What company value propositions do you feel resonate with your clients most?

‍A lot of our clients are pleased to know they will only work with 1 attorney throughout this process. We really try to make getting an estate plan as simple as possible for our clients—our goal is to bring you peace of mind. Clients are also really happy estate planning is the only area we focus on.

What’s unique about your state and what do you think matters?‍

There are many unique things about Texas. First, we have no estate tax. We are a community property state. We have homestead exemptions. Lastly, Texas deeds require “rights of survivorship” for property to pass directly to a surviving spouse.

What do you like best about your community / clients in your area?

My clients are very down-to-Earth, family oriented, and care more about building a relationship with me as their attorney than simply getting their estate documents completed.

My clients are very authentic and genuine. They care about the personal connections. They have the best stories!

What do clients in your community ask the most questions about? What do people in Houston care about?

‍Clients ask and care most about avoiding the probate process.

Why is Oath right for your clients?‍

Oath is right for HTX clients because we deliver a simple, easy-to-follow process that allows our clients to meet their goals in a way that gives them peace of mind.

What story do you tell at your workshops?

I talk about growing up in the Houston area. How I come from a hard-working family where I’m a first generation lawyer. The reason I went into estate planning was to make sure my people were taken care of and it’s just expanded into the job I do today. It resonates well.

What are the state specific documents that you prepare for clients, and why?

Because we are a community property state, our trust plans for married couples allow for separate and community property to be placed in the same trust.

What do you estimate the longest possible probate is in your state? 

On average, probably no more than 16 months. But I’ve seen estates go on for years when you are dealing with larger estates and family conflict.

How much do you think the most expensive probate might cost in your state?

Probably an average of $5,000-$7,000.

What do clients ask most at your workshops and how do you answer it?

I’m always asked the difference between a will and a trust. I always answer by saying one of the biggest differences is that wills go through the probate process and trusts do not.

What are your three favorite communities that you visit on your workshop schedule?

League City, Pearland, and Galveston

What’s the most impactful story you’ve had from one of your clients?

We had a client who expressed a lot of angst around getting an estate plan. Before she came to Oath, she just felt very overwhelmed when it came to estate planning. We were able to find a plan that achieved all her goals. Seeing her go from anxious to relieved was a great thing. Not only were we able to give her an excellent estate plan, we were able to give her the peace of mind she has been looking for. 

Have you ever had a client you couldn’t help because they reached out too late?

Thankfully, we have not run into this situation. Even when things happen unexpectedly without a plan, there’s usually at least something we can do to help.