Wonderful guardianship service. Experienced individuals who truly care about people and families. Made the life-changing process feel clear, supported, and handled with genuine compassion from start to finish. Elizabeth was absolutely amazing and Ms. Angeline was very kind and made our family comfortable and confident with our decision. Attorney Hatchett provided excellent advice, recommendations and guidance. Thank you Hatchett Law Firm

– Savannah R.

The team at the Hatchett Law firm has been outstanding four our case regarding Guardianship. They are very courteous, friendly and professional and provide sincere advice. They have fantastic turnaround times and are very understanding. I would highly recommend them and definitely use them for any future legal needs.

– Shalini K.

The wonderful people that make up The Hatchett Law Firm are a God send to me and our family. Guardianship is a tough long drawn out process. It is an emotionally and financially difficult time for families but The Hatchett Law Firm makes the process smooth with their guidance and affordability and Spiritual quality.

– Evelyn V.

Texas Guardianship, Probate, and Estate Planning Attorneys

When it comes to tough probate and guardianship disputes, an experienced litigator can play a crucial role in resolving these conflicts effectively. These disputes can be emotionally charged, complex, and involve high stakes. An experienced litigator from The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC understands the legal issues at hand and can provide a clear strategy for navigating the situation.

The benefit of hiring an experienced litigator is tenfold. We bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and we understand how to present a compelling case to the judge, gather relevant evidence, and conduct the necessary investigations to get positive results. Our team specializes in tough litigation cases ranging from will disputes to guardianship agreement conflicts.

In probate and guardianship disputes, having an experienced litigator on your side can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected. Our law firm can help you navigate the legal complexities of the situation, work to resolve the dispute in a timely and effective manner, and reduce the stress you may feel about your situation. Contact us today at (281) 771-0560 to learn more about how we can help!

How may we help you?

Guardianship

We assist with complex guardianship matters to ensure families get positive results.

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Probate Law

We specialize in litigating difficult probate disputes and resolving matters effectively.

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Estate Planning

We provide comprehensive planning for individuals and married couples. Our plans include Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorneys, Transfer on Death Deed, and Living Will. We Take a Holistic Approach To Protect Your Assets And Minimize the Delay And Expense Of Probate.

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Litigation And Contests

When a Fiduciary Fails to Hold Up Their Legal Obligation, We’re Prepared to Litigate Disputes and Recover Any Financial Damages.

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Guardianship

We assist with complex guardianship matters to ensure families get positive results.

Learn More

Probate Law

We specialize in litigating difficult probate disputes and resolving matters effectively.

Learn More

Estate Planning

Learn More

Litigation And Contests

When a Fiduciary Fails to Hold Up Their Legal Obligation, We’re Prepared to Litigate Disputes and Recover Any Financial Damages.

Learn More

Should I Litigate a Probate or Guardianship Dispute?

Probate disputes and guardianship disputes can arise when there are disagreements among family members or other heirs over the distribution of a deceased person’s estate or the care of a vulnerable individual. These disputes can become strenuous and lead to family rifts that can last for years.

Litigating probate and guardianship disputes may be necessary when all other attempts at negotiation have failed to reach a satisfactory resolution. In such cases, court intervention may be needed to clarify legal issues, interpret the deceased person’s intentions, and ensure that all parties receive a fair distribution of assets or that the vulnerable person receives appropriate care.

If there are allegations of financial mismanagement or abuse, it may also be necessary to litigate the matter to protect the interests of the beneficiaries of the estate. Ultimately, the decision to litigate should only be made after careful consideration with the help of our expert litigators.

Client Success Stories

The Hatchett Law Firm

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Why The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC?

We are your go-to firm and legal resource for probate issues, estate planning, probate real estate and litigation.

All-inclusive Approach

The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC offers comprehensive and affordable legal services that help you and your family prepare for the unexpected in life and business. We’ve empowered people from all stages of life with proactive planning to litigation as tricky conflicts and situations demand.

Compassionate Team

Our team is devoted to serving the community and protecting families during life-changing moments and events. We deliver personalized attention to every case. Having a legal partner in your corner can save your family time, extra heartache, and money when the unexpected happens.

Legacy of Success

We have a proven track record of success and a trail of purpose-driven results to back it up. The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC uses our collective knowledge to influence change. We help individuals, families, and business owners leverage our knowledge and skill to accomplish their goals and get their lives back on track when they need it most.

