Business Details
44 Years
experience
Comprehensive Estate Planning & Legal Services in Fort Worth
Founded in 1982, our law firm has dedicated decades to providing comprehensive legal solutions in estate planning, probate, elder law, and related fields. Our team of experienced attorneys combines deep expertise in tax law, business planning, and asset protection to serve individuals and organizations across Texas. We prioritize personalized counsel, crafting tailored estate plans that reflect each client's unique circumstances while navigating complex legal frameworks. With board-certified specialists and active involvement in professional organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law and Texas Bar Foundation, we maintain rigorous standards of excellence. Our practice extends to guardianship proceedings, Medicaid planning, real estate transactions, and business entity formation, ensuring clients receive holistic legal support.Through decades of service, we have built a reputation for compassionate advocacy during sensitive life transitions, including probate administration and special needs trust establishment. Our attorneys regularly contribute to legal education and community initiatives, reflecting our commitment to both professional and civic leadership. From wills and trusts to tax planning and corporate law, we deliver strategic guidance grounded in extensive courtroom and transactional experience. This enduring dedication to client needs has solidified our position as trusted legal advisors in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Elder Law
Guardianship
Medicaid Planning
Business Formation
Real Estate Law
Tax Planning
Special Needs Trusts
Trust Administration
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined experience in estate and tax law.
- Our attorneys maintain board certification in specialized legal fields.
- We provide personalized Medicaid planning with asset protection strategies.
- Our team includes former leadership in local guardianship organizations.
- We combine courtroom experience with compassionate client advocacy.
Associations and certifications
- Board Certified in Estate Planning
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent 5.0
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
- Texas Bar Foundation Life Fellow
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning practice creates customized legal frameworks for asset distribution and healthcare directives. We draft wills, trusts, and powers of attorney while addressing tax implications and family dynamics. Clients receive strategic guidance on preserving wealth across generations through living wills and testamentary trusts.
Probate Administration
We streamline the probate process for executors and beneficiaries during difficult transitions. Our attorneys handle estate inventory, debt settlement, and asset distribution while resolving disputes through mediation or litigation. This includes managing complex probate matters involving contested wills and multi-state assets.
Medicaid Planning
Our Medicaid planning protects assets while securing long-term care eligibility. We implement legal strategies for nursing home costs and community-based care, balancing immediate needs with future financial security. This includes crafting irrevocable trusts and navigating complex qualification requirements.
Business Formation
We establish business structures tailored to ownership goals and tax considerations. Services cover corporation, LLC, and partnership formation with ongoing compliance support. Our counsel addresses succession planning, contract drafting, and operational governance for emerging and established companies.
Special Needs Trusts
Our special needs trusts preserve government benefits while providing supplemental care funds. We design legally compliant instruments that address disability-specific requirements and family circumstances. This includes coordinating with guardianship arrangements and future care planning.
People
Henry B. Paup
Attorney at Law
Board-certified estate planning attorney with 50+ years experience. Former president of multiple civic organizations and recipient of Texas Statewide Lawyer Award. Specializes in complex estate and tax planning.
Aaron J. Shutt
Attorney at Law
Probate and guardianship specialist since 2008. Active in local community organizations and former board member of Guardianship Services, Inc. Focuses on trust administration and estate litigation.
Jane D. Pirtle
Attorney at Law
Estate planning expert with AV Preeminent rating. Practicing since 1982 with focus on wills, trusts, and tax law. Recognized for expertise in special needs and elderly client planning.
Questions
What estate planning documents should every adult have?
Every adult should have a will, medical power of attorney, and directive to physicians. We recommend additional documents like revocable trusts based on individual circumstances.
How does Medicaid asset protection work?
We use legal strategies like irrevocable trusts and annuities to reposition assets while maintaining eligibility for long-term care benefits through Medicaid programs.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Texas?
Texas intestacy laws determine asset distribution. Our probate attorneys guide executors through court-required processes for estate administration without existing wills.
Can I create a business entity online?
While possible, we recommend professional guidance to select optimal structures considering liability protection, tax implications, and long-term business goals.
How do special needs trusts preserve government benefits?
These trusts hold assets without disqualifying beneficiaries from Medicaid and SSI by establishing proper legal ownership and distribution parameters.
