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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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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
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
20 Questions Answered
Q. My husband and I are endeavoring to have our wills done. We are 70 and 71.
A: It is very important to have a valid Will to help avoid potential issues when you pass away and a long and more expensive probate proceeding.

Having a valid Will allows you to choose who inherits your properties/assets when you die. Without a Will, your properties / assets will pass according to the Texas Descent and Distribution laws, which may not be who you want to inherit.
Q. My dad passed away in June, I have his Durable power of attorney. No Will . I want to sell his house. Can I do this?
A: Unfortunately, after someone dies, their power of attorney is no longer valid. So, you cannot sell your dad's house using his now invalid power of attorney. You will need to contact a probate attorney to discuss your options.
Q. How do I make sure my wife gets everything if I die? I want no claims for previous kids
A: In order for your assets to go to a specific person, you need a valid Texas Will to handle your probate assets, or you need to name that person as the beneficiary on the assets/accounts for non-probate assets.

Failure to do do either of those may give others a right to those assets, or parts of those assets when you die.

Without a valid Texas Will, your probate assets will pass through the laws of intestacy, and the Texas Estates Code will dictate who inherits.
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Contact & Map
Serafini Smith Law Firm
Katy Office
21408 Provincial Blvd.
Katy, TX 77450
Telephone: (936) 323-3336
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed
Notice: I am happy to offer after-hour and Saturday appointments.