Business Details
Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in Denton, TX
Shelton & Reecer has provided trusted legal counsel in estate planning and probate matters since its founding. Our board-certified attorney, Dena A. Reecer, brings decades of specialized experience in crafting personalized estate solutions, while associate Chloe R. Satterfield contributes expertise in trust administration and litigation. We combine technical proficiency with compassionate service, maintaining active memberships in the State Bar of Texas and local legal associations.Our practice emphasizes asset protection, tax planning, and dispute resolution, serving clients across Denton County and surrounding regions. Client testimonials consistently highlight our accessibility, professionalism, and ability to navigate complex legal processes with clarity and efficiency.
Services
Estate Planning
Wills and Trusts
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Guardianship Proceedings
Asset Protection
Tax Planning
Special Needs Trusts
Healthcare Directives
Power of Attorney
Highlights and features
- Board-certified attorney in estate planning and probate law
- Personalized approach to client-specific estate needs
- Over 30 years combined experience in Texas estate law
- Active members of State Bar of Texas and local associations
- Proven track record in complex estate planning and probate cases
Associations and certifications
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Professional and friendly
Knowledgeable and patient
Timely and accessible
Reasonably priced
Highly recommend
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans that protect assets and ensure your wishes are honored. Our services include wills, trusts, and advanced directives tailored to individual needs. Clients receive comprehensive guidance on minimizing taxes and probate costs while protecting family interests.
Probate Administration
Our firm guides executors through the probate process with expertise in asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution compliance. We handle court filings, creditor notifications, and tax considerations to ensure efficient estate closure while maintaining family privacy.
Wills and Trusts
We draft legally sound wills and establish revocable/irrevocable trusts to control asset distribution. Services include special needs trusts, pet trusts, and tax-optimized arrangements that avoid probate while protecting beneficiaries from creditors.
Trust Administration
Our attorneys assist trustees with post-mortem trust administration, including asset valuation, tax reporting, and beneficiary communications. We ensure compliance with fiduciary duties while maintaining the privacy and efficiency that trusts provide over traditional probate processes.
Guardianship Proceedings
We help establish legal guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults through court-approved processes. Our services include drafting legal documents, representing clients in hearings, and creating financial arrangements that protect dependents' interests while respecting family dynamics.
People
Dena A. Reecer
Founder/Attorney
Board-certified estate planning attorney with 30+ years' experience. Former assistant district attorney and active State Bar member. Specializes in complex estate planning, tax strategies, and contested trust matters while maintaining BV Distinguished Martindale-Hubbell rating.
Chloe R. Satterfield
Attorney
Estate law specialist focusing on trust administration and probate litigation. Member of State Bar of Texas and Denton County Bar Association. Provides expertise in estate planning documents and fiduciary responsibilities while maintaining active community involvement.
Questions
What estate planning documents are essential for Texas residents?
Every Texas resident should have a will, healthcare power of attorney, and financial power of attorney. Trusts may be recommended for asset protection, tax planning, or avoiding probate based on individual circumstances.
How does probate work in Texas?
Texas probate requires submitting the will to court, appointing an executor, inventorying assets, settling debts, and distributing property. Our attorneys streamline this process while ensuring compliance with state-specific requirements.
Can I create a valid will without an attorney?
While Texas allows handwritten wills, professionally drafted documents reduce legal challenges. Our attorneys ensure proper execution and address complex scenarios like blended families or out-of-state assets.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Texas?
Intestate estates follow state distribution rules prioritizing spouses and children. Without planning, unintended heirs may receive assets, and the court appoints guardians for minor children.
How do trusts help avoid probate?
Trusts transfer ownership of assets to a trustee, allowing direct beneficiary distribution without court involvement. This maintains privacy and reduces administrative costs compared to traditional probate processes.
What areas do you serve for estate planning?
We serve Denton, Argyle, Flower Mound, Lewisville, and surrounding Texas counties including Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin. Consultations available for clients across North Texas.
