Texas Estate Planning & Probate Attorney

Texans turn to Duffley Law when family and future are on the line. We help everyday people across the state create strong, clear estate plans and handle probate with confidence.

Everything we do is built around protecting what matters most to our clients.

Why Texans Trust Duffley Law

Genuine Compassion, Real Solutions

At Duffley Law, every client is treated with the patience, honesty, and respect Texans deserve. From your first consultation, you’ll experience kindness without the legal jargon. We offer free consultations and flexible payment plans so protecting your family is never out of reach.

“Every now and then, God sends you wonderful people like Mr. Duffley…” — Mary W.

Speak Directly With Our Team

No phone mazes. When you call Duffley Law, you speak with a real person. Clients get answers quickly and efficiently. 

“They ALWAYS answered the phone when I called, to answer any question I had.” — Tish G.

Designed to Bypass Probate

Our estate plans are crafted to help your family stay in control and out of court. From living trusts to transfer on death deeds to custom plans for blended or special-needs families, everything is built to provide future clarity.

“He made sure our special-needs adult was written into the trust… so he wouldn’t lose benefits.” — Gi G.

Custom Legal Planning

Every plan is drafted with your family, goals, and Texas law in mind. You’ll review each document with us before you sign, and we’ll revise whatever we have to before signing. We want to make sure that the plan aligns exactly with your goals.

“Extremely detailed… reviewed paperwork so I could make a fully informed decision.” — ‘The Boss’

Trusted Results Across Texas

Duffley Law delivers peace of mind no matter how complicated or simple the matter is. Hundreds of Texans have trusted us to secure their legacy and protect the ones they love.

Our Texas Estate Planning and Probate Services

At Duffley Law, estate planning is never one-size-fits-all. We help Texans in every corner of the state create clear, custom legal plans that put them and their loved ones in control, now and for generations to come. 

Estate Planning

An effective plan keeps your family out of court and in control. As a flat-fee estate planning lawyer, we draft wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and transfer on death deeds, among other important estate planning tools. Every clause is tailored for Texas law with your goals in mind.

Wills & Testamentary Documents

Protect your wishes and prevent family disputes with a Texas-compliant last will and testament. Each will is tailored to your unique intentions, including complex family situations and blended households.

Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts

Want to skip probate and provide for your heirs efficiently? Our revocable and irrevocable trusts are custom-built to your needs, from protecting privacy to preserving family wealth. 

Trusts are especially valuable in Texas, where probate expenses can cost many thousands of dollars and court proceedings can last months or even years. Setting up a trust today can help your loved ones avoid needless expense, conflict, and delay.

Probate and Estate Administration

When a loved one passes, timely action matters. Our probate attorneys handle filings in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and surrounding counties. We guide executors and administrators through each required filing and deadline, and help our clients get control over the estate’s assets. 

Other Services Provided 

• Muniment of Title Probate
• Probate Without a Will (heirship proceedings)
• Small Estate Affidavits
• Foreclosure Surplus Recovery
• Estate Planning to Avoid Probate

Serving Texas Statewide

Duffley Law proudly serves families and businesses across every corner of the Lone Star State. Regardless of if you’re in a major city, a rural county, or even living out of state, we’re here to help, quickly, clearly, and compassionately.

We Proudly Serve All Major Texas Cities:

From Hill Country ranches to East Texas pine forests, Gulf Coast towns to West Texas small communities, wherever you call home, Duffley Law is ready to serve.

How We Make Statewide Service Easy

• Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends
• Fast digital communication and document exchange
• In-person meetings available by appointment in select Texas cities
• Clear process for out-of-state heirs, military families, and nonresident property owners

“They made the process easy to understand and gave me confidence every step of the way.” — Mathis O.

Probate & Estate Administration Across the Lone Star State

When a loved one passes away, Texas families, whether in the heart of Dallas, deep in the Hill Country, or along the Gulf Coast, deserve a process that’s clear, efficient, and as stress-free as possible. 

We guide folks from every corner of the state through probate and estate administration, cutting through red tape and helping you honor your loved one’s legacy.

Efficient Probate Representation

Probate in Texas can be complicated, with deadlines, court filings, and asset transfers that overwhelm even the most organized families. Our team is committed to moving your case forward efficiently, so your family can focus on what matters most.

Heirship & Small Estate Proceedings

Not every Texas estate requires a full probate. For families on the plains, in city suburbs, or out near Big Bend, we offer heirship proceedings and small estate affidavits, legal shortcuts that allow for faster, less costly resolutions when there’s no will or a smaller estate. 

Letters Testamentary & Muniment of Title

We secure the legal authority you need to manage assets, transfer real property, or settle debts.Texas is one of the few states that allows a unique “muniment of title” process for estates that meet certain criteria, making it easier for families to transfer property quickly without full probate.

