Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in Houston, Texas
October 9, 2025
Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in Houston, Texas
At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, we believe that planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to draft a will, establish a trust, or manage the probate process, our Houston estate planning and probate lawyers are here to guide you with experience and care.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your family, your assets, and your legacy with a customized estate plan built around your needs and values.
Why Estate Planning Matters
Estate planning isn't just about dividing up your belongings—it's about giving your family clarity, peace of mind, and financial protection during difficult times. With decades of combined experience, our Houston attorneys have helped individuals and families across Texas create personalized plans that reflect their wishes and guard against unnecessary legal or tax burdens.
We offer full-service estate planning that accounts for your health, finances, family, and more—ensuring you're protected now and in the future.
What’s Included in a Comprehensive Estate Plan?
A thorough estate plan should include a variety of legal documents designed to address both your current and future needs. At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, we help clients create or update:
- 📝 Wills – Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and name guardians for minor children.
- 🏦 Trusts – Avoid probate, reduce taxes, and gain more control over how and when your assets are passed down.
- 💳 Financial Powers of Attorney – Appoint someone you trust to handle your finances if you become incapacitated.
- 🏥 Medical Powers of Attorney – Designate someone to make healthcare decisions if you're unable to do so.
- ❤️ Advance Healthcare Directives (Living Wills) – Outline your medical care preferences in case of a serious illness or emergency.
- 👶 Guardianships – Protect your children by naming a legal guardian in the event of your passing or incapacity.
We take a personalized approach to each estate plan—because no two families are the same.
Understanding Probate in Texas
Probate is the legal process that occurs after someone passes away. It involves validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets. In Texas, there are three types of probate proceedings:
- Independent Administration – The most common and efficient process, requiring minimal court supervision.
- Dependent Administration – Requires court approval for every major decision, often used for complex or contested estates.
- Muniment of Title – A unique Texas process that allows a will to be used as legal proof of property ownership when there are no debts and no need for an executor.
Navigating probate can feel overwhelming, but our attorneys are here to simplify every step and ensure everything is handled correctly and efficiently.
Work With a Houston Estate Planning Attorney You Can Trust
Whether you're building your estate plan from scratch or need help with a complicated probate matter, our team at Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC is here to support you. We’ll walk you through your options and create a legal strategy tailored to your goals.
Trusted Commercial Law Attorneys in Houston, Texas
Key Legal Steps to Secure Your Next Investment Property in Houston
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Seeking Legal Help After a Construction Injury in Houston
Landowner Rights in Texas: Negotiating Oil & Gas Leases with Confidence
If your home or business in Houston has suffered hail damage, dealing with an insurance claim can be challenging. Knowing when to hire an attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Learn the key situations where legal representation is necessary to ensure you receive fair compensation for your hail damage losses.
Business disputes can arise for many reasons, leading to financial losses and operational challenges. At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC in Houston, our litigation team represents businesses facing contract disputes, partnership conflicts, intellectual property issues, and employment disagreements. Learn about common legal challenges and how our attorneys work to resolve them efficiently.
If your fire damage insurance claim has been denied, you don’t have to accept the decision without a fight. Learn what steps you can take to challenge the denial and recover the compensation you deserve. Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC in Houston, TX, is here to help homeowners and business owners take action against unfair insurance practices.
Flooding is one of the most common and devastating causes of property damage in Texas. From personal belongings to structural damage, floods can result in significant financial loss for property owners. If you’ve recently experienced property damage or loss due to flooding, it’s essential to have a trusted legal team on your side. At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, our seasoned Houston flood damage claim lawyers are here to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Why You Need a Flood Damage Claim Lawyer Flood damage often extends beyond what meets the eye. It can destroy personal items with sentimental value, such as photographs and family heirlooms, while also causing extensive structural issues to your home or business. Unfortunately, insurance companies may: Delay your claim unnecessarily. Undervalue the extent of your damages. Deny valid claims outright. Navigating these challenges can be overwhelming, especially when trying to recover and rebuild. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of flood damage claims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to under your policy. Common Types of Flood Damage Claims Flooding can cause a wide range of damages, including: Structural damage to homes and businesses. Mold and mildew growth due to water exposure. Damage to personal belongings, including furniture and electronics. Electrical and plumbing issues. Business interruption and lost revenue. Our legal team is equipped to handle all types of flood damage claims, no matter the extent of the loss. How We Help At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, we take a comprehensive approach to flood damage claims: Policy Review: We thoroughly review your insurance policy to ensure all applicable coverages are included in your claim. Documentation: Our team gathers detailed evidence of the damage, including photographs, repair estimates, and receipts for damaged items. Negotiation: We handle all communications with your insurance company to fight for a fair settlement. Litigation: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve. Serving Property Owners Across Texas From Houston to Galveston and beyond, our flood damage claim lawyers proudly serve individuals and businesses throughout Texas. We understand the stress and financial burden that comes with flood damage, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the claims process. Contact Us Today Don’t let an insurance company undervalue your claim or delay your recovery. Contact Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you fight for the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward.
