Longview

Estate Planning & Probate Attorney Serving Longview, TX

Serving Gregg County and Beyond!

Estate planning does not have to mean repeated trips to an attorney's office. FC Law, PLLC serves families and property owners in Longview and throughout Gregg County from our Tyler office, with a largely remote process that allows most consultations, document preparation, and reviews to take place by phone or video. For Longview residents near the Loop 281 corridor or anywhere else in Gregg County, that means working directly with an experienced Texas attorney while minimizing unnecessary travel between Longview and Tyler.

Estate Planning for Longview Families

Services include:

Wills and trusts
Powers of attorney
Guardianship designations
Living wills and advance directives
Medicare and Medicaid planning
Asset protection strategies
Business succession planning

Signs it may be time to create or update your plan:

Gotten married, divorced, or remarried
Welcomed a new child or grandchild
Bought, sold, or refinanced property in Longview or elsewhere in Gregg County
Started, sold, or restructured a business
Moved to Texas from a state with different estate laws
Lost a named executor, guardian, or agent, or need to name a new one

Michael Franks holds active Texas licenses as an Attorney, Architect, and Real Estate Broker, which can be particularly valuable when an estate includes real property, rental units, land, or a closely held business.

Probate for Longview and Gregg County

Gregg County probate matters are filed at the Gregg County Courthouse at 101 E. Methvin Street in downtown Longview.

Services include:

Probate of a will
Applications for letters testamentary or letters of administration
Estate administration
Intestate succession
Will contests and other probate disputes
Creditor notice requirements (typically published in the Longview News-Journal)

The Texas probate process, step by step:

Filing the application with the Gregg County Clerk
Posting and citation for the required period before a hearing
The hearing, where a judge reviews the application and appoints the executor or administrator
Issuance of Letters Testamentary or Administration
Notice to creditors, mailed and sometimes published locally
Inventory and administration of estate assets
Distribution and closing of the estate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a will if I already have a trust?

In most cases, yes. A will can address anything not placed into the trust and name guardians for minor children, which a trust alone does not do.

Is probate always required in Texas?

Not always. Some smaller estates may qualify for a simplified process, such as a small estate affidavit or muniment of title, depending on the size and structure of the estate.

What if family members disagree about the estate?

Disputes over a will's validity, an executor's conduct, or how assets should be divided can lead to contested probate, which typically takes longer and may require additional hearings.

Call (903) 226-7232 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an attorney serving Longview and Gregg County. Se habla español.

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Built Around Clarity and Efficiency

Business-Minded Insight
Led by an entrepreneur, architect, and real estate broker, the firm brings a broader perspective to estate and succession planning. This helps address property, business interests, and legacy planning more thoughtfully.
Competitive, Transparent Pricing
Clients receive straightforward pricing and a 15-minute free consultation to understand their options. The goal is to make planning accessible without unnecessary complexity.
Practical Planning Approach
Legal strategies are designed with real-life assets, families, and long-term goals in mind. The focus is on clarity, structure, and plans that actually work.
Direct Attorney Access
Work one-on-one with the attorney handling your matter from start to finish. You won’t be passed between staff or departments.

Our Attorneys

Michael D. Franks, Esq. AIA MBA Founder

Contact Us Today

At FC Law, PLLC, we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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