TEXAS REAL ESTATE LAW – ASSET PROTECTION
TEXAS LLC FORMATION – LIVING LAND TRUSTS
This website is a service of DAVID J. WILLIS ATTORNEY AND REAL ESTATE BROKER, Texas law firm established in Houston in 1979. Its purpose is to provide high quality online legal services relating to Texas real estate law (residential and commercial) and asset protection (particularly Texas Series LLC’s and living land trusts). Our clients are investors, landlords, lenders, builders, brokers, and anyone buying or selling residential or commercial real estate in Texas.
This is a unique hybrid online/office law practice. Most legal services, including the initial consultation, are rendered online and supplemented by phone and fax. Fees quoted on this site are for online services. Office appointments are available but will incur an extra charge and are reserved for complex cases, ongoing litigation matters, or large real estate closings.
Emails are given priority over phone calls and are answered seven days a week. The result? Unparalleled efficiency, rapid response time, and reasonable cost. Rendering quality legal services online is undoubtedly the wave of the future, but it may not be for everyone. Those who require personal one-on-one time with a lawyer for routine matters should seek the services of a traditional “low tech” law firm. Inquire – we may be able to recommend one.
TEXAS REAL ESTATE LAW – TRANSACTIONS AND LITIGATION
David J. Willis is a board-certified Texas real estate lawyer providing comprehensive representation in Texas real estate transactions, Texas real estate closings, and litigation relating to Texas real estate.
The range of our real estate law services is reflected in the articles in the column to the left. Although there is a charge for detailed consultations (see below), we believe in offering as much valuable information on this website as possible. Our articles provide in-depth legal analysis – not just casual summaries – on Texas real estate law that could cost thousands of dollars at a major law firm. This information is available to you at no charge. We invite you to examine the articles that pertain to your case, print them out, and discuss them with your colleagues. Then contact us with your questions.
BROKERAGE SERVICES
Since Mr. Willis is also a licensed real estate broker, a unique aspect of this practice is the availability of combined lawyer and broker services. Information about brokerage services generally is promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission and can be found at http://www.trec.state.tx.us/pdf/contracts/OP-K.pdf. CClients seeking to acquire property will be required to sign a buyer’s representation agreement since this is an important part of how we are compensated. Brokerage fees may be split with associated brokers.
ASSET PROTECTION – LLC FORMATION AND LAND TRUSTS
A primary focus of this practice is asset protection, which includes achieving anonymity, deterrence of lawsuits, and insulation from judgments. We recommend the new Texas series LLC which compartmentalizes assets and liabilities allowing the same company to hold multiple properties or businesses. Properties held in an individual name should then be deeded into the LLC. We also recommend Living Trusts for the homestead. This is our basic asset protection plan for Texans:
- establish a Texas Series LLC to hold investment properties and businesses;
- form a shell management company (it can be a traditional Texas LLC) for dealings with tenants, vendors, contractors, and the public – doing this keeps the asset-holding entity anonymous and out of the loop;
- file assumed name certificates (DBA’s) for the Texas Series LLC and for the Texas LLC that has been designated as the management company;
- transfer properties held in personal names to the Texas Series LLC;
- reduce or eliminate debt on the homestead, personal vehicles, and other exempt items; and
- achieve basic estate planning with a living trust for the homestead to avoid probate and execute a “pour over” will to complement the living trust.
LLC formation and creation of living trusts are routinely handled online. If your inquiry pertains specifically to LLC formation and asset protection, you may wish to visit our sister site, TEXASSERIESllc.com.We have a new site, TexasAssetProtection.com, which will be available soon.
ONLINE CONSULTATIONS AND SERVICES
You will receive a prompt response to your inquiry with preliminary comments and a confirmation that we handle your type of case. A detailed paid consultation follows. We discuss the case thoroughly until legal advice and guidance are substantially complete. Reasonable follow-up questions are included.
Consultation on Real Estate Law. The fee is $150 for residential matters and $250 for commercial matters. We need to see all your paperwork to effectively advise you! Documents and correspondence pertaining to your case should be emailed or faxed to (832) 201-5321. Consultation fees may (but not always) be applied to certain flat fees for additional services.
Asset Protection Review (“APR”). The fee is $250 and is applied to the fee for forming a Texas LLC or living trust. The APR includes a comprehensive analysis of your circumstances with recommendations for establishing a business structure or defending your property. Although no two asset protection plans are identical, many clients choose a Texas Series LLC for investment assets and a living trust for the homestead.
Go to the Fees page for details. Payment is by credit/debit, wire, or overnighted check and can be processed under the “Contact Us” button.
ABOUT DAVID J. WILLIS ATTORNEY AND REAL ESTATE BROKER
30 years experience in transactions and litigation
Board certified - Residential Real Estate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Board certified - Commercial Real Estate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
AV rated for ethical standards and professional ability
Two law degrees (J.D. and LL.M.)
Former adjunct law professor
Licensed Texas real estate broker
ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
This office subscribes to The Texas Lawyer’s Creed and the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors. Adherence to the highest ethical and performance standards is an essential part of our firm philosophy. We are in good standing with the State Bar of Texas, The Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and the Texas Real Estate Commission.
AREAS SERVED
Because of our unique online capability, this firm has clients from all parts of Texas and around the world. David J. Willis is a Texas real estate attorney, Dallas real estate attorney, Houston real estate attorney, Woodlands real estate attorney, Austin real estate attorney, and San Antonio real estate attorney. He is a Texas asset protection attorney for anyone who has property in Texas. He is a Texas LLC attorney and Texas Series LLC attorney for persons wishing to form a Texas LLC or an offshore LLC for purposes of investment in real estate or asset protection. David J. Willis also represents clients in Texas real estate litigation as a Dallas real estate lawyer, Houston real estate lawyer, Woodlands real estate lawyer, Austin real estate lawyer, and San Antonio real estate lawyer.
Working with LoneStarLandLaw online
was fast and efficient. I received high-quality, sophisticated legal documents - along with the advice I needed - without having to spend hours in a lawyer’s office.
John T.
David J. Willis is a clever lawyer who
came up with a great plan to protect my rental property from lawsuits. I feel much more secure now. He is available by email whenever I have questions.
Marion W.
I live in London but was buying a small
apartment complex in Texas. Mr. Willis handled the whole transaction for me, as both my lawyer and real estate broker. It was a relief to put the transaction in the hands of someone who knows what he’s doing.
Phillip K.
My portfolio contains about 50 rent
houses. I rely on David J. Willis for evictions, foreclosures, deeds, and the like. This is a guy who knows the system and gets the job done.
Darrell P.
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