrictive alternatives when possible and clear court filings when guardianship is necessary.
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Why Estate Planning Matters — Especially Now
- Avoid Probate Delays: Proper planning can transfer assets quickly and privately, sparing your family months of court proceedings.
- Minimize Taxes & Costs: Well-structured trusts and beneficiary designations reduce estate taxes, legal fees, and administrative burdens.
- Prevent Family Conflict: Clear documents and fiduciary guidance help prevent disputes and preserve family relationships.
- Protect Minor Children: Wills and trusts ensure guardianship and financial provisions are in place if something happens to you.
- Secure Your Business & Real Estate: Succession planning protects company value and ensures a smooth transition for properties in Southlake, Colleyville, and beyond.
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to make life easier for those they love. With the right plan, you can reduce stress for your family, maintain privacy, and ensure your legacy reflects your values.
Our Estate Planning Process
- Initial Consultation: We discuss your family, assets, and goals, and provide a clear roadmap of what you need.
- Custom Design: We draft tailored documents that reflect your wishes and integrate with your financial picture.
- Execution & Funding: We oversee proper signing, witness formalities, and help you fund trusts and update beneficiary designations.
- Administration Support: We guide executors and trustees in managing and distributing assets efficiently and lawfully.
- Ongoing Updates: We review plans regularly to ensure they evolve with your family, finances, and Texas law.
Tip: Life events like marriage, divorce, births, deaths, home purchases, or business changes are signals to revisit and refresh your plan.
What to Bring to Your Estate Planning Meeting
Preparation makes your planning session efficient and productive. Bring (as available):
- List of assets and liabilities (homes, investment accounts, retirement, life insurance, business interests, loans).
- Current beneficiary designations and prior estate documents (wills, trusts, POAs).
- Contact information for potential fiduciaries (executor, trustee, guardians, agents).
- Notes on family circumstances, special needs, or charitable intentions.
If you don’t have everything handy, come as you are — we’ll build a plan and checklist to gather what’s needed next.
Local Counsel You Can Trust
As a Colleyville-based firm serving Southlake and surrounding communities, we bring a neighborhood-first approach to sophisticated planning. You’ll get clear explanations, practical recommendations, and responsive communication from start to finish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a will if I have young children?
Yes. A will lets you name guardians for minor children and control how their inheritance is managed. Without one, the court decides — which can be lengthy and uncertain. We also discuss trusts to manage funds for minors over time.
How often should I update my estate plan?
We recommend reviewing your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, birth, death, relocation, or significant financial changes. We can maintain an update cadence that fits your needs.
Can I avoid probate entirely?
With proper planning, many assets can bypass probate through trusts, beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death deeds, and joint ownership. While not every asset will bypass court, we design plans to minimize or avoid probate wherever possible.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Texas?
Texas intestacy law determines heirs — which may not align with your wishes. A will ensures your chosen beneficiaries inherit as you intend and can simplify administration for your family.
Talk to an Estate Lawyer in Colleyville & Southlake
Law Office of Kate Smith, PLLC
6500 Colleyville Blvd Suite 100, Colleyville, TX 76034
Call: (817) 479-0534
Website: katesmithlaw.com
Serving clients throughout North Tarrant County, including Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Keller, and surrounding communities.