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Beth Ann Serafini-Smith

Beth Ann Serafini-Smith

Serafini Smith Law Firm
  • Probate, Estate Planning
  • Indiana, Texas
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Lawyer Rating and Reviews
Legal Knowledge
4.0/5.0
Legal Analysis
4.0/5.0
Communication Skills
5.0/5.0
Ethics and Professionalism
5.0/5.0
Rating: 9 Lawyer Rating - 9 out of 10
In the years I have known her, Beth has shown me her diligence in her practice of estate planning and probate. She is friendly yet firm in her communication with colleagues and clients. I have relied on her for advice when needed, and she has always been responsive and helpful.
Client Reviews
Nate Kist January 20, 2024
Estate assistance Beth assisted me through the estate/probate process when my mother passed away. She was wonderful to work with. She always made sure I understood what was going on and what was required from me. She was also very easy to reach whenever I had any questions for her. I was dreading everything after a couple intro calls with other larger firms (where you don't even speak to the lawyer that will represent you on the intro call), and I was so happy I kept looking and found Beth. I highly recommend Beth for estate assistance.
R. Girndt September 25, 2022
Beth is an attorney that will provide knowledgeable and satisfactory legal services. Beth guided me and my wife in our estate planning that covered all the phases of that was needed. She asked questions and was patience in guiding us to be sure every thing was covered. After my wife passed away I asked Beth to help me settle my wife's estate which was more complicated because of children by a previous marriage. Beth did marvelous work in getting all things together. I was always informed and everything was on time.
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Biography

Beth A. Serafini-Smith is a distinguished graduate of Purdue University and a graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law. She is a member of both the Katy Bar Association and the Fort Bend County Bar Association.

Beth began her law career in the field of Creditor/Debtor law after being admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1997. She provided direct support to several Fortune 500 companies and handled all matters associated with securing outstanding funds for her clients.

Beth moved to Texas with her family in 2005, and she passed the Texas Bar Exam in 2009. As a means to further enhance her legal experience, she interned at the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office. She has been practicing law in the area of Probate and Estate Planning since March of 2011.

In August 2013 The Serafini Smith Law Firm opened its doors. The firm focuses on Probate, Estate Planning, and Trusts. Beth is also appointed by probate judges in both Fort Bend County and Harris County as an Attorney Ad Litem. Beth is proud to serve clients in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and her new office in Montgomery County.

Practice Areas
    Probate
    Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
    Estate Planning
    Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Additional Practice Areas
  • Statutory Durable Power of Attorney
  • Medical Power of Attorney
  • Living Will/ Advanced Directive
  • Appointment of Guardian for Minor Children
  • Revocable Living Trusts
  • Appointment of Guardian if the Need Arises
  • Independent Administrations
  • Muniment of Title
  • Small Estate Affidavits
  • Heirship Determinations
Video Conferencing
  • FaceTime
  • Zoom
  • FreeConferenceCall
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Clients receive up to one hour for a free consultation.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Probate matters are billed hourly. Estate Planning packages are a flat fee.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Indiana
Indiana Supreme Court
ID Number: 20367-45
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Texas
State Bar of Texas
ID Number: 24070594
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney
Serafini Smith Law Firm
- Current
Attorney
Springer Law Firm
-
Attorney
Bowman Heintz Boscia & Vician
-
Education
Valparaiso University School of Law
J.D. (1996) | Law
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Purdue University Northwest
B.A. (1991) | Political Science
Emphasis in Criminal Justice; Minor in Sociology; History and Political Science Outstanding Senior, 1991
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Awards
Client Champion - GOLD
Martindale-Hubbell
Client's Choice Award 5.0/5.0
Avvo
2013, 2015-2018, 2020
Best Probate Lawyers in Sugar Land
Expertise.com
Very Good Rating
Avvo
A+ Accredited Business Rating
BBB
Since 2016
Professional Associations
Katy Bar Association
Member
Current
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Fort Bend Bar Association
Member
Current
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State Bar of Texas  # 24070594
Member
- Current
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Indiana State Bar Association  # 20367-45
Member
- Current
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Speaking Engagements
Why everyone should have a Will, Rotary Club of Cinco Ranch
Probate Estate Planning Presentation, Tamarron
Estate Planning and Probate, Wellsprings Neighborhood, Katy, Texas
Wellsprings Neighborhood
Estate Planning Documents: Why you need them
Moms of Multiples
Estate Planning Documents: Why you need them
Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
Websites & Blogs
Website
Serafini Smith Law Firm Website
Website
Beth Serafini-Smith's Website Profile
Website
Client Testimonials
Legal Answers
17 Questions Answered
Q. My mother passed last week and I am executor and sole beneficiary of her estate. My estranged brother sent a text
A: Until you are appointed as the executor you are not required to give anyone a copy of the Will. Until you are appointed, you really have no legal authority to handle any aspect of her estate; a Will is just a piece of paper until the Court rules it is a valid Will and admits it to probate.
Q. In Texas probate (heirship determination), is a Motion to Appoint an Ad Litem required for the judge to appoint one?
A: Yes, in Texas, if you die without a Will, an Attorney Ad Litem (AAL) is required to be appointed by the Judge. The AAL's job is to represent any unknown or incapacitated heirs. The AAL will research the decedent's personal and family history and speak with family and at least 2 disinterested witnesses to find any unknown heirs. The AAL reports his/her findings back to the Judge at the hearing.
Q. My mother put me as payable on death on one of her checking accounts. Do I have to share that with other beneficiaries?
A: As a POD beneficiary, you are only required to share those specific funds with any other named POD on that account. If you are the only POD beneficiary, then you are not required to share those funds with anyone else because that account passes outside of the Will to the named beneficiary(ies) on that account.
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Contact & Map
Serafini Smith Law Firm
Katy Office
21408 Provincial Blvd.
Katy, TX 77450
Telephone: (281) 644-0438
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: I am happy to offer after-hour and Saturday appointments.
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