Bio

Paul Hardy

Founding Attorney

Main partner at Paul Hardy Law, practices in the areas of estate planning, family law, criminal defense and probate. Paul graduated from St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management/ Financial Services. Following college, he graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law with a Juris Doctor. Paul worked as a teacher while attending law school in the evening.

Prior to the formation of Paul Hardy Law, Paul represented numerous individuals in family proceedings including divorce, modification, and CPS cases. Paul has represented numerous indigent defendants in criminal proceedings. Paul was also an associate attorney collecting delinquent taxes for major taxing entities in the law firm Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson.

How Can We Help?

Attorney Hardy is ready to help with all of your Estate Planning needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t Estate Planning for People Who Are Rich?

No! The word “estate” can conjure up images of a sprawling yard and luxurious mansion, as though we’re on the set of Downton Abbey. Reality is different. Your estate is simply the money and property you own at the time of your death. Estate planning consists of the various legal mechanisms that are used to ensure your wishes are known and respected, that you get the best possible tax treatment based on your goals and that prudent steps are taken to protect your assets as much as possible in your final years of life.
Can You Avoid Probate With a Will?

A will alone will not be enough for your heirs to avoid going through probate court, with its attendant fees. The way to keep your assets out of probate court is through the establishment of a living trust.
What Happens Without a Will?

When you die without a will, your estate becomes subject to the intestacy laws in the state of Texas. The state seeks to place your assets in the hands of living spouses, children, siblings and parents and has clear guidelines for different family scenarios. The problem is that the law for an entire state is simply not able to anticipate the particular wishes of a deceased person. That’s why it’s strongly advised to put your last will and testament into writing. That way, everyone knows what your wishes are, and courts will be able to enforce it.
What Are the Benefits of a Trust?

Staying out of probate court is just one of the advantages that a living trust can offer. A trust can be structured so as to minimize your tax exposure ,while still allowing you to gift money into it while you’re alive. If you believe the benefits to your beneficiaries are best deferred to a later date or spread out over time, you can appoint a trustee who can administer that after your passing. A trust offers you flexibility and allows your beneficiaries to avoid dealing with probate court .