Gratia "Grace" P. Schoemakers

With over 15 years of legal experience, Gratia goes to great lengths to ensure that every one of her clients, no matter the challenges they face, receives the compassion and respect they rightfully deserve. She is committed to personally guiding you through your legal journey, infusing it with her distinctive personal approach, empathy, and unwavering values.

Gratia has assisted numerous clients in crafting their Trusts & Estate Plans, adeptly represented them in both uncontested and contested Probate cases, and provided invaluable support in matters such as Divorce, Paternity, Visitation, Child Support, and Adoption cases. Furthermore, Gratia boasts extensive experience as a certified mediator, specializing in civil, probate, and family law disputes.

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
  All major credit cards accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Most of our services are flat fees for non-contested cases, price is agreed in advance, so there are no surprises. All contested cases are hourly and require retainers.

Texas

Since 2011

Founder/Attorney

GP Schoemakers, PLLC

2011 - Current

Intern

Pfizer, Patent Department

2006

Legal Intern

U.S District Court, Eastern District of Missouri

2005

Washington University School of Law

J.D. (2008) | Law

Washington University School of Law

LL.M. | IP & Technologies Law

2006

Washington University School of Law

LL.M. (2005) | Contracts and Business Law

Maastricht University, Faculty of Law

Doctorate (2004) | Dutch & European Law

Maastricht University, Faculty of Law

LL.M. (2004) | International Law and Legal Studies

Excellent Rating

Avvo

2023

Client Champion - SILVER

Martindale-Hubbell

2023

American Bar Association

Member

Current

State Bar of Texas

Member

Current

Activities: Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section; Business Law Section; Family Law Section

Texas Bar College

Fellow

Current

Bay Area Bar Association

Member

Current

Collaborative Divorce Texas

Member

Current

Is your Estate Plan Outdated?

Avvo Legal Guide

2016

Do I need a business plan?

Avvo Legal Guide

2011

What does a Business plan cover?

Avvo Legal Guide

2011

What to keep in mind when choosing your legal entity...

Avvo Legal Guide

2011

Discover how to make sure you have the Greatest Form of Self Care Possible For Your Business, Business Entrepreneurs Networking

2017

LIFT your business, GP SCHOEMAKERS, PLLC

2017

Basic Estate Planning & Guardian, Parent Workshop

2017

Certified Mediator in Civil, Probate, and Family Law

Q. What legal rights do I have to my stepmother's property in Texas?

April 9, 2025

A: If the property was in your stepmother's name only, and she left no prior will that indicated you as a beneficiary/devisee, her estate will most likely pass through intestacy. Intestacy rules stated that her assets will pass to her children, not her stepchildren. Therefor, based on the information provided, it is most likely that you do not have any ownership interests in the property, regardless of the facts that your family owned it at a prior point in time.

Q. How can I add my wife's name to the property's title for full ownership?

March 13, 2025

A: If you add your wife (which you can do via a Gift Deed, or Warranty Deed), she will be the full owner at that point in time. If she dies before you, you will have to go through probate and hope the law in your jurisdiction will give it back to you.

Other options: Transfer on Death (most jurisdictions have it), Make a Last Will and Testament, Create a Revocable Living Trust.

Q. What should I do with a deceased person's documents found on a job site in Texas?

March 13, 2025

A: Since you've found sensitive personal documents belonging to a deceased person, including a will, social security numbers, and court records, you should handle them carefully to avoid legal or ethical issues. Here are the recommended steps (not legal advice):

1. Do Not Destroy or Discard the Documents

These documents may be important for the deceased person's estate or surviving family members.

2. Determine If There Are Any Contact Details

Look for names, addresses, or phone numbers of next of kin, an executor, or an attorney who may be handling the estate.

If the will names an executor, that person is responsible for handling the deceased’s affairs.

3. Notify the Property Owner or Executor

If you're working on a property under a contract, notify the property owner (or the contractor if they are the intermediary).

If the property is abandoned or changing ownership, check if an executor has been appointed.

4. Check Probate Court Records

If the will has been filed in probate court, the court may have information on the executor or beneficiaries.

You can check with the local probate court to see if an estate case is open for the deceased.

5. Hand Over to Proper Authorities if No Heirs Are Found

If you cannot locate an executor or family member, consider handing the documents to the probate court or law enforcement (especially for documents with Social Security numbers, as they could be misused for fraud).

6. Do Not Share or Disclose Private Information

Avoid sharing the contents of these documents with unauthorized persons to prevent identity theft or privacy breaches.

If in doubt: Take it to local law enforcement, make a report of how you found it, give them pictures if any. ... Read More