Jeffery Butler

Welcome to Atrium Legal Group – Gateway to Comprehensive Estate Planning

Focusing on specific types of law allows our attorneys to understand the finite details of both simple and complex situations, quickly and efficiently. They work constantly to keep up on the latest tax, estate, and business laws to ensure the plan you put together will continue to work for you, as things change.

When you sit down with one of them, they will always: factor in the probate process, possible tax ramifications, and the validity of the pieces you’ve put in place. Then they help you understand how to minimize the amount of Court involvement and the taxation of your estate, with the end goal of putting together the plan that is right for you.

Our Attorneys:

Jeffery Butler- Partner: Jeff uses his law degree, and his securities and insurance licenses, to craft comprehensive estate and retirement plans focused on wealth management and asset protection. As a true fiduciary, Jeff works to ensure tax changes, as well as state and federal laws, are accounted for in your estate plan.

Christopher Ash, Partner: Chris’ expertise is in the cohesion of business ownership and estate planning. His extensive experience in business formation, litigation, and negotiation, allows him to assist clients in protecting their business assets in conjunction with legacy planning.

Jason G. Smith- Of Counsel: Jason is the only Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law in the Lakeside area. This specialty, along with his extensive experience in Real Estate law make him the “go-to” guy for complex real estate division, contested probate administration, and complex business matters.

J. Spencer Smyth- Associate: Spencer brings more than 10 years of Estate planning and probate administration to the table. Spencer uses his analytical insights to hone-in on unique aspects of each case in-order to find creative and intricate solutions to both the simple and complex situations.

University of Idaho College of Law

J.D. (2012) | Law

2009 - 2012

Honors: Law Review, Law Journal Editor

Activities: Student Government

Weber State University

B.S. (2008) | Political Science

2004 - 2008

Worked full time while in school. Also helped raise my 4 kids and keep my wife from running away while in school.

Honors: Dean List. NOT a millennial, so I actually think before I speak.

Activities: Argued with Professors and classmates. Argued a LOT. Nearly failed Zoology, until I stopped trying, then the class and tests got easier. Weirdest thing.

Managing Partner

Atrium Legal Group

2020 - Current

Co-founded with Christopher Ash to create a full service, all encompassing firm dedicated to Estate Planning, Probate Administration, Guardianship, and Business Formation. With 4 of the best attorneys in the business we strive to meet the goals of each and every client that walks through our doors.

Owner

Butler Law Office, PLLC

2014 - 2020

Head Honcho, Managing attorney, Chief Executive DecisionMakerExtraordinaire, IT tech support, furniture mover, wallet, supplies buyer, boss of 2 attorneys, and 4 office staff.

Attorney

mimura law offices

2012 - 2014

BEST DAD OF THE YEAR (21 years running)

Children

2016

I've worked my hardest to maintain a steady focus on the law and my clients. But I will always be a great dad to my kids first. EVERY client I have likes that about me.

Dallas Bar Association LegalLine

Member

2014 - Current

State Bar of Texas  # 24092206

Member

2014 - Current

ABA Journal

Member

2012 - Current

Idaho Bar Association

Member

2012 - Current

Idaho

Since 2012

Texas

Since 2014

• Free Consultation
  We offer either a 30 minute or a one hour consultation at our hourly rate. Contact our office at 469-402-3030 for information on pricing.
• Credit Cards Accepted

Estate Planning

Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

Elder Law

Q. Can parent go ahead and sign her house over to her 4 kids now so that when she passess, will won't have to be probated

June 4, 2015

A: The answer to your question is Yes. However, transferring the home now will cause income tax implications for the recipients because the house is being given as a gift and is likely more than the gift tax exclusion amount. But that will depend on the value of the house at the time of the transfer. There are other ways to transfer the home without probating a will. Some that are unique to Texas and Florida (I think its Florida). Find a lawyer near you to discuss the options currently available. Many attorneys offer free consultations. Even if it has to go through probate, Texas probate with a Will is not a difficult and expensive proposition as it is in many other states. I know "expensive" is relative, but spending a little time and money now to understand your options, and planning ahead will save you a bundle of time and expense after its to late to make changes.

Q. Have copy "Last Will and Testament" that deceased gave me. A few days before passing his brother had it re-done

June 4, 2015

A: The deceased could have made up his mind to change his will at any time, and had a lawyer that he trusted redo it or make an amendment. If you believe it was done under duress, undue influence, or if the deceased wasn't of sound mind and memory at the time the will was updated, you can challenge the terms of the new will on those facts. Your situation is very fact specific to try to answer without more details. I would recommend contacting a probate attorney near you if you feel there is enough to challenge the new will.