Estate planning in Houston helps individuals and families protect their assets, prepare for life’s uncertainties, and make sure loved ones are cared for. High-value homes in areas like River Oaks often require advanced planning to avoid probate complications and maintain family privacy.
At Duffley Law, we bring many years of experience helping Houstonians draft wills, establish trusts, and build plans that reflect their goals. With Harris County Probate Court handling all local filings, a strong estate plan that confirms your wishes are honored without unnecessary delays.
Nearly 68% of American adults have no estate plan in place, according to Caring.com’s 2024 survey. In a metro of 7.3 million people, that means thousands of Houston families risk drawn-out probate, often lasting 6 to 9 months in Texas. We’re here to change that.
Duffley Law helps families take control of their legacy now, before it becomes urgent later.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning involves organizing your affairs to make sure that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after your death or if you become incapacitated.
This process includes creating legal documents that outline how your property, finances, and healthcare decisions should be handled, providing clarity and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Who Needs Estate Planning?
Estate planning isn’t just for retirees or high-net-worth families. Anyone who owns property, cares for children, or wants a say in how their affairs are handled can benefit.
You may want an estate plan if you:
- Own a home or investment property
- Have children or dependents
- Are you recently married, divorced, or widowed
- Own a business or have business partners
- Want to avoid probate or court involvement
- Are concerned about long-term care or medical decisions
Planning ahead makes life easier for those you care about, whether you’re 35 or 75.
What Are the Benefits of Estate Planning?
Estate planning allows you to maintain control, minimize conflict, and protect your legacy. A solid plan can:
- Help avoid lengthy and expensive probate proceedings
- Make sure your property goes to the right people at the right time
- Appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf
- Reduce the risk of disputes among family members
- Protect your estate from unnecessary taxes and legal fees
- Streamline business transitions or asset transfers
A well-crafted estate plan can also reduce stress and financial burdens for your family when they need clarity most.
What Does Estate Planning Include?
Estate planning isn’t just one document, it’s a complete strategy for how your property, responsibilities, and decisions will be handled in the future. At Duffley Law, we build plans that are practical, understandable, and specific to each Houston family’s needs.
Our estate planning services include:
- Wills and Living Wills
- Asset Protection Strategies
- Guardianship Planning
- Probate Avoidance Planning
- Business Succession Planning
- Charitable Giving Plans
- Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
- Foreclosure Surplus Recovery
Every estate plan includes a built-in document review meeting, clear communication, and flexible consultation options, whether in person or online.
Who We Are
We work with clients across the city, offering local insight, flexible meetings, and a clear legal process designed for Houston families. While our physical office is centrally located near the Harris County Probate Court, we also offer virtual meetings to serve clients throughout the Houston area.
If you’re nearby or in another part of the city, you can meet with us online, without sacrificing the personal attention or clarity you’d expect from an in-person visit.
We focus exclusively on estate law, from helping families plan ahead to supporting them through probate after a loss. Clients trust us for respectful communication, steady guidance, and plans that fit real life.
Why Choose Duffley Law
At Duffley Law, we believe estate planning should be clear and built around your life, not the other way around. That’s why clients across Houston choose us for a service experience that’s as thoughtful as it is thorough.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Flat-fee pricing wherever applicable.
- Living trust plans are offered as a standard option, not a premium upsell.
- No contingency fees, ever (not allowed in Texas, and we honor that).
- Free consultations to help you decide what’s right for your situation.
- High-touch, personalized service, we don’t churn out templates or skip the details.
- Kindness, respect, and clear communication at every step.
- Flexible payments through LawPay, including Buy Now, Pay Later options.
- Built-in review meeting to walk through your documents before signing.
Local Resources That Shape Estate Planning in Houston
Houston families benefit from estate plans that reflect not just personal goals, but also the local landscape, legal, financial, and practical. Every year, thousands of estates are filed through Harris County Probate Court, one of the busiest in Texas.
From court procedures to historic property transfers, these local factors can significantly affect how an estate is handled. Here are the local institutions we work with:
- Harris County Probate Court
- Houston Property Records and Historic Homes
- Local Events and Lessons in Preparation
Ready to Start Your Estate Plan?
Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Duffley Law, we’ll walk you through each step, answer your questions, and build a plan that reflects what matters most to you.
We’re here to help, clearly, respectfully, and on your schedule. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind.