Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Bankruptcy & Estate Planning Attorneys in Arlington, TX
The Law Office of Marilyn D. Garner has served clients in North Texas for over 30 years, specializing in bankruptcy, estate planning, and probate law. Our firm prioritizes individualized care, ensuring clients receive direct guidance from experienced attorneys rather than paralegals. We maintain the highest ethical and legal standards, evidenced by our AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Attorney Marilyn D. Garner, practicing since 1983, brings deep expertise in navigating complex financial and legal challenges.We focus on compassionate representation, helping clients achieve financial stability and secure their legacies through tailored legal solutions. Our community involvement reflects our commitment to supporting local residents through initiatives like Arlington New Beginnings. We serve Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Bedford, and Cedar Hill, offering free confidential consultations to help clients understand their options and rebuild their futures.
Services
Bankruptcy
Estate Planning
Probate
Chapter 7
Chapter 13
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in bankruptcy and estate planning law
- Direct attorney-led service with no paralegal delegation
- AV Preeminent-rated for ethical and legal excellence
- Community-focused practice with local nonprofit involvement
- Free confidential bankruptcy consultations available
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
What people say
Feeling like family
Knowledgeable attorneys
Guided to starting point
Made feel at ease
Highly recommend
Services
Bankruptcy
Our bankruptcy services help individuals and businesses eliminate or restructure overwhelming debt through Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 filings. With over 30 years of experience, we guide clients through the automatic stay process, means testing, and asset protection strategies. Our firm helps clients understand dischargeable debts, stop foreclosure proceedings, and rebuild credit post-bankruptcy while maintaining strict ethical standards.
Estate Planning
Estate planning services create legally binding frameworks to protect assets and ensure client wishes are honored. We specialize in wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate avoidance strategies. Our attorneys help clients navigate complex tax implications, establish guardianship for dependents, and create business succession plans tailored to their unique family and financial situations.
Probate
Probate services assist executors and beneficiaries in navigating court-supervised estate distribution. We help clients validate wills, settle debts, and distribute assets according to decedent wishes. Our firm provides guidance on trust administration, contested probate matters, and fiduciary responsibilities while minimizing delays and legal complications during the probate process.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 bankruptcy services provide debt elimination through asset liquidation for qualifying clients. We help clients understand means test requirements, protect exempt assets under Texas law, and navigate the 3-6 month discharge process. Our attorneys ensure proper documentation submission and represent clients in creditor meetings to achieve complete debt relief.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 bankruptcy services offer debt reorganization plans for clients with regular income. We develop 3-5 year repayment plans to stop foreclosure, protect co-debtors, and manage priority debts. Our firm assists clients in court-approved plan confirmation, wage garnishment prevention, and completing post-filing requirements for final debt discharge.
People
Marilyn D. Garner
Attorney
Practicing since 1983, Marilyn D. Garner specializes in bankruptcy and estate planning law. She previously worked at Weil, Gotshal & Manges and served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee. Active in community organizations including Arlington New Beginnings, she brings decades of legal expertise to North Texas residents.
Questions
What bankruptcy options exist for North Texas residents?
We offer Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 13 reorganization, and business Chapter 11 filings. Our attorneys help determine eligibility through means testing and develop customized debt relief strategies.
How does estate planning protect my family's future?
Estate planning ensures your assets go to intended beneficiaries, establishes guardianship for minors, creates healthcare directives, and minimizes tax liabilities through wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents.
Can bankruptcy stop foreclosure proceedings?
Yes, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can halt home foreclosure through repayment plans, while Chapter 7 provides temporary relief to reorganize mortgage debt and explore loan modification options.
What debt collection protections exist?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits harassment, false threats, and improper communication. We help clients enforce these rights against abusive creditors through legal action.
How long does bankruptcy stay on credit reports?
Chapter 7 remains for 10 years, Chapter 13 for 7 years. However, responsible financial management allows many clients to rebuild credit within months through secured credit products and timely payments.
What probate challenges exist in Texas?
Texas probate requires validating wills, notifying heirs, settling debts, and distributing assets. We help executors navigate court requirements, handle contested wills, and administer estates efficiently while minimizing family conflicts.
