- 12222 Merit Drive Suite 1277 Dallas, Texas 75251
- info@csmithlawoffice.com
- 972-303-4701
Established in 1992, Christopher L. Smith Law Office specializes in probate, inheritance law, estate planning, and family law. With over 30 years of legal experience, Christopher walks his clients through every step of the process and handles all legal matters with precision and care.
As a probate law firm, Christopher makes sure all of his clients are protected throughout this procedure. Probate is a judicial process that takes place when someone passes away. This procedure validates the deceased person’s will and ensures all of their assets are distributed the way they wish. Additionally, it ensures all of their debt is properly taken care of.
Christopher L. Smith Law Office also handles estate planning, which involves managing a client’s financial situation in the event of their passing. In other words, the firm helps clients make decisions surrounding who will receive their belongings when they die. While this can be a delicate subject, Christopher’s knowledge and expertise ensure that clients are in the best hands while making these difficult decisions.
In addition to probate and estate planning, Christopher’s office also handles inheritance law as well as family law. Inheritance law involves how an individual’s estate is distributed after their passing. Family law encompasses issues including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoptions. These cases can often be emotional and stressful, which is why Christopher approaches each case with care and works closely with each client throughout the process.
Probate is a legal process. One that is triggered once someone has passed away. Probate’s the method by which a court formally recognizes the death and oversees the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Inheritance law in Dallas can be very intricate, involving various legal considerations to ensure that the distribution of an estate is handled according to the decedent’s wishes or, if no will is present, according to state law.
Estate planning may sound like something only the wealthy or elderly need to do, but it’s actually critical for anyone who has possessions they care about—like finances, land or buildings and even pets—and who wants to make sure those assets go to the right people, should something happen to them.
Dallas Family Law is a comprehensive legal field that addresses various issues related to family relationships. Whether you are dealing with divorce, child custody, spousal support, or adoption, understanding the complexities of family law in Dallas is essential for protecting your rights and securing your family’s future.
If you are facing a complex legal process in Dallas, our firm is here to help. Please fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney.
Please refer to our frequently asked questions to learn more about our firm. If you have further questions, you may fill out our contact form or send us an email.
Simply put, probate is the legal process which involves the court recognizing a person’s death and helps oversee the administration of deceased’s estate. Without a Will present, this process is referred to as “intestate probate.” Intestate probate means that the court will determine how to distribute the deceased’s assets in alignment with Texas state laws, rather than according to the deceased’s specific wishes.
Heirship determination is a legal process used to identify the heirs of an estate when a person dies without a valid will or when there are disputes about the will’s validity. The probate court will review evidence to establish who the legal heirs are according to Texas intestacy laws.
Inheritance law governs how an individual’s estate is distributed after their death. In Dallas, as in the rest of Texas, inheritance laws are designed to ensure that assets are distributed fairly and according to the decedent’s wishes, or, if there is no will, according to statutory guidelines.
Estate planning may sound like something only the wealthy or elderly need to do, but it’s actually critical for anyone who has possessions they care about—like finances, land or buildings and even pets—and who wants to make sure those assets go to the right people, should something happen to them.
The probate process can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, especially during a period of grief. Hiring a skilled Dallas probate attorney ensures that the process is handled smoothly and that all legal requirements are met. We can help with:
At the Christopher L. Smith Law Office, we understand the intricacies of probate law in Texas and are here to guide you every step of the way.
Christopher L. Smith Law Office primarily focuses on four areas of law, including probate, inheritance law, estate planning, and family law. For more information on these practices, please refer to our menu or contact us directly.
Christopher L. Smith is a Dallas-based attorney who has worked in the legal field for over three decades. He earned his Associate in Applied Arts and Science in Radiography from El Centro College in 1983, before receiving a Bachelor’s in American Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. He later pursued a Doctor of Jurisprudence at Southern Methodist University School of Law.
In 1992, Christopher founded the Law Office of Christopher L. Smith where he practices probate, inheritance law, family law, and estate planning. Previously, he practiced family law and bankruptcy law at Campbell and Williams, PLLC. He is a member of several professional associations including the State Bar of Texas, the Dallas Bar Association, and Texas Bar College. Christopher is licensed by the State Bar of Texas and the US District Court for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas. He is also registered as a Medical Radiologic Technologist.
Outside of his law practice, Christopher partners with Deep Ellum Pictures and previously worked as an Executive Producer and Legal Counsel for the motion picture TV Junkie. He is the co-founder of the Deep Ellum Film Festival, currently known as the Dallas International Film Festival. Additionally, Christopher worked closely with Arts Fighting Cancer, a non-profit company that has produced events including the Santa Monica Film Festival. He also served as a commissioner for the Dallas Historical Commission from 2015 to 2021.
In addition to his involvement with the arts, Christopher loves baseball. He played as an outfielder and second baseman for teams in the North Texas Amateur Baseball League and the DFW Adult Baseball League.
Estate planning is essential for ensuring that your assets
are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are cared for
in the future. Without an estate plan in place, your assets could be tied up in
probate court, leading to delays and potentially costly legal battles. Our
estate planning services include the creation of wills, trusts, powers of
attorney, and healthcare directives, all designed to provide clarity and peace
of mind.
Wills and Trusts
A will and trust are two of the most important tools in any
estate plan. Both serve the purpose of distributing your assets, but they
function in different ways.
Wills
A will is a legal document that outlines how your property
will be distributed upon your death. It can also designate guardians for minor
children, specify funeral arrangements, and appoint an executor to manage the
estate. However, a will must go through probate, which can be a lengthy and
public process.
Trusts
A trust, on the other hand, is a legal entity that holds
your assets for the benefit of your chosen beneficiaries. Trusts can help avoid
probate, making the distribution of your estate quicker, more private, and
potentially less expensive. There are several types of trusts to consider,
including:
Why Estate Planning is Essential
Estate planning is about more than just distributing your
assets. It also allows you to:
With our tailored approach to estate planning, we work
closely with you to develop a plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
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Cities: Dallas, Plano, Irving, Fort Worth, Richardson, Arlington, Denton, Grapevine, Carrollton, Frisco, McKinney Counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Somervall, Tarrant, Waxahachie, Wise Districts: Downtown, Bishop Arts, Bluffview, M-Streets/Lower Greenville, Henderson Ave, Deep Ellum, Oak Lawn, Fair Park, Uptown/Midtown, Exposition Park, Trinity Groves. Lakewood, Lakeland Hills, Mockingbird Station, Park Cities, Preston Hollow, Harry Hines, Design District, Skillman Center/Lakewood Landing