At Duffley Law, we help San Antonio families across Bexar County create trusts that protect loved ones, reduce probate hassles, and keep key decisions in your hands.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, San Antonio’s population was estimated at 1,526,656 (as of July 2024), which means many local families can benefit from clear, probate-avoiding planning tools like trusts.
Many people come to us after realizing that a will may still require probate, while a properly funded trust can help streamline what happens to your home, business, and other assets.
We keep the process straightforward by focusing on what you own, who you want to protect, and how you want decisions made if you cannot act for yourself. We explain options in plain language, outline what needs to be transferred into the trust, and make sure your plan fits your goals.
According to one client, “They made the entire estate planning process easy… really fast and well done.”
What is a Trust and Why It Matters in San Antonio
A trust is a legal arrangement that lets you place assets under the control of a person or institution to manage them for someone else.
A trust is like a bucket. We move assets into that bucket. With an effective trust, anything that’s in that bucket when someone passes away avoids probate court.
A trust generally has three roles:
- Grantor: the person who creates the trust and funds it with assets (also called the settlor).
- Trustee: the person or institution who manages the trust assets and follows the written instructions. During the grantor’s lifetime, the trustee is often the grantor him or herself.
- Beneficiary: the person or people who receive the benefits from the trust assets, either now or later.
People in San Antonio and across Bexar County often use trusts for practical reasons, especially when they want a plan that is clear and easier for family members to carry out.
For example, many trusts are used to help avoid probate for assets that are properly titled in the name of the trust. That can mean less court involvement and fewer delays for loved ones.
Understanding these basics makes it easier to compare a trust to other estate planning tools and decide what fits your goals.
Our Trust Services in San Antonio
- Revocable living trusts
- Irrevocable trust planning
- Special needs trusts
- Trust funding guidance
- Pour-over wills
- Beneficiary designation reviews
- Trust amendments and restatements
- Trust administration support
- Probate avoidance strategies
- Supporting estate planning documents (i.e. powers of attorney, healthcare directives, etc.)
Why Choose Duffley Law
Trust planning should feel clear, not overwhelming. Duffley Law focuses on practical guidance so you can make confident choices about how your home, savings, and family responsibilities are handled if something happens.
Here is what sets us apart:
- Clear explanations: We translate trust terms into plain language and connect each option to real-life outcomes, like keeping your home out of probate or confirming a child’s inheritance is managed responsibly.
- Responsive communication: We provide straightforward answers so you’re not left wondering what’s happening or what to do next.
- Compassionate support: Estate planning can involve stress, grief, or family tension. We approach sensitive decisions with patience and help keep the focus on what you can control.
- Convenient signing options: When possible, we provide mobile notaries to make plan signings easier without disrupting work, caregiving, or transportation needs.
- Clear fee estimates: After we learn about your goals, you’ll receive a clear, flat fee estimate so you can decide whether to move forward before work begins.
- Local, Texas-focused planning: We build documents for Texas rules and common San Antonio scenarios, including for homeowners, blended families,, and those wanting to avoid the hassle of probate court.
You will also receive a plan that’s tailored to your goals with clear next steps and guidance on keeping the trust funded over time.
Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts in Texas
If you are deciding between a revocable and an irrevocable trust, the main tradeoff is simple: control vs. protection. Caring.com’s 2025 Wills Study found that just 13% of Americans have a living trust, so clear, client-friendly guidance can make a real difference.
Here is a snapshot of the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts:
| Feature | Revocable Living Trust | Irrevocable Trust |
| Who controls it? | Usually you (as grantor & trustee) | Often someone else, or you with limits |
| Can you change it? | Yes, anytime while you have capacity | Usually no, or only in narrow situations |
| Probate avoidance | Yes, for assets titled to the trust | Yes, for assets titled to the trust |
| Asset protection | Limited | Often stronger, depending on design |
| Tax and Medicaid planning | Typically limited | Often used for advanced planning |
About Us
Duffley Law helps San Antonio families and individuals plan ahead with clear, practical estate planning and guidance during estate administration. We serve clients across San Antonio and nearby communities.
Our approach is simple: we prepare a plan tailored to your goals, you know what each document does, and you can make decisions with confidence.
Clients come to us because they want fewer surprises and more clarity. We take time to learn what you own, who you want to protect, and what outcomes you want to see or avoid.
Then we translate that into a plan you can actually use, with guidance on funding a trust, updating beneficiary designations, and keeping your plan current as your family or finances change.
If you are exploring trusts, probate, or other estate planning tools, the next step is to contact our team for a quick conversation about your goals and your situation to see how we might be able to best assist.
Our Process San Antonio Families
Here is what working with Duffley Law typically looks like, so you can plan confidently and avoid surprises.
1. Discovery and intake
We learn what you want your plan to do: avoid probate, protect a child, plan for incapacity, or keep things private. You share key details about your goals, potential decision-makers, and assets (home, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business interests). We’ll prepare a flat fee proposal to complete the plan, and, once signed on, we’ll get started from there.
2. Drafting and review
We draft your trust and supporting documents, then walk you through them section by section. You get a chance to ask questions and request changes before anything is final.
3. Signing and notarization
We coordinate signing and make sure everything is executed correctly. When possible, we will send out a mobile notary to you so signing is as convenient as possible.
4. Funding guidance and next steps
A trust only works if assets are titled or assigned properly. In addition to preparing things like deeds and asset assignments, we provide guidance for funding, such as changing account ownership or beneficiary designations. At this point, your plan should be fully active!
What Our Customers Say
“They made the entire estate planning process easy… really fast and well done.”
Clients often come to Duffley Law expecting a lot of paperwork and delays. This review highlights an experience that felt simple, efficient, and well organized, which matters when you are trying to protect your family without many months of delays.
“They took the time to explain everything clearly and answered all of our questions with patience.”
Trust planning is full of unfamiliar terms for many people, and most want to understand what they are signing and why. This feedback shows a client-first approach where explanations are clear, questions are welcome, and decisions are made with confidence.
“Very professional and knowledgeable after losing my father.”
Families often reach out during hard seasons, including after a loss. This reflects the value of working with someone who can be steady, respectful, and informed during a difficult time.
“They even sent a notary to our house to take care of the paperwork.”
Convenience is a key factor, especially for busy families or clients with limited mobility. This review highlights our focus to try and remove friction and help clients finish key steps without added stress.
Local Resources We Work With in San Antonio
- Bexar County Probate Courts
- Bexar County Clerk
- Texas Comptroller: Unclaimed Property
- State Bar of Texas
- Local legal aid options (San Antonio area)
Schedule a Trust Consultation
If you are ready to protect your family and avoid probate delays with a trust, contact our team to schedule a consultation with Duffley Law. You can request an appointment through a form on this page or by giving us a call, and we will confirm a time that fits your calendar.