Law Offices of Paup, Shutt & Associates, P.C.

The Law Offices of Paup, Shutt & Associates, P.C., situated at 5020 Collinwood Ave # 200, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA, operates within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, serving individuals and families in the Fort Worth area with a specialized focus on estate planning and related legal fields. The firm can be reached by phone at (817) 737-5020 or through the mobile number +1 817-737-5020.

The firm's office is located in a professional building at 5020 Collinwood Avenue, Suite 200, in Fort Worth, Texas. While detailed descriptions of the interior environment are not publicly available, legal offices typically maintain a structured and confidential setting suitable for client consultations. The location in Fort Worth's Collinwood area suggests accessibility for local residents seeking legal assistance. The environment is designed to facilitate the sensitive and often personal discussions involved in estate planning, probate, and elder law matters, ensuring privacy and professionalism.

The Law Offices of Paup, Shutt & Associates, P.C. specialize primarily in areas concerning wealth transfer, end-of-life planning, and legal support for vulnerable individuals. Their core services include:

• Estate Planning: This is a central focus of the firm's practice. They assist clients in creating comprehensive estate plans, which typically involve drafting wills, trusts, and other legal documents to ensure assets are managed and distributed according to the client's wishes, while minimizing tax implications and probate complexities. They aim to prepare clients for the full spectrum of legal issues that may arise throughout life concerning their estate.

• Probate Assistance: The firm guides clients through the probate process, which is the legal procedure of validating a will and administering a deceased person's estate. This includes assisting with probate administration, understanding the complexities of estate disputes, and exploring alternatives to probate to streamline the process.

• Guardianships: They provide valuable resources and guidance through guardianship proceedings. This involves legal processes to appoint a guardian for individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs due to incapacity. The firm also assists with exploring alternatives to guardianship and handling guardianship litigation matters.

• Elder Law: This broad practice area addresses the legal needs of older adults. It often encompasses estate planning, long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, asset protection, and issues related to elder abuse or neglect. The firm helps prepare clients for the various legal challenges encountered later in life.

• Special Needs Planning: The firm has expertise in planning for individuals with special needs. This crucial service involves establishing Special Needs Trusts to ensure that individuals with disabilities can maintain eligibility for government benefits while having their financial needs met. They guide families through options to best plan for their loved ones' future.

• Probate Litigation: The firm handles disputes that arise during the probate process, representing clients in contested will cases, trust disputes, and other litigated matters related to estate administration.

• Experienced Attorneys: The firm is composed of experienced legal professionals. Henry B. Paup, one of the named partners, was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1973 and has over 50 years of experience. He is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a significant credential indicating specialized expertise and rigorous standards. Aaron J. Shutt, another partner, has been an attorney since 2008 and is also Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning and Probate since 2019. His involvement with organizations like Guardianship Services, Inc. (where he served on the board and as president) further highlights the firm's commitment and expertise in guardianship and special needs planning.

• Specialized Focus: The firm’s primary focus on estate planning, probate, guardianship, and elder law means they possess in-depth knowledge and experience in these complex and often highly personal areas of law. This specialization allows them to offer tailored and comprehensive solutions to their clients.

• Community Involvement: Aaron J. Shutt's service on the board of Guardianship Services, Inc. and his presentations to various community groups on estate planning and special needs planning demonstrate the firm's engagement with and contribution to the Fort Worth community.

• Recognized Expertise: The Board Certifications held by both Henry B. Paup and Aaron J. Shutt signify a high level of expertise and competence in their respective fields, recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Aaron J. Shutt is also a presenter for the Lone Star Council of Charitable Gift Planners, speaking on asset transfers and gift drafting, indicating his active role in educating professionals and the public.

The firm’s promotional efforts are centered on their specialized expertise and the comprehensive support they provide in estate planning, probate, and related areas. Their website and professional profiles aim to convey their deep understanding of Texas law in these fields and their commitment to client care. The firm emphasizes their ability to guide clients through potentially complex and emotionally sensitive legal processes.

However, it is also important to address the provided customer reviews, which present a mixed perspective:

• "Consumers beware - this firm has poor record keeping, sensitive emails sent to wrong person on more than 1 occasion." This is a serious negative review alleging deficiencies in administrative practices, specifically poor record keeping and breaches of confidentiality regarding sensitive emails. If accurate, such issues could raise concerns about data security, client privacy, and the overall efficiency of the firm's operations. For potential clients, the handling of sensitive information is paramount in legal matters, and this type of feedback could be a significant concern. While this review highlights a potential administrative weakness, it does not directly comment on the legal advice or outcomes of cases.

• "The man has all the right questions & knows the right answer. Total amazing to watch him work his magic." This is a highly positive review, indicating strong approval of an attorney's legal acumen and effectiveness. The phrase "work his magic" suggests successful outcomes and impressive legal strategy. This review speaks to the attorney's knowledge, ability to grasp complex issues ("all the right questions"), and provide effective solutions ("knows the right answer"). While it uses informal language, it clearly conveys a strong positive client experience regarding legal competence.

When considering the Law Offices of Paup, Shutt & Associates, P.C. within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, it's essential for local users to weigh both aspects of the feedback. The firm clearly possesses strong legal expertise in its specialized areas, as evidenced by the Board Certifications of its principal attorneys and the positive review regarding legal skill. However, the negative review regarding administrative practices and data handling suggests an area where potential clients might seek further clarification or consider their comfort level with such claims. As with any legal service, potential clients are advised to conduct their own thorough due diligence, which may include direct inquiries about firm policies on data management and client communication, in addition to assessing the attorneys' legal qualifications and experience.