Business Details
Estate Planning & Probate Services in Austin
With over two decades of dedicated legal practice, our firm specializes in estate planning, probate law, and forensic genealogy services. We provide comprehensive solutions for individuals and families seeking to protect their assets, ensure smooth business succession, and navigate complex probate processes. Our expertise extends to creating tailored wills, trusts, and advanced directives that address both immediate needs and long-term security. As a licensed attorney and certified forensic genealogist, we combine legal precision with investigative rigor to resolve heirship disputes and administer estates with sensitivity.Our practice emphasizes personalized service, transparent communication, and proactive planning to minimize tax burdens and administrative challenges. We serve clients throughout Texas with a commitment to exceeding expectations through meticulous attention to detail and compassionate representation.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Law
Forensic Genealogy
Business Succession
Tax Planning
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of specialized experience in estate and probate law
- Licensed attorney with forensic genealogy expertise for heirship cases
- Customized estate plans addressing tax efficiency and family needs
- Transparent process for probate administration and trust management
- Comprehensive business succession planning with liability protection
What people say
Peace of mind
Compassionate representation
Thorough research
Tax efficiency
Smooth transitions
Services
Estate Planning
Creating comprehensive estate plans to protect assets and ensure family security. Services include drafting wills, establishing trusts, and preparing advance directives. Our approach minimizes tax liabilities while addressing business succession and healthcare directives for individuals and families.
Probate Law
Guiding executors and beneficiaries through probate processes. We handle will validation, asset inventory, creditor claims, and estate distribution. Our practice addresses guardianship matters and resolves disputes while ensuring compliance with Texas probate regulations for smooth estate transitions.
Forensic Genealogy
Locating missing heirs through specialized genealogical investigation. Using legal and historical research methods, we establish heirship for estate distribution, resolve title disputes, and identify beneficiaries for unclaimed assets in probate and trust matters.
Business Succession
Structuring business organizations for liability protection and tax efficiency. We create buy/sell agreements, succession trusts, and key personnel arrangements to ensure continuity for family-owned businesses during ownership transitions and unexpected events.
Tax Planning
Implementing strategies to minimize estate and income tax burdens. Our services include charitable giving structures, life insurance trusts, and business entity planning to preserve wealth for intended beneficiaries while maintaining compliance with federal and state tax codes.
People
Law Office Of Kathleen Macaulay
Attorney & Forensic Genealogist
Licensed Texas attorney with 20 years of experience in estate planning, probate law, and heirship determination. Holds LL.M. in Taxation from University of Houston Law Center. Member of State Bar of Texas and Austin Bar Association's Estate Planning Section.
Questions
What estate planning documents are essential?
Wills, medical powers of attorney, advance directives, and trusts form the foundation of effective estate planning to ensure asset distribution and healthcare decisions align with your wishes.
How does probate work in Texas?
Texas probate involves validating wills, appointing executors, settling debts, and distributing assets through court supervision. Our firm guides executors through each step of this process.
Can forensic genealogy resolve heirship disputes?
Yes, our attorney combines legal expertise with genealogical research to establish heirship through historical records and family tree analysis for estate distribution purposes.
What business structures offer liability protection?
Limited liability companies (LLCs) and trusts provide effective liability protection while offering tax advantages and succession planning flexibility for business owners.
How to minimize estate taxes?
Strategic use of trusts, charitable giving, and business entity structuring can significantly reduce estate tax burdens while preserving wealth for intended beneficiaries.
