Smith County Estate Planning Lawyers

Terry W. Hammond is the former Executive Director of the National Guardianship Association, for which he also previously served as past president and served on the Board of Directors for a decade. Mr. Hammond has been certified as a National Certified Guardian by the Center for Guardianship Certification and is a certified guardianship mediator. Mr. Hammond has also served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Guardianship Association and as chair of the Texas Guardianship Advisory Board. Mr. Hammond serves as a consultant to guardianship programs and providers and as an expert witness in guardianship litigation throughout the United...

Almost 30 years of legal and business experience in civil, criminal, family, probate, business and real estate, divorce and juvenile matters

Matthew has been nominated as a Rising Star in 2021 and 2022 in the field of Family Law. Only 2.5% of all attorneys receive this honor chosen by other attorneys.

I grew up in the small town of Hallettsville, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. Prior to law school I worked as a petroleum landman where I researched title to land for oil and gas companies. I continued to work as a landman during and after law school. My extensive knowledge in tracing mineral title and conducting genealogy research helped me make a natural transition into probate law and estate planning.

I take pride in my ability to navigate through the legal process while maintaining a compassionate...

My name is Patricia Burns, and I have a long history with North Texas, as I spent summers growing up at my family's farm in Mt. Veron, Texas. After receiving my undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and working in the computer industry, I knew I had to return to North Texas. I moved to Fort Worth in 1997 to attend Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. After law school, I started my own law firm where I practiced business, tax and probate litigation in Tarrant County, Texas. In October of 2003, I joined the law firm of Decker, Jones,...

Prior to becoming an attorney, David had an accomplished 20-year career as a Navy SEAL. He deployed numerous times to various countries around the world, including Afghanistan and Iraq. David was selected and served as an instructor at the Navy’s Basic Underwater Demolition School (BUD/S). He earned multiple awards including three Bronze Stars with Combat V, a Navy Commendation medal and two Navy Achievement medals.

After leaving the Navy, David wanted to continue to challenge himself, so he chose a career in law. In 2016, David graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law and has been admitted...

Prior to entering the practice of law, Bobby L Phillips had a career in the corrections industry that spanned over 27 years. Bobby served as deputy warden and/or Senior Warden at multiple state and private correctional facilities. Having returned to his southeast texas home of Livingston, he now practices law in the area and is dedicated to providing honest and affordable representation to his clients. In addition to his law practice Bobby is a well regarded public speaker; speaking on his interesting background, career, family and faith.

J. Tyler Clark is an attorney with substantial experience in real estate transactions, estate planning, probate administration, and business entity formation. He provides clients with clear, strategic guidance through complex legal processes, prioritizing both precision and practical outcomes. Rooted in Caldwell, Texas, where his family has longstanding ties, Mr. Clark brings a deep understanding of the local community to his practice. He works closely with families, individuals, and business owners to safeguard their interests and plan confidently for the future. Mr. Clark is committed to delivering high-quality legal work with integrity and attention to detail. Outside the office, he remains actively engaged...