Meet Our Team

Michael K. Hatchett

Founding Partner

Interesting Facts:

Believes that Legal Services Should be High Quality and Affordable for all Families
Frequently Appointed by the District Courts to Protect the Financial Interests of Children
College Football Fan and Former Player
Could Use Some Help with His Golf Game….
Dedicated Husband and Father to Challenging Women

Education:

University of Texas at Austin (UT)
BA Government
Thurgood Marshall School of Law, JD

Cynthia M. Hatchett

Founder

Interesting Facts:

Our Business is For the Glory of God
Addicted to Reading
Former VP, JPMorgan
Married to a Hunk and her Kids are All Active in Various Clubs & Organizations

Education:

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
BA in Political Science
University of Houston Law Center.JD
(University of Houston) MBA

Ariana Slade

Associate Attorney

Interesting Facts:

Focused her studies on Wills, Trusts, and Estates
Participated in the Randall A. Sorrels Legal Probate Clinic
Served as a Fellow for the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Law Literacy Program
Enjoys going for walks on nature trails
Loves spending time with her family

Education:

Florida State University
South Texas College of Law Houston

About Us

How Do I Protect My Family Now?

Families can get caught up in the costly probate process when there’s no will or estate plan in place for assets, minor children, and other important decisions. This can cause strain and strife in the event you become incapacitated or pass away.

Probate and guardianship issues can be resolved with the right planning strategy from The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC.

If you have spent your entire life building a family, a lifestyle, or both, you have valuable people, earned assets, and resources you should safeguard with the help of our experienced attorneys.

We supply you with all of the legal tools you need to minimize risk and prepare for the future with comprehensive estate planning services that safeguard your legacy and protect the ones you love most.

Together, we can help you take the right steps to protect your family now.

Why Choose Us?

Over 30 Years of Proven Legal Excellence

Our seasoned attorneys bring more than three decades of specialized experience to the courtroom. We don’t just fill out forms; we are battle-tested litigators who thrive in complex probate and guardianship disputes. This deep-rooted experience gives our clients a distinct advantage when protecting their inheritance or the rights of a loved one.

Comprehensive Holistic Estate Planning

We take a proactive, holistic view of your legacy to ensure every aspect of your future is protected. Beyond simple wills, our comprehensive plans incorporate Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Transfer on Death Deeds to provide security for both your health and your estate. By addressing your unique financial and familial goals, we aim to minimize future taxes, reduce court costs, and shield your heirs from unnecessary probate delays.

Comprehensive Family Crisis Planning

Life is unpredictable, but your legal standing shouldn’t be. We specialize in preparing families for the unexpected, from sudden incapacity to complex family disagreements. Our firm provides the legal tools necessary to navigate life-changing events, ensuring that your medical, financial, and personal wishes are legally enforceable and protected from outside interference.

A Compassionate, Client-First Approach

We understand that legal battles involving family are emotionally taxing. Our team, prioritizes empathy and clear communication. We treat every client like family, especially during your most challenging moments, ensuring you never feel lost or alone in the legal process.

Strategic Advocacy in Fiduciary Disputes

When a trustee or executor fails their legal obligation, we step in to hold them accountable. Our firm specializes in recovering financial damages and resolving conflicts where fiduciaries have mismanaged assets. We combine forensic investigation with aggressive litigation strategies to ensure that justice is served and your financial interests are fully restored.

Accessible Legal Resources in Houston and Pearland

When a trustee or executor fails to uphold their legal responsibilities, we help you take measures to protect the estate and the beneficiaries who depend on it. Our firm focuses on addressing fiduciary misconduct, seeking the removal of ineffective or untrustworthy personal representatives, and ensuring accountability for decisions that place an estate at risk. Through strategic legal action and deep knowledge of the law, we work to restore order, safeguard assets, and promote a fair and lawful administration of the estate.

Experience

With over three decades in the courtroom, we have seen firsthand how the right strategy can change the outcome for a family in crisis. This long track record means we don’t just know the law—we know how to use it to stay ahead of obstacles and secure the results you need.

Experience

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Does Experience Matter when Choosing the Right Texas Probate Lawyers and Guardianship Attorneys in Texas?

Years of experience matter when it comes to probate, litigation, and guardianship law. Experience gives you an edge that younger or less experienced attorneys don’t have when it comes to managing difficult situations.

