Vacek, Kiecke & Currier, Austin Estate Planning Probate Tax Attorneys

What is an attorney who is Board Certified in Estate Planning & Probate Law?

Many attorneys may represent that they practice in the areas of Estate Planning & Probate. But only a certain few are actually certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as Board Certified in Estate Planning & Probate Law.

From the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (http://www.tbls.org/FAQs/attbroep.pdf):

The consumer can identify an Estate Planning and Probate Law Board Certified attorney in one of many ways. An Estate Planning and Probate Law Board Certified attorney is entitled to indicate certification on business cards and letterhead by stating “Board Certified - Estate Planning and Probate Law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization.” The attorney may also display the Certificate of Special Competence awarded by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and list the certification in legal directories and telephone listings under “Attorneys - Board Certified.”

To become Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law, an attorney must have:

Been licensed to practice law for at least five years;
Devoted a required percentage of practice to estate planning and probate law for at least three years;
Handled a wide variety of estate planning and probate law matters to demonstrate experience and involvement;
Attended estate planning and probate law continuing education seminars regularly to keep legal training up to date;
Been evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges;
Passed a day-long written examination.

An attorney who is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legalization in Estate Planning and Probate Law must have counseled others on various estate matters, such as gifts, life insurance, trusts, and business arrangements and agreements. The attorney must also have prepared estate documents such as wills and trusts and have handled estate administration matters such as guardianships and the probate of wills. Finally, the attorney must have familiarity with the tax laws applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts.