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.
- 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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- Attorney
- Serafini Smith Law Firm
- - Current
- Attorney
- Springer Law Firm
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- Attorney
- Bowman Heintz Boscia & Vician
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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
- 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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- Indiana
- Indiana Supreme Court
- ID Number: 20367-45
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- Texas
- State Bar of Texas
- ID Number: 24070594
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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.
- 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
- English: Spoken, Written
- 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.