A Dallas and Collin County probate attorney with extensive experience and reasonable, fixed fees, Michael Duran has helped over 1800 clients with their uncontested probate, guardianship, and estate planning matters.
We believe that our rates are fair, particularly when you consider that Michael is a former probate court clerk who has been appointed by the Collin County Probate Court and all three Dallas County Probate Courts to administer probate and guardianship estates when there is no family member that is qualified to do so.In effect, Michael has been in your shoes as he has served as an executor or guardian.
We believe that our rates are fair, particularly when you consider that Michael is a former probate court clerk who has been appointed by the Collin County Probate Court and all three Dallas County Probate Courts to administer probate and guardianship estates when there is no family member that is qualified to do so.In effect, Michael has been in your shoes as he has served as an executor or guardian.
Services
A Dallas Probate, Guardianships, and Estate Planning Attorney that actually worked for the Probate Court. Dallas Probate Attorney Michael Duran is one of the few attorneys that has worked for a probate court judge. In fact, Michael's experience in probate, guardianship, and estate planning matters began when he served in the Dallas County Probate Court working directly for Judge Nikki DeShazo.
The Duran Firm offers clients assistance in the areas of Wills, Advance Diractives (AKA Living Wills), Powers of Attorney (both Financial and Medical), Declarations of Guardian (for yourself and your children), and Special Needs Trusts. We know that getting an estate plan is a hassle, so we try to make the process easy by minimizing the paperwork and the office visits.
Will - A legal document written to ensure that upon your death, your assets are given to the people that you specify. A will can be a testamentary instrument which merely: (1) appoints an executor or guardian; (2) directs how property may not be disposed of; or (3) revokes another will. In Texas, a will must be fully in the handwriting of the decedent or it must be signed by the testator and witnessed by two persons.
Clients are reminded that we are going before a Court of law to make a request to a judge. Therefore please dress accordingly wearing business casual dress or better. No shorts, cutoffs, tank tops, hats, flip-flops, etc. will be allowed in the courtroom. Please arrive to the courthouse on time. If you miss our setting, it will have to be rescheduled at a later date.
What is probate? Probate is the legal process that transfers title of property from the estate of the person who has died, known as the "decedent", to his or her beneficiaries. Probate is often sought when the decedent owned real property or financial accounts and the financial institution has requested Letters Testamentary.
Reviews (14)
Eric Hawley
Jan 18, 2022
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Jess B.
Jan 04, 2022
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Michael and Jackie of the Duran Firm are a professional and extremely competent team. They know each step of the probate process and are very thorough and prepared. It was a relief to have confidence in them and to know that they had everything in hand. I would highly recommend Duran Firm for their expertise, affordability, and excellent service.
Melinda Dawn
Nov 22, 2021
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I highly recommend the Duran Law Firm! Michael Duran and his Legal assistant Jacqueline are very knowledgeable and made sure I understood every aspect of the probate process. Every person I spoke with at the Duran Law Firm was compassionate, helpful, and quick to respond. They made a difficult and stressful situation much easier to navigate.
Sharon Achor
Sep 05, 2021
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After years of procrastination, I am so grateful to the Duran Firm for helping with our estate planning. I feel peace that we now have an executed Estate Planning Portfolio drafted to meet our personal needs. Michael Duran's suggestions, expertise, legal attention to detail, and his friendly demeanor made the experience a most positive one. Sara Diaz, his paralegal also helped guide us through the process in a timely manner.
George Schools
Aug 31, 2021
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I contacted the Duran firm after researching several Dallas-area probate attorneys, and received a detailed and clear response from Michael in less than 24 hours. We then spoke by phone, and it was clear that he already had a firm grasp of all the details of my case before I had even engaged him. He was thorough, clear, and forthright, and I was kept well-informed of the case's progress throughout. On the few occasions when I did need to contact his office, either Michael himself or his paralegal Jacqueline immediately responded and were always extremely efficient and professional, yet friendly
Joe Achor
Aug 27, 2021
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I have been very pleased with every aspect of the estate planning process with the Duran Firm from the initial phone contact to the signing of the final documents, receipt of a comprehensive binder and post-session “homework” to eliminate the potential need for probate. Michael Duran conveyed the complexities of estate planning in two very different ways—legalese and simplified statements. As the process and the associated legal statements evolved our understanding increased and our questions reduced. Michael’s very competent paralegal, Sara Diaz, answered many of our questions and suggested
Rick V.