Few events are as devastating as losing a home, business, or other personal property to a hurricane. Unfortunately, hurricanes are a reality for many Texans, and the damage they leave behind can be life-altering. When these storms strike, it’s essential to have experienced legal support to ensure your insurance company fulfills its obligations. That’s where the hurricane damage claim lawyers at Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC step in. Why You Need a Hurricane Damage Claims Attorney Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming. On top of assessing damage and beginning repairs, property owners often face insurance companies that: Delay the claims process unnecessarily. Undervalue the cost of repairs or replacement. Deny valid claims outright. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize their payouts, leaving you to cover costs you should never have to bear alone. A knowledgeable attorney can help ensure your claim is handled fairly and maximize the compensation you receive. Common Types of Hurricane Damage Claims Our Houston hurricane damage claim lawyers handle a wide range of claims, including but not limited to: Roof and structural damage Water and flood damage Mold remediation Damage to personal belongings Business interruption losses No matter the extent of your property damage, our team is ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. How Patout, Fontana, and Dellis Can Help At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, we understand the challenges hurricane victims face. Our team has extensive experience handling hurricane damage claims and negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. Here’s how we can assist: Policy Review: We analyze your insurance policy to understand your coverage and ensure all claimable damages are accounted for. Claim Preparation: Our attorneys compile detailed documentation, including repair estimates and evidence of damage, to strengthen your case. Negotiation: We handle communications with your insurance company to ensure your claim is fairly evaluated. Litigation: If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Why Choose Us? Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. At Patout, Fontana, and Dellis PLLC, we bring: A track record of success in hurricane damage claims Compassionate, personalized service Dedication to protecting the rights of property owners across Texas Serving the Houston Community and Beyond Located in Houston, we proudly serve individuals and businesses throughout Texas. Whether you’ve experienced hurricane damage in Houston, Galveston, or anywhere else in the state, our team is here to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild.
When navigating the complexities of insurance claims in Texas, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between first-party and third-party claims. Each type of claim involves different processes, responsibilities, and parties. Here, we’ll break down the differences and explain how Patout, Fontana, & Dellis can assist with first-party claims across the Lone Star State. What is a First-Party Insurance Claim? A first-party insurance claim is filed by the policyholder—the “first party”—against their own insurance company (the “second party”). This type of claim is based on the terms and coverage outlined in the policyholder’s insurance contract. Common situations that lead to first-party claims include: Homeowners Insurance: Filing a claim for damages caused by storms, fires, or other covered events. Auto Insurance: Seeking coverage for repairs or medical expenses after an accident, provided the policy includes comprehensive or collision coverage. Health Insurance: Requesting reimbursement for medical expenses covered by your plan. In these cases, the insurance company is obligated to evaluate the claim and provide the benefits stipulated in the policy. What is a Third-Party Insurance Claim? In contrast, a third-party insurance claim is made by someone who is not the policyholder. This type of claim occurs when a third party (someone other than the policyholder) seeks compensation from another person’s insurance provider. Examples include: Auto Accidents: Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to cover damages or medical expenses. Premises Liability: Seeking compensation for injuries sustained on someone else’s property. Third-party claims typically require the claimant to prove the other party’s liability for the damages or injuries. The Challenges of First-Party Claims in Texas Even though first-party claims involve your own insurance company, they can still be challenging. Insurance companies may: Dispute the value of your claim. Deny coverage for specific damages. Delay the claims process unnecessarily. Texas law holds insurance companies accountable for handling claims fairly and in good faith. If you believe your insurer is not honoring its obligations, you may have grounds for legal action. Why Choose Patout, Fontana, & Dellis for Your First-Party Claim? At Patout, Fontana, & Dellis, we specialize in assisting Texans with first-party insurance claims. Our team understands the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue or deny claims, and we’re committed to ensuring policyholders receive the benefits they’re entitled to. Here’s how we can help: Comprehensive Claim Evaluation: We review your policy to ensure all applicable coverages are included in your claim. Expert Negotiation: Our attorneys negotiate directly with your insurance company to secure fair compensation. Litigation Support: If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court to protect your rights. Serving Texans Statewide From Houston to Dallas, Austin to El Paso, Patout, Fontana, & Dellis proudly serves policyholders throughout Texas. Whether you’re facing a denied claim, underpayment, or unnecessary delays, our team is ready to advocate for you.