Texas probate attorney — since 1996
Probate doesn't have to be overwhelming.
When a loved one passes, the last thing you need is a confusing legal process. Rick Villarreal is known for clear communication, genuine patience, and being easy to reach — so you always know where your case stands. Flat-fee pricing. 30 years of experience. We're with you every step of the way.
Start with a free consultation
No obligation. Strictly confidential.
We call back within one business day.
Pick a time on Rick’s calendar — 30-minute phone consultation, no obligation.
About the firm
Experienced Texas probate counsel, since 1996.
Rick Villarreal has dedicated his practice to helping Texas families navigate probate with confidence since 1996. With over 30 years of experience and hundreds of successfully completed cases, he brings both deep legal knowledge and genuine compassion to every client.
- Texas State Bar AssociationLicensed and in good standing since 1996
- BBB accredited businessVerified trustworthiness and ethical standards
- Avvo rating 10.0 — SuperbAvvo’s top rating, alongside 120+ five-star client reviews
- J.D., University of Houston Law CenterB.S. Electrical Engineering, Texas A&M — practicing Texas law since 1996
- Three convenient office locationsHouston (Westheimer), Houston (downtown), League City
Rick Villarreal
With over 30 years guiding Houston families through the probate process, Rick brings clarity and calm to one of life's most stressful situations. His flat-fee model and virtual hearing capability make probate accessible and straightforward.
2600 South Shore Blvd, Suite 300, League City, TX 77573
801 Travis Street, Suite 2101, Houston, TX 77002
Why choose us
Handled with clarity — and done with care
Texas probate can be complex and time-consuming. Having an experienced attorney ensures it is handled correctly from the start.
30 years of Texas probate experience
Rick Villarreal has handled hundreds of Texas probate cases since 1996. You're in experienced hands from day one.
Flat-fee pricing — no surprises
Unlike firms that bill by the hour, we charge a single flat fee. You know exactly what you'll pay before we start. No hidden costs.
Virtual hearings available
Court procedures vary by county. We walk you through exactly what to expect for your specific situation during your consultation.
We prepare you for the hearing
We conduct full practice sessions including your testimony, so you know exactly what to expect and walk in with confidence.
Always easy to reach
Clients consistently say Rick is responsive, accessible, and easy to reach throughout the process. You'll never wonder where your case stands.
We work around your schedule
Consultations and case preparation happen by phone or Zoom. We keep normal business hours, and we also take calls and handle requests in the evenings and on weekends — so you don’t have to use a work day to move your case forward. The only time your presence is required is the court hearing itself, and we prepare you fully for that.
Client testimonials
What our clients say
Rick holds a 10.0 Avvo rating and more than 120 five-star reviews. Here's what Texas families say about working with him.
★★★★★"Rick was incredibly easy to reach throughout the entire process — he always answered my calls and responded to emails quickly. During one of the hardest times of my life, that meant everything. I always knew exactly where things stood."
★★★★★"I came in knowing nothing about probate and feeling overwhelmed. Rick had the patience of a saint — he explained everything clearly, never made me feel rushed, and I left every conversation feeling confident. I would absolutely use him again and have already referred two family members."
★★★★★"What impressed me most was how easy Rick was to work with. He is professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about his clients. I had complete confidence in his ability to handle our case, and he delivered. I would not hesitate to refer him to anyone."
How it works
Four steps to closing the estate
There is nothing to fill out before we speak. We understand the case first, build a plan with you, and only then put it in motion. Most uncontested cases are resolved within 6–8 weeks from filing.
Schedule a call
Everything starts with a conversation. Book a free phone or Zoom consultation during business hours, or in the evening or on a weekend if that suits you better. Tell us what happened and what the estate looks like. No obligation, nothing to fill out first.
We build the plan together
We work out which proceeding fits your situation, what the court will require, how long it should take, and exactly what your flat fee covers. You finish the call knowing the path forward before you commit to anything.
Intake form, reviewed together
Once we agree on the plan, we email you the intake form for your specific matter. You fill in what you can, then we go through your answers with you — so the details are right before anything is drafted or filed.
Invoice, then we execute
You receive the invoice for the flat fee. Once it’s paid we prepare and file everything, run your practice session, attend the hearing with you, and complete all post-hearing work — Letters, publications and deeds included.
Service area
Serving Greater Houston and surrounding counties
We handle probate matters in six counties throughout the Houston metro area and surrounding region.
Flat-fee pricing
Transparent pricing. No surprises.
We make Texas probate affordable with clear, upfront flat fees. Flat fees apply to uncontested matters — cases involving a contest of the will or estate may differ. We'll discuss this during your consultation.
Probate with a will
- All documents prepared & filed with the court
- Practice session to prepare you for the hearing
- Attorney present with you at the hearing
- All post-hearing documents completed
- Letters Testamentary ordered for you
- Required legal publications handled
- Real estate deeds prepared (you pay only county recording)
- Ongoing phone support throughout
Probate without a will
- Determination of Heirship proceeding
- All court filings prepared & filed
- Heir identification & notification
- Practice session & attorney at hearing
- All post-hearing documents completed
- Letters of Administration ordered
- Required legal publications handled
- Real estate deeds prepared (you pay only county recording)
Small estate affidavit
- For qualifying smaller estates
- Faster, simpler process
- All affidavit documents prepared
- Court filing handled for you
- No hearing required in most cases
- Ongoing phone support throughout
Not sure what you need?
We'll assess your situation and recommend the right path — at no charge.
Common questions
Questions families ask us most
We hear the same concerns from nearly every family we work with. Here are honest answers.
How long does probate take in Texas?
What if the decedent didn't leave a will?
Do I have to appear in court?
What does your flat fee include?
What if the will is contested or the estate is complicated?
How soon should I contact an attorney after someone passes?
How do we get started?
Guides & articles
Plain-English answers to the questions that come up most often in Texas probate. Written by Rick, updated as the law changes.
Ready to get started?
Call for a free phone consultation. We'll assess your situation and give you a clear plan — no obligation.
713-588-5914Schedule a meeting on Rick’s calendar
Pick a day and time that works for you — 30-minute phone consultation, no obligation.