What areas of law does Strother Law practice?

We focus primarily on probate and estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and comprehensive estate planning services for families in Johnson and Somervell Counties. These practice areas allow us to help clients navigate some of life's most important legal matters with compassion and expertise.

We also handle family law matters including divorce, child custody, and support cases. Our goal is to provide comprehensive legal services that protect your family's future and honor your wishes.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes, we provide free consultations to discuss your legal needs and determine how we can best assist you. This initial meeting allows Cleburne attorney DeeAnn Strother to understand your situation and explain your options without any financial commitment.

Please note, if you do not call ahead of time to cancel or do not show up to the appointment, a reschedule fee will be applied for any future appointments made. We respect your time and ask that you respect ours.

What counties do you serve?

We primarily serve clients in Johnson County and Somervell County, with our office conveniently located in downtown Cleburne at 13 N. Main Street. Our deep knowledge of local courts and procedures allows us to provide effective representation in these areas.

For certain probate matters, we may also serve clients in Hill County. We focus on these specific counties to ensure we can provide the highest level of service and maintain our strong relationships with local courts and officials.

What is probate and when is it required in Texas?

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate, including validating their will, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. In Texas, probate is typically required when someone dies owning assets solely in their name, regardless of whether they had a will.

The process can often be streamlined through various Texas probate procedures, and our probate administration legal services help families choose the most efficient path based on their specific circumstances. Our experience with Johnson County courts allows us to guide you through this process as smoothly as possible.

How long does the probate process take?

The probate timeline in Texas varies significantly based on the complexity of the estate, type of probate proceeding, and whether any complications arise. Simple estates using muniment of title may be completed in a few months, while full administrations typically take 6-12 months or longer.

We work diligently to move cases through the Johnson County courts as efficiently as possible while ensuring all legal requirements are met. During your consultation, we can provide a more specific timeline estimate based on your particular situation.

When should someone consider guardianship?

Guardianship becomes necessary when an adult cannot make decisions about their personal care, finances, or medical treatment due to incapacity from age, illness, or disability. Our guardianship legal services help families navigate this process for elderly parents who develop dementia or young adults with disabilities who need continued support after turning 18.

The guardianship process requires court approval and ongoing supervision, but it provides essential legal authority to make decisions on behalf of someone who cannot do so themselves. Cleburne guardianship attorney DeeAnn Strother guides families through each step with sensitivity and attention to the individual's dignity and rights.

What documents are included in basic estate planning?

A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a will, durable power of attorney for finances, medical power of attorney, and HIPAA authorization. Some clients may also benefit from trusts, depending on their assets and family situation.

Johnson County estate planning lawyer DeeAnn Strother customizes each estate plan to meet your specific needs and family circumstances. During our consultation, we will discuss your goals and recommend the documents that will best protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out.

How much does estate planning cost?

Estate planning costs vary based on the complexity of your situation and the documents needed. We provide transparent pricing during your free consultation after understanding your specific needs and goals.

We believe quality estate planning is an investment in your family's future and peace of mind. Our fees are structured to be fair and predictable, with no hidden costs or unexpected charges throughout the process.

What makes Strother Law different from other firms?

As a firm with hearts and smarts, we combine compassionate client service with skilled legal expertise. Cleburne lawyer DeeAnn Strother brings a unique background as a former Cleburne ISD teacher and educational diagnostician, which helps her explain complex legal matters in understandable terms.

Our deep roots in the Cleburne community, combined with our focus on probate, guardianship, and estate planning, allows us to provide personalized service that larger firms cannot match. We also give back through our pro bono work with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas.

Do you handle contested probate cases?

Yes, we have experience handling contested probate matters including will contests, disputes over estate administration, and conflicts between beneficiaries. These cases require careful attention to detail and strong advocacy skills.

While we always prefer to resolve disputes through negotiation when possible, we are prepared to litigate when necessary to protect our clients' interests. Our familiarity with Johnson County courts is particularly valuable in contested matters.

Can you help with guardianship for disabled young adults?

Absolutely. We frequently assist families in establishing guardianship for young adults with disabilities who need continued support after turning 18. This process is essential for parents who want to continue making medical, financial, and personal decisions for their adult children.

Attorney DeeAnn Strother understands the emotional aspects of this transition and works sensitively with families to ensure the proper legal protections are in place. Our experience with these cases helps streamline the process while ensuring all requirements are met.

What should I bring to my estate planning consultation?

Please bring a list of your assets including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. Also bring information about any existing wills, trusts, or powers of attorney you may have.

Consider your goals for your estate plan, including who you want to inherit your assets and who you would trust to make decisions if you become incapacitated. We will discuss all of this during your consultation and provide guidance on the best approach for your situation.

Do you offer payment plans for legal services?

We understand that legal services represent a significant investment, and we work with clients to make our services accessible. Payment options vary depending on the type of case and complexity of work involved.

During your consultation, we will discuss fees and payment arrangements that work for your situation. Our goal is to provide quality legal services without creating financial hardship for our clients.

What are your office hours and location?

Our office is located at 13 N. Main Street in downtown Cleburne, directly across from the old Johnson County Courthouse. We are open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Please note that we close daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch. We encourage you to call ahead to schedule your appointment and ensure we can give you our full attention during your visit.

How do I get started with legal services?

The first step is to call our office at (817) 558-3177 to schedule your free consultation. During this meeting, Johnson County lawyer DeeAnn Strother will discuss your legal needs, explain your options, and provide guidance on the best path forward.

Our team, including attorney DeeAnn Strother, office manager Rachel Strother, and paralegal Amanda Jefferson, is ready to help you navigate your legal matters with the care and expertise you deserve. We look forward to serving you.

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