Houston Probate Attorney — Law Firm of Rick Villarreal
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.

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★ 100+ Five-Star Avvo Reviews
✓ BBB Accredited
⚖ Texas State Bar Member
□ Clients Refer Family & Friends
□️ Evenings & Weekends Available
Start with a Free Consultation
We'll call you within 1 business day
No obligation. Strictly confidential.
Pick a time that works for you
30+
Years of Experience
100+
Five-Star Reviews
6
Counties Served
Flat
Fee Pricing — No Surprises
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.

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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.

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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.

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Virtual Hearings Available

Court procedures vary by county. We will walk you through exactly what to expect for your specific situation during your consultation.

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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.

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Always Easy to Reach

Clients consistently say Rick is responsive, accessible, and easy to reach throughout the process. You will never wonder where your case stands.

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We Work Around Your Schedule

Consultations and case preparation are handled by phone or Zoom — evenings and weekends available. You don't have to take time off work. The only time your presence is required is at the court hearing itself, and we prepare you fully for that.

Client Testimonials

What our clients say

Over 100 five-star reviews on Avvo. Here's what Texas families have to say about working with Rick Villarreal.

★★★★★
"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."
Houston Area Client
★★★★★ Avvo Verified Review
★★★★★
"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."
Harris County Client
★★★★★ Avvo Verified Review
★★★★★
"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."
Fort Bend County Client
★★★★★ Avvo Verified Review
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How It Works

Three steps to closing the estate

Most uncontested probate cases are resolved within 6–8 weeks from filing. Here's what to expect.

1

Free Consultation — On Your Schedule

We start with a free phone or Zoom consultation — evenings and weekends available so you don't have to take time off work. We discuss your situation, answer every question, and recommend the right path forward. No obligation.

2

We Handle Everything

We prepare and file all court documents by phone or Zoom — evenings and weekends available. Before the hearing, we conduct a quick, straightforward practice session so you know exactly what to say and what to expect.

3

Hearing, Then We Finish the Job

We attend the court hearing with you. Afterward, we complete all post-hearing documents, order your Letters Testamentary, handle required legal publications, and prepare any real estate deeds needed — all included. Once named executor, you are authorized to transfer financial accounts, vehicles, personal property, and other assets.

Service Area

Serving Greater Houston and surrounding counties

We handle probate matters throughout the Houston metro area and surrounding counties.

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Harris County
Houston
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Galveston County
Galveston County
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Fort Bend County
Sugar Land area
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Brazoria County
Angleton area
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Montgomery County
Conroe area
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Polk County
Livingston area
Note: Court procedures and requirements vary by county. We will discuss the specifics of your county's process during your consultation.
Flat-Fee Pricing

Transparent pricing. No surprises.

We make Texas probate affordable with clear, upfront flat-fee pricing. Flat fees apply to uncontested matters — cases involving a contest of the will or estate may differ. We will discuss this during your consultation.

Testate Estate
Probate with a Will
$4,500
Flat fee — all inclusive
  • 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 at no extra cost
  • Ongoing phone support throughout
Intestate Estate
Probate without a Will
$12,500
Flat fee — all inclusive
  • 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 at no extra cost
Simplified Procedure
Small Estate Affidavit
$2,000
Flat fee — all inclusive
  • 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? Start with a free consultation.
We'll assess your situation and recommend the right path — at no charge.
Free
⏱️ Texas law places time limits on probate filings. In most cases, a will must be probated within 4 years of the date of death. Acting promptly protects the estate and simplifies the process. Call us today to discuss your situation.
Common Questions

Questions families ask us most

We hear the same concerns from nearly every family we work with. Here are honest answers.

Most uncontested probate cases are resolved within 6–8 weeks from the date of filing. The timeline depends on the court's schedule and the complexity of the estate. We will give you a realistic estimate during your free consultation based on your specific county and circumstances.
This is handled through a Determination of Heirship proceeding. Texas law defines who the legal heirs are based on family relationships. It is a more involved process than probating a will, which is reflected in our pricing, but it is straightforward with the right attorney guiding you through it.
Yes — there is a hearing, but we prepare you thoroughly for it. We conduct practice sessions so you know exactly what to expect and what to say. Many clients tell us the hearing felt much simpler than they anticipated. Court procedures vary by county, and we will walk you through exactly what your hearing will look like.
Our flat fee covers everything needed to complete an uncontested probate: all document preparation, court filings, hearing preparation, a practice session, attorney presence at the hearing, and ongoing phone support throughout the process. The only additional costs are court filing fees, which are set by the county and typically range from $350–$500.
Our flat fees apply to uncontested matters. If a will is contested or there are disputes among heirs, the scope and cost will differ. We will discuss this honestly during your consultation and give you a clear picture of what your specific situation involves before you commit to anything.
As soon as you are ready. There is no need to rush in the immediate days after a loss, but Texas law does place time limits on probate filings. In most cases, a will must be probated within 4 years of the date of death. Acting earlier typically makes the process simpler and less stressful. A free consultation costs you nothing.
About the Firm

Experienced. Trusted. On your side.

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.

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Texas State Bar Association Licensed and in good standing since 1996
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BBB Accredited Business Verified trustworthiness and ethical standards
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100+ Five-Star Avvo Reviews Consistently top-rated by Texas probate clients
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Three Convenient Office Locations Houston (Westheimer), Houston (Downtown), League City
Rick Villarreal -- Texas Probate Attorney
Rick Villarreal
Attorney-at-Law — Texas Probate

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.

"My goal is simple — to make this process as easy as possible for families who are already going through a difficult time."

Office Locations
10777 Westheimer, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77042
2600 South Shore Blvd, Suite 300, League City, TX 77573
801 Travis Street, Suite 2101, Houston, TX 77002

Ready to get started?

Call us for a free phone consultation. We'll assess your situation and give you a clear plan — no obligation.

□ 713-588-5914
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