Austin AttorneyBusiness Law • Estate Planning • Probate
Comprehensive legal services for Austin families and businesses. With 1.0 million+ residents in Travis County, we understand the unique needs of this Central Texas community.
Austin at a Glance
Population
1.0 million+
County
Travis County
Local Economy
technology, government, education, entertainment
Growth
explosive growth as tech hub
Estate Planning in Austin
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and comprehensive estate plans to protect your family and assets.
What We Offer
Last Will & Testament
The foundation of any estate plan, your will specifies how assets are distributed, names guardians for minor children, and designates an executor to administer your estate.
Revocable Living Trust
A living trust allows your assets to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate court—saving time, money, and maintaining privacy. You retain full control during your lifetime.
Powers of Attorney
Financial and medical powers of attorney designate trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated—avoiding the need for court-appointed guardianship.
Healthcare Directives
Directive to Physicians (living will) and HIPAA authorizations ensure your healthcare wishes are known and that family members can access your medical information.
Estate Planning FAQs for Austin
QIs a living trust worth the extra cost?
For most Austin families with real estate or assets over $100,000, yes. The upfront cost is offset by probate avoidance savings, privacy benefits, and incapacity protection. If you own property in multiple states, a trust is almost always worthwhile to avoid ancillary probate.
QCan I write my own will in Texas?
Texas recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills, but they're risky. DIY wills often contain errors that cause problems during probate or fail to address important issues. For such an important document, professional preparation ensures it's legally valid, comprehensive, and properly executed.
QHow often should I update my estate plan?
Review your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth of children or grandchildren, death of a beneficiary, significant change in assets, moving to Texas from another state, or changes in tax laws. Regular reviews ensure your plan still reflects your wishes.
Probate in Austin
Court proceedings, estate administration, will validation, and asset distribution services.
What We Offer
Will Probate
Filing the will with the court, proving its validity, and obtaining legal authority to administer the estate as executor.
Estate Administration
Managing the estate through probate: collecting assets, notifying creditors, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing inheritances.
Muniment of Title
Simplified Texas probate procedure when there are no unpaid debts, allowing property transfer without full administration.
Heirship Proceedings
When someone dies without a will, determining legal heirs through court proceedings and distributing assets per Texas intestate succession laws.
Probate FAQs for Austin
QCan I be the executor if I live out of state?
Yes, Texas allows out-of-state executors. However, you may need to appoint a resident agent for service of process. Being local makes administration easier, so some families choose a Texas-based co-executor or rely more heavily on their attorney.
QIs probate required if there's a will?
Usually yes—a will must be probated to have legal effect for transferring property. However, if all assets pass through beneficiary designations, joint ownership, or trusts, formal probate may not be necessary. We evaluate each situation to determine the best approach.
QCan probate be avoided?
Yes—with proper estate planning. Assets in a living trust, accounts with beneficiary designations, and property with transfer-on-death deeds all pass outside probate. If your loved one didn't have these arrangements, probate is likely required, but we can help make the process as smooth as possible.
Business Formation in Austin
LLC formation, corporations, operating agreements, and business succession planning.
What We Offer
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The most popular choice for small businesses. LLCs provide personal liability protection, tax flexibility (choose to be taxed as partnership, S-corp, or C-corp), and operational simplicity with fewer formalities than corporations.
Professional LLC (PLLC)
Required in Texas for licensed professionals like doctors, lawyers, CPAs, and engineers. Provides liability protection while meeting state licensing requirements.
Corporation (C-Corp)
Traditional corporate structure with shareholders, directors, and officers. Best for businesses seeking outside investment or planning to go public. Subject to double taxation.
S-Corporation
A tax election (not an entity type) allowing pass-through taxation while maintaining corporate structure. Can provide payroll tax savings for profitable businesses.
Business Formation FAQs for Austin
QHow long does it take to form an LLC in Texas?
Standard processing by the Texas Secretary of State takes 3-7 business days. We can request expedited processing (1-2 days) for urgent needs. You can begin operating as soon as your LLC is approved, though you'll want your operating agreement, EIN, and bank account in place.
QCan I form an LLC myself without an attorney?
You can file basic formation documents yourself, but the operating agreement—the most important document—requires legal knowledge. DIY operating agreements are a leading cause of business disputes and liability issues. The cost savings don't justify the risk for most businesses.
QDo I need a registered agent?
Yes, all Texas LLCs must maintain a registered agent with a physical Texas address (no P.O. boxes). The agent receives legal documents and official notices on your behalf. You can be your own agent (if you have a Texas address), but many businesses prefer a professional agent for privacy and reliability.
Who We Help in Austin
Our services are tailored for the diverse Austin community, including diverse, young professionals, tech workers, entrepreneurs.
Business Owners
Comprehensive legal services for business owners at every stage
Property Investors
Protecting and transferring real estate investment portfolios
CPAs
Services for accounting professionals who appreciate technical precision
Engineers
Services for engineering professionals and firm owners
What Central Texas Clients Say
Real results from families and businesses in the Austin area.
"Formed our SaaS company through Continuum Counsel. They advised on equity splits, vesting schedules, and set up our Delaware C-Corp properly. Now we're ready for VC funding."
Outcome
VC-ready corporate structure
Tech Startup Founders
Austin • Technology Startup
"With rental properties across Austin, we needed sophisticated estate planning. They set up an LLC structure for our properties and integrated it with our overall estate plan."
Outcome
Real estate holding structure
Linda & Tom B.
Austin • Real Estate Investors
"Our family ranch had been in probate limbo for years. Continuum Counsel untangled the mess, resolved family disputes, and got the property properly distributed. Miracle workers!"
Outcome
Complex family estate resolution
The Martinez Family
Waco • Ranching Family
Real Results for Austin Area Clients
See how we've helped families and businesses achieve their legal goals.
Multi-Generational Wealth Transfer
Challenge
Family with $5M+ in assets needed to minimize estate taxes while maintaining control during lifetime.
Solution
Implemented irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT), family limited partnership, and strategic gifting program.
Outcome
Projected estate tax savings of $800K+
Timeframe
6 months to implement
Blended Family Estate Plan
Challenge
Remarried couple with children from prior marriages needed to balance competing interests.
Solution
Created QTIP trust structure ensuring surviving spouse is cared for while preserving inheritance for children.
Outcome
All parties satisfied with clear, fair distribution
Timeframe
3 months to complete
Ready to Protect Your Family & Business in Austin?
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced team serving Austin and Travis County.