Reputable Probate and Estate Administration Services
Probate is the legal process of going to court to settle the estate of a person who has passed away. An experienced attorney can expedite the process, assisting the representative of the estate in fulfilling the duties for a reasonable fee.
Livens & Reed, PLLC provides probate, estate and trust administration services. We can also represent heirs or the estate in probate litigation. Based in Bedford, Texas, we practice in probate courts in Tarrant County, Dallas County, the DFW Metroplex and statewide. We represent executors and trustees living anywhere in Texas, or even out-of-state clients with probate duties in North Texas.
How We Can Help
Estate Administration Process
Probate includes reviewing the will and approving it, appointment of the executor or personal representative, gathering assets, paying bills, distributing the remaining assets to named heirs, filing taxes of the estate and final accounting to the state of Texas. The process is relatively simple, but these obligations are time-consuming. If the deceased owned real estate, the deed must be retitled or the property liquidated.
Trust administration can be a one-time duty or continuing obligation, depending on how the trust is set up. We can provide affordable services in this area as well.
Our experience in estate administration and knowledge of estate planning enables us to foresee any legal problems (property owned in other states, issues with validity of the will) and assist clients in efficiently wrapping up the estate.
We aim to make the process as inexpensive and hassle-free as possible. Contact us online or call 817-545-3425 for a free initial consultation with a lawyer.
Common Probate Challenges and How We Address Them
Probate matters often involve more than paperwork. Disputes between heirs, unclear or outdated wills, creditor claims, and missing assets can quickly complicate the process and create unnecessary delays. Without proper legal guidance, executors may face personal liability for mistakes made during administration.
Livens & Reed, PLLC helps clients anticipate and navigate these challenges from the outset. By proactively identifying potential issues and addressing them early, we reduce the risk of conflict, minimize court involvement when possible, and keep the estate moving toward timely resolution.
Guidance for Executors and Personal Representatives
Serving as an executor or personal representative carries significant legal and financial responsibility. From meeting strict court deadlines to managing estate assets and communicating with beneficiaries, the role can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of grief.
Our firm provides step-by-step guidance to ensure executors understand their duties and comply with Texas probate law. We handle court filings, creditor notices, asset transfers, and final accountings so our clients can fulfill their obligations with confidence and peace of mind.
ESTATE & PROBATE SERVICES
We are an experienced and dedicated team of estate planning, probate and Medicaid planning attorneys serving clients in the Dallas-Forth Worth area and throughout Texas.
Contested Wills & Trusted Litigation
Contested wills require a steady legal hand and a clear strategy, especially when emotions and family dynamics are involved. Livens & Reed protects your interests with a disciplined approach to probate litigation, uncovering the facts, challenging improper influence and ensuring your loved one’s true intentions are honored. Whether you are defending a valid will or disputing one you believe is unjust, we provide focused representation that brings clarity to complex disputes and guides you toward a fair resolution.
Our Practice Areas
We’ve built a culture that empowers our attorneys to truly connect with clients bringing integrity, insight, and dedication to every case. From Medicaid planning and elder law to estate protection and long-term care advocacy, our collaborative culture drives not only our success but, more importantly, yours.
Hear From Our Past Clients
Don’t just take our word, see what the people we’ve helped have to say.
Posted on Randy GrosenbachTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful knowledgeable concering someone going into a Nursing home needing medicaid approval. They came highly recommended and now so will we highly recommend them.Posted on Rick LewellynTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We engaged Livens & Reed to create a Supplemental Needs Trust for our adult special needs daughter, to ensure her financial needs were met but also done in a way to not disqualify her for Texas Medicaid benefits she currently receives. Shawn Crawford was excellent, along with Caleigh and Angie: very thorough, explaining every aspect and legalese in layman's terms, in a timely manner and what we thought was a very reasonable fee. We also consulted with Chad Reed on our aging parent's needs and what steps we might follow to have them qualify for Medicaid, when the time and need arises. Very friendly, spent all the time we needed with us during our free consultation. Highly recommend this law firm for anyone considering Trusts, Medicaid qualifications, and elder care. Thank you Livens & Reed!Posted on The Killian GroupTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic law firm for all your needs. They helped my family set up our estate and will. Thank you so much.Posted on Rick SullivanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nicole did a fantastic job walking me through the Medicaid process for my mom. She answered all my questions with kindness & respect keeping all parties in mind that were involved with the process.Posted on Kelly FincherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wished we called sooner! Recommend highly!!Posted on Nancy KingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The legal team at Livens & Reed has proved to be nothing short of exceptional. From Chad Reed, Nicole Landrum and finally, today, Shawn Crawford. Talking about a dream team, I feel very fortunate and comforted knowing I have the right people on my side. Thank you for your warmth and professionalism! It’s reassuring to know our legal needs are in great hands. If I could rate higher than 5 stars I absolutely would.Posted on Julie RobinsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were very satisfied. We were well take care of. They are very professional and did a great job for us.Posted on Erika KoneckTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with Livens & Reed on a medicaid situation for my 93 year old mom. The paperwork, rules, timeline, can be stressful and intimidating at times, but Mehan Barbre & Nicole L. Harkins walked me through the paperwork, and doctuments that we needed and told me what to do and in the end sucess ! Thank you , again ! Erika Koneck