Aug 25, 2021
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On behalf of my family and I, we are very appreciative of Michael Duran and his Legal assistant Jacqueline's due diligence in helping us every step of the way towards our late father's probate. As painful and confusing as these type of legal matters can be, The Duran firm were patient and courteous to address every one of our concerns as we wrapped up the process. I would very much recommend for any of your probate matters.
Yvette Valencia
Aug 24, 2021
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I am thoroughly impressed with the ease of the entire estate planning process at the Duran Firm. Although I don't have a complicated estate, the document package was more than I could have ever dreamed. The process was straightforward and transparent. I felt valued as a client and my situation was important. I already referred two folks before I even signed my final estate package. I will continue to recommend this firm to all of my friends. Thank you so much for putting my mind at ease during a very grim process.
Sheila Wild
Aug 16, 2021
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I was very impressed with Michael Duran and his staff. They were very helpful and knowledgeable with our estate planning and the guardianship of our child.
Any time I called, texted or e-mailed Sara she was always quick to get back to me. I would highly recommend The Duran Firm to anyone needing to do estate planning or guardianship. Another thing that was awesome about using the Duran Firm was their flat fees. We did not run into any extra hidden expenses.
Any time I called, texted or e-mailed Sara she was always quick to get back to me. I would highly recommend The Duran Firm to anyone needing to do estate planning or guardianship. Another thing that was awesome about using the Duran Firm was their flat fees. We did not run into any extra hidden expenses.
Lina Luu
Jul 23, 2021
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My family has worked with Attorney Duran on a probate case as well as a guardianship case. Attorney Duran and Paralegal Sara Garcia Diaz are the best in their field. I appreciate their expertise and professionalism. Sara does a phenomenal job of staying on top of things and making sure we understand each step of the process —all the way through to completion. Thank you!
Anna W.
Jul 21, 2020
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I can't speak highly enough of Michael and Jacqueline, they have been absolutely fantastic through this daunting process. My mom passed away unexpectedly and we did not realize we would have to go through probate so I called three firms to talk about what we needed for probate. Michael's rates were the most transparent and reasonable, and he also talked to me and gave helpful information, since this was all new to me. He was the 3rd firm I called, and after talking to him for a bit I decided to go with him. Quickly everything started rolling... He was super clear through the process on
Kt N.
Jan 09, 2019
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Michael was court appointed to us. He started out strong. Failed in the end. He did not complete all rights transfers and has actually been receiving, for 3 years, tax statements. He can't afford a stamp to mail them to us and his staff is clearly to stupid and lazy to pdf them to us. He has refused to return calls regarding both of his miserable failings. If you hire him, know that he bonuses himself without review of his work to justify the bonus. Hire someone else or make the courts assign someone else.
Tammy K.
Mar 08, 2016
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We had recently moved to Texas when 6 months later my Mother passed. Being new to the area, we searched online for an attorney and found The Duran Firm. I called and was able to get the answers that I needed, and a court date was quickly scheduled. Michael met us at the courthouse and once inside the courtroom, the Judge greeted Michael. There was a case ahead of us that could not settle, so the Judge sent them back to mediation, and called us. The proceedings did not take long and then we were socializing with the Judge about the history of my name. For such a bad situation, we certainly
Robert D.
Mar 01, 2016
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I researched for a Muniment of Title for my mother when dad passed, and then worked with the Duran Firm. I am so greatly appreciative of Michael Duran and the Duran Firm with their flat fees and prompt professional service. Tarrant County Probate Court 2 Judge Pat Ferchill recognized Michael and the hearing lasted 5 minutes. I do my due diligence and I fully recommend the Duran Firm for your probate work or as needed. There is likely no better service for the dollar.