Our Simple, Proven Process For Every Texas Family

From the first call to the final signature, Duffley Law keeps things clear and easy. Our process is built for busy Texans who want answers and results without the runaround.

Step 1: Free Consultation

We start by listening. Share your concerns, your goals, and your family’s unique story. You’ll get straightforward advice and a written flat-fee quote, no pressure, no charge.

Step 2: Strategy Session and Custom Drafting

Together, we map out the best plan for you. Every document is drafted to fit your situation, not someone else’s template.

Step 3: Line-by-Line Review

Before you sign anything, we walk through each page with you, answering questions and making changes so everything is crystal clear. You’ll never be rushed, and you’ll never be left in the dark.

Step 4: Final Signing and Filing, Anywhere in Texas

Once you’re satisfied, we handle all the logistics. Sign in our office, at home, or online, whatever works best for you. We take care of the filings and make sure every “i” is dotted from Amarillo to Corpus Christi.

Texas Legal Resources and Institutions We Work With

When you need legal work done in Texas, you want a team that’s already connected across the state. Duffley Law works directly with courts, county clerks, and agencies from the Piney Woods to the Permian Basin. We make sure your filings are handled quickly and correctly, so your case keeps moving, no matter where you call home in Texas.

We Routinely Work With:

• Texas Probate Courts (All Counties):
  From Harris County to Travis, Dallas to El Paso, we’re familiar with the procedures, paperwork, and preferences of probate courts across the state.
• County Clerk Offices Across Texas:
  Deed filings, transfer on death deeds, marriage and birth certificates, we work directly with clerks in every county to secure and record your family’s most important documents.
• Texas Secretary of State:
  We handle business entity formations, estate-related filings, and certifications through the Secretary of State, providing peace of mind for business owners and heirs alike.
• Texas Health and Human Services:
  When planning for elder care, Medicaid, or special needs, we coordinate with state agencies to help families access benefits and protections unique to Texas.
• Texas Department of Motor Vehicles:
  For estate-related vehicle title transfers, we guide clients through the DMV process, making sure your wheels and titles are in the right hands.
• Local Texas Financial Institutions and Title Companies:
  If you’re funding a trust or transferring property, we partner with banks and title agents from Houston to Amarillo.
• Texas Bar Association & Local Bar Chapters:
  Duffley Law stays ahead of changing regulations and best practices through active involvement with state and local bar organizations, making sure your plan is always compliant with current Texas law.

Meet Our Founder: Jack Duffley

Jack Duffley believes every Texas family deserves peace of mind, straight answers, and legal advice you can actually understand. With years of experience helping folks from Houston to the Hill Country, and everywhere in between, Jack brings both real estate know-how and a genuine, down-to-earth approach to every case.

About Jack:

• Licensed in Texas and Illinois: Proud to serve the Lone Star State, Jack’s focus is estate planning, probate, and real estate.
• Family-First Values: Clients say Jack is “kind,” “thorough,” and “always easy to reach.” He knows how important it is to keep families together and assets where they belong.
• Hands-On Experience: Before founding Duffley Law, Jack worked as a commercial real estate lawyer, agent, and property manager, giving him practical insight into everything from deeds to trusts to title issues.
• Published Author & Speaker: Jack’s work has appeared in law reviews, real estate guides, and his own book, “The One Property Retirement.”
• Rooted in Texas: After moving from Chicago, Jack and his family put down roots in Texas, raising their son and serving neighbors with the honesty and hard work Texans expect.
  

Jack’s promise: Every client, from Dallas to Del Rio, gets the same care, clarity, and personal attention. If you want a lawyer who listens, explains, and treats you like a neighbor, not a case number, Duffley Law is here for you.

Estate Planning & Probate FAQ

What is the difference between a will and a trust in Texas?
A will directs where your assets go after you die and usually requires probate. A trust lets you pass assets without court involvement and can provide privacy and faster transfers.

Do all estates in Texas have to go through probate?
No. Some assets, like those in a trust with beneficiary designations or held jointly, can avoid probate. Small estates may qualify for simpler procedures.

How long does probate usually take in Texas?
Most probate cases last six to twelve months, but disputes or complicated assets can take longer.

What happens if I die without a will in Texas?
State law decides who inherits your property, often through a process called intestacy. The court will appoint an administrator to handle your estate.

What is a power of attorney, and do I need one?
A power of attorney lets someone you trust make legal or financial decisions for you if you can’t. It’s a key part of most estate plans.

What is a transfer-on-death deed?
A transfer-on-death deed lets you pass real estate to a beneficiary outside of probate. It’s a simple way to keep property transfers quick and clear.

Take the Next Step: Contact Duffley Law

If you need estate planning or probate help in Texas, our team is ready to guide you. Call us at (346) 576-5389, visit our office, or reach out through our online contact form.

Every conversation is private, and we respond quickly. Reach out today and experience the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted Texas law firm on your side.