Top best Probate Lawyers Near me in ZIP 77056

Scott D. Smith is a highly accomplished trial and arbitration attorney with more than two decades of experience representing clients in complex litigation and regulatory matters. His practice focuses on business and commercial disputes, including breach of contract, fraud, tortious interference, trade secret misappropriation, and employment-related issues such as non-compete and non-solicitation agreements. Scott has extensive experience in the financial services industry, representing firms and advisors in litigation, arbitration, and regulatory proceedings across the country. He has successfully argued appeals in both the New York State Appellate Division and the Texas Fourteenth District Court of Appeals. In addition to his litigation skills, Scott is well-versed in probate matters, representing estates and heirs in fiduciary disputes and property misappropriation claims. Known for his strategic approach and results-driven advocacy, Scott has earned an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell and the Platinum Client Champion designation. He is an active member of the legal community, holding leadership positions in the Houston Bar Association and participating in various professional organizations. Scott’s dedication to his clients and his ability to navigate complex legal challenges make him a trusted advocate in high-stakes cases.

I did not start out as an estate planning attorney. Around 30 years ago, when I was practicing in the corporate section of Butler & Binion, a once major law firm in downtown Houston, I was recruited to join the firm's trust and estate section to assist business owners with their succession plans. The experience totally changed my understanding of the practice of law. I soon found that, as an estate planning attorney, I had a direct impact on how family members would relate to each other after a loved one becomes disabled or passes away. I loved the idea of being a family counselor, as well as an architect of an estate plan designed to protect assets and save money.. I left Butler & Binion in 1994 and joined with Tammy Manning in 1997 to form the law firm, Galligan & Manning. During the early years of Galligan & Manning, in addition to advising clients on estate planning matters, I worked with Tammy to help the firm's probate litigation clients find resolutions to the conflicts that often plague families after the death of a loved one.. One of the phrases I hear the most during an estate planning consultation is, "I just want everyone to get along after I'm gone." I have seen the triggers that can ignite a family conflict and result in heart wrenching and expensive litigation. This has helped me in my estate planning practice to show clients ways that conflict can be avoided or minimized after a loved one dies.. Whether it is working with a blended family, or with parents who want to protect their children from creditors or from losing their inheritance in a failed marriage, my greatest satisfaction comes when I hear a client say "I didn't know that was possible" or "I feel so empowered knowing that I can take steps now to keep peace in the future.". Many people think of estate planning as just focusing on an efficient transfer of assets from one generation to another, but to what end? I believe that my clients have as their purpose, not just the transfer of assets, but the desire to leave a legacy of love and family harmony.

Am honored to get to help people resolve their legal problems and to help make people's lives better as a result of getting a nasty situation behind them.  My mediation skills are constantly expanding as we attempt to provide amicable solutions to complex cases.  Knowing I have helped my clients really makes me happy and I continually strivce to improve myself and enhance my skills to better prepare me to do great work.. In my spare time I write and read.  I love to write fiction and non-fiction.  I do a lot of public speaking to writers groups and business.  I can use all the amazing life experiences I have to create programs.  It is exciting for me to do public speaking and I love my work with the National Speakers Association and the National Speakers Association Houston. I serve on the Board of Directors of that organization and it has really helped me in my public speaking.. I also serve on the Children at Risk Law & Public Policy Board and love to be involved with a group who works so hard to help children in Texas.. Dancing and exercise are a regular part of my life.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Probate attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.