Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning Services in Austin
As the founder of the Smaistrla Charles J, I have dedicated my legal career to providing comprehensive estate planning, probate, and trust services to clients throughout Central Texas. With over 27 years of experience in private practice and prior roles as an Administrative Law Judge and briefing attorney, I combine legal expertise with practical economic insight to address complex estate matters. My practice focuses on creating tailored solutions for asset protection, business succession planning, and family legacy preservation while maintaining a client-centered approach. I prioritize direct consultation, transparent communication, and fixed-fee pricing to ensure accessibility and clarity for all clients. My academic background includes a Ph.D. in economics and law degree from the University of Texas, complemented by Martindale-Hubbell AV rating for legal excellence.I serve as chair of the Solo-Small Firm Section of the Austin Bar Association and maintain active community involvement through local organizations. By emphasizing proactive planning, I help clients avoid posthumous family conflicts and ensure their wishes are legally enforceable. Evening appointments and personalized service remain available to accommodate client needs while maintaining strict adherence to ethical and professional standards.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Law
Wills and Trusts
Guardianship Proceedings
Business Succession Planning
Special Needs Trusts
Living Wills
Asset Protection
Administrative Law
Estate Tax Planning
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 27+ years of specialized estate planning and probate experience
- Our fixed-fee pricing ensures transparent legal costs
- Evening appointments accommodate busy schedules
- We combine legal expertise with economic analysis for practical solutions
- Direct attorney consultation prioritizes personalized service
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
- College of the State Bar of Texas
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients protect assets and ensure proper distribution of property. We create customized wills, trusts, and advanced directives to meet individual needs. Our approach combines legal expertise with economic analysis to minimize tax implications and avoid probate complications.
Probate Law
We guide executors and administrators through Texas probate processes. Our services include asset gathering, debt settlement, and distribution according to wills or court orders. We help clients navigate complex legal requirements while minimizing family conflicts during difficult times.
Wills and Trusts
We draft legally binding wills and various trust instruments to execute clients' wishes. Our services cover testamentary trusts, revocable living trusts, and special needs trusts. We ensure documents comply with Texas law while addressing unique family and business circumstances.
Business Succession Planning
Our practice develops strategies for smooth business ownership transitions. We create succession plans that protect business interests and maintain operational continuity. Services include buy-sell agreements, ownership transfer frameworks, and tax-efficient transition strategies for family-owned enterprises.
Guardianship Proceedings
We assist with establishing guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults. Our services cover temporary and permanent guardianship arrangements, including required legal documentation and court representation. We ensure compliance with Texas family law requirements while protecting vulnerable individuals.
People
Charles Smaistrla
Attorney & Founder
Charles Smaistrla is an AV-rated attorney with 27+ years of experience in estate planning and probate law. He holds a Ph.D. in economics and Texas law degree, combining legal and financial expertise. Former Administrative Law Judge and Martindale-Hubbell-rated practitioner serving Central Texas families.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills. We help determine appropriate instruments based on your assets, family situation, and long-term goals during initial consultations.
How does probate work in Texas?
Texas probate involves validating wills and distributing assets through court supervision. We guide executors through required steps including asset inventory, debt settlement, and proper distribution according to legal requirements and testamentary wishes.
Can I avoid probate with trusts?
Properly structured trusts can help avoid probate by transferring asset ownership during life. We create customized trust arrangements that maintain control while providing efficient posthumous asset distribution according to your specifications.
What happens without an estate plan?
Without planning, Texas intestacy laws determine asset distribution, potentially causing family conflicts and unintended outcomes. We help create legally enforceable plans that protect your wishes and loved ones' interests.
Do I need an attorney for estate planning?
While basic documents can be self-prepared, an attorney ensures legal compliance and addresses complex situations. We provide expert guidance to create comprehensive, enforceable plans tailored to your unique circumstances.
