Sign in
Worthy Convos: Leslie Dillon Thomas of Thomas-Walters, PLLC
Few people want to think about their death. But planning your estate to ensure your loved ones are taken care of after you die is essential.
We reached out to Leslie Dillon Thomas of Thomas-Walters, PLLC, who has helped countless North Texans plan for their loved ones’ futures.
I chose estate planning as my legal specialty because it allows me to make a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives by helping them protect their families, preserve their assets, and ensure their wishes are honored. Unlike areas of law that focus on conflict or litigation, estate planning is proactive and deeply personal — it’s about guiding clients through some of the most important decisions they will ever make with clarity and compassion. I was drawn to this field because it combines technical expertise with human connection; every plan is unique, reflecting the values, goals, and legacy of the individual. Estate planning also provides peace of mind and being able to offer that sense of security to clients is incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, I chose this specialty because it aligns with my desire to serve others in a meaningful way, helping them navigate complex legal processes while building trust and confidence in their future.
Tanglewood Moms
Let’s start with the basics. Who needs a will?
Leslie Dillon Thomas
In Texas, almost everyone benefits from having a will. You need one if you own property, have children, or want control over who inherits your assets. You might not strictly need one if you have no property, no dependents, and don’t care how state law distributes your estate—but even then, a will avoids confusion and conflict.
TWM
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
LDT
A will and a revocable living trust are both estate planning tools, but they function in very different ways. A will is a legal document that only takes effect after death and directs how your assets should be distributed, while also allowing you to name guardians for minor children. Because a will must go through probate, the court oversees the process of validating it, settling debts, and transferring property, which can be time-consuming, costly, and public. In contrast, a revocable living trust is created during your lifetime and allows you to place assets under the management of a trustee, who distributes them according to your instructions both while you are alive and after you pass away. Trusts generally avoid probate, which means assets can be transferred more quickly, privately, and with fewer expenses. Another key distinction is that a trust can set conditions on how and when beneficiaries receive assets—for example, delaying distributions until a child reaches a certain age—while a will simply transfers property outright. In short, a will is simpler and less expensive to set up, but a revocable living trust offers greater control, privacy, and efficiency in managing and passing on your estate.
TWM
Estate planning can be overwhelming to the uninitiated. How do you help your clients figure out what they need?
LDT
The team at Thomas-Walters, PLLC, and I recognize that estate planning can feel overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the process and unsure of where to begin. Our approach is designed to simplify complex legal concepts and provide clients with clear, personalized guidance so that they can make confident decisions about their future. Rather than offering cookie-cutter solutions, we takes the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances, including family dynamics, financial goals, and long-term wishes. From there, we craft tailored estate plans that may include wills, trusts, medical directives, and powers of attorney, ensuring that every detail is aligned with the client’s priorities.
One of the ways Thomas-Walters, PLLC makes estate planning more approachable is by emphasizing education. I explain legal tools in plain language, helping clients understand the differences between wills and trusts, the role of probate, and how guardianship decisions are made. This educational focus empowers clients to choose the strategies that best fit their needs rather than feeling pressured into a one-size-fits-all plan. The firm also provides peace of mind by addressing potential challenges upfront, such as minimizing estate taxes, avoiding unnecessary court involvement, and preventing family disputes.
Another hallmark of our practice is transparency in pricing. Unlike many law firms that bill by the hour, Thomas-Walters operates on a flat-fee basis. This means clients know exactly what to expect financially, eliminating the stress of unpredictable legal costs. This structure allows clients to focus on the substance of their estate plan without worrying about mounting fees. The firm’s commitment to clarity extends beyond finances; we also ensure that documents are drafted in a way that is easy to follow, reducing confusion for both clients and their families.
I have decades of experience in estate planning and elder law and have been recognized as one of the top estate planning attorneys in Texas. I’ve authored resources such as Estate Planning in Texas, which further demonstrates my dedication to making these topics accessible to everyday families. My philosophy combines technical expertise with compassion, guiding clients through what can often be an emotionally charged process with patience and care.
Ultimately, the firm’s mission is to provide clients with peace of mind, knowing that their wishes will be honored and their loved ones protected.
Photo courtesy of Thomas-Walters, PLLC
TWM
What is probate and is there a way to avoid it?
LDT
Probate in Texas is the court-supervised process of validating a will, settling debts, and distributing assets after someone dies, and while it may sound straightforward, it can quickly become burdensome. Probate often requires multiple filings, hearings, and attorney involvement, making it both time-consuming and expensive. Depending on the complexity of the estate, probate can last anywhere from six months to several years, especially if disputes arise among heirs. Costs vary widely but can include court filing fees of $400–$500 or more, executor fees, appraisal costs, and attorney’s fees that sometimes reach tens of thousands of dollars, draining money that would otherwise go to beneficiaries. Beyond the financial strain, probate is a public process, meaning your estate details become part of the court record, which many families find intrusive. Fortunately, probate can often be avoided altogether in Texas through proactive estate planning. Strategies include creating a revocable living trust, designating beneficiaries on accounts like life insurance and retirement funds, holding property in joint tenancy with right of survivorship, and using transfer-on-death deeds for real estate. By taking these steps, Texans can ensure their assets pass directly to loved ones without court involvement, saving time, money, and stress while keeping family matters private.
TWM
Okay, we’ve got my estate in order. How often do I have to update everything?
LDT
Once you’ve created your estate plan, it’s not something you can just set aside forever — it should be reviewed and updated periodically to make sure it still reflects your life, your assets, and your wishes. A good rule of thumb in Texas (and generally) is to revisit your estate plan every three to five years or sooner if you experience a major life change. Significant events that usually trigger an update include marriage or divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a spouse or beneficiary, acquiring or selling major assets like a home or business, moving to a new state, or changes in tax or estate laws. Even smaller shifts, like changes in your financial accounts or beneficiary designations, can make an update worthwhile.
The reason for this is that estate plans are living documents—they’re only as good as how current they are. If your will or trust doesn’t reflect your present circumstances, your estate could end up in probate disputes or distributed in ways you didn’t intend. Regular updates also ensure that powers of attorney and healthcare directives still name the right people to act on your behalf. By keeping your plan fresh, you avoid surprises, reduce stress for your loved ones, and maintain control over how your legacy is handled.
TWM
And finally, what made you choose estate planning as your legal specialty?
LDT
I chose estate planning as my legal specialty because it allows me to make a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives by helping them protect their families, preserve their assets, and ensure their wishes are honored. Unlike areas of law that focus on conflict or litigation, estate planning is proactive and deeply personal — it’s about guiding clients through some of the most important decisions they will ever make with clarity and compassion. I was drawn to this field because it combines technical expertise with human connection; every plan is unique, reflecting the values, goals, and legacy of the individual. Estate planning also provides peace of mind and being able to offer that sense of security to clients is incredibly rewarding. Ultimately, I chose this specialty because it aligns with my desire to serve others in a meaningful way, helping them navigate complex legal processes while building trust and confidence in their future.
