Beth Ann Serafini-Smith
Serafini Smith Law Firm
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.
- Probate
- Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Statutory Durable Power of Attorney
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Living Will/ Advanced Directive
- Appointment of Guardian for Minor Children
- Revocable Living Trusts
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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.
- Indiana
- Indiana Supreme Court
- ID Number: 20367-45
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- Texas
- State Bar of Texas
- ID Number: 24070594
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Attorney
- Serafini Smith Law Firm
- - Current
- Attorney
- Springer Law Firm
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- Attorney
- Bowman Heintz Boscia & Vician
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- 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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- 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
- 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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- 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
- 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.
- Q. The question I have is about a probate of of a will
- A: Generally, a Will needs to be probated within four years of the Decedent's death. Until a Will is probated, the named executor in the Will has no powers to administer the estate. The named executor must first qualify to serve as the executor and be appointed as the executor by the Judge. A probate attorney will walk you through the probate process.