It’s the trickier life events that sometimes warrant probate court involvement or litigation where a more seasoned attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and your experience of the legal system.

Our seasoned probate attorneys with over 30 years of hands-on experience, including probate litigation expertise, are savvy and resourceful in building strong cases using effective problem-solving skills and insights. We manage challenges and disputes that arise with ease and finesse to get you closer to the finish line.

Every step we take is with the purpose and intention to get you and your family results. When you choose to team up with The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC you’re getting a partner that deals with tough situations head-on for better results and improved outcomes.

The Hatchett Law Firm’s, PLLC Houston office is located about a mile away from Grady Park, 14 minutes away from Hermann Park Conservancy, and 25 miles away from George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston (IAH). If your assets and loved ones aren’t protected, change that today and call our resourceful estate planning, probate, and guardianship firm today at (281) 771-0560.

The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC office in Pearland, Texas, is about a mile away from Southdown Dog Park, approximately 11 minutes away from Centennial Park, and a 13-mile drive from our offices to Pearland Regional Airport located in Pearland, Texas. If your assets and loved ones aren’t protected, change that today and call a resourceful estate planning, probate, and guardianship firm today at (281) 771-0560.

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Beyond the Documents: Strategic Legacy Design

At The Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC, we believe a true legacy is defined by more than just a signature on a page; it is defined by the lasting security and harmony of your family. While many firms focus on the administrative “what” of estate planning, we focus on the strategic “how.” We look beyond immediate assets to identify potential future risks, from tax liabilities to family dynamic shifts that could lead to conflict.

By integrating our deep litigation background into our planning process, we build “court-tested” strategies designed to withstand challenges. Whether you are navigating the complexities of a blended family, protecting a family business, or securing the future of a child with special needs, we provide a proactive shield. Our goal is to ensure that your life’s work serves as a foundation for the next generation, free from the stress of legal uncertainty and the high costs of avoidable court battles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of estate planning?

At its core, estate planning is about maintaining control. It is a comprehensive strategy that dictates who will manage your affairs if you become ill and how your assets will be distributed after you pass away. Without a plan, these decisions are handed over to the state of Texas and a judge. A proper plan ensures your wishes are followed, protects your heirs from excessive taxes, and provides a clear roadmap for your loved ones during an emotionally difficult time.

What happens if I die without a Will in Texas?

Dying without a Will is known as “intestacy.” In these cases, Texas law determines who inherits your property based on a rigid formula that may not match your intentions. For example, your assets might be split between a spouse and children in a way that creates financial hardship for the survivor. Furthermore, the court process for an intestate estate is significantly more expensive and time-consuming because the judge must legally “determine heirship” before any property can be distributed.

How often should I update my estate planning documents?

An estate plan is not a “set it and forget it” task; it should evolve with your life. We recommend a professional review every three to five years, or whenever a major life event occurs. Changes that trigger an update include marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a significant change in your financial status, or moving to a different state. Additionally, if an executor or guardian you previously named is no longer able or willing to serve, your plan must be updated immediately to ensure your family remains fully protected.

Why should I hire an attorney instead of using an online form?

Online DIY templates often fail to account for specific Texas Estates Code requirements. A single mistake in how a Will is witnessed or how a Power of Attorney is worded can make the entire document invalid, leading to the exact court battles you were trying to avoid. At The Hatchett Law Firm, we provide more than just paperwork; we provide strategic counsel. We identify potential family conflicts, ensure your documents are “litigation-proof,” and tailor every detail to your unique family dynamic, providing peace of mind that a template simply cannot offer.

Most importantly, having our experienced, credible, team provide oversight in your planning decisions and document execution reduces the chance of later successful attacks of your decisions by others who might otherwise feel entitled to gain.

Why is probate often described as something to avoid?

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate. While necessary in many cases, it is a public record, meaning anyone can see your assets and heirs. It can also be slow, often taking six months to over a year to complete. By utilizing estate planning tools like Transfer on Death Deeds, beneficiary designations, or Living Trusts, we can help many of your assets bypass the probate process entirely. This keeps your family’s business private, reduces court costs, and ensures your loved ones receive their inheritance much faster.

There’s no need to fear! Fortunately, the Hatchett Law Firm, PLLC., has an experience to expedite the probate process.

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