Leslie Turnage, Attorney at Law

YOUR STORY. 

MY ADVICE.

Planning for Your Family and Your Future

A thoughtful estate plan addresses who will receive your property, who will carry out your wishes, and who can make decisions if you become unable to do so.

I help Texas individuals and families prepare wills and incapacity planning documents tailored to their circumstances. Together, we consider your family relationships, assets, and priorities to create a plan that provides clear direction and helps reduce the risk of future disputes.

Your Plan May Include

• Last Will and Testament
• Durable Power of Attorney for financial matters
• Medical Power of Attorney
• Directive to Physicians
• HIPAA Authorization
• Documents identifying your preferred guardian or a guardian for your minor children
• Revocable Living Trust, when appropriate

Whether you are creating your first plan or updating existing documents, I help you understand your choices and how the documents work together.

Schedule a Estate Planning Strategy Consultation to discuss your wishes and planning needs.

YOUR INHERITANCE.
MY ADVOCACY.

Independent Guidance During Estate Administration

After a loved one’s death, you may have questions about your inheritance, the probate process, or what happens next. Independent legal guidance can help you make informed decisions, even when no dispute has arisen.

I represent heirs and beneficiaries in probate and estate administration matters. The firm does not represent executors or administrators in their fiduciary capacities. This focused approach allows me to provide independent counsel concerning your individual rights and interests throughout the administration process.

Representation May Include

• Explaining the probate process and your rights as an heir or beneficiary
• Reviewing wills, inventories, accountings, and probate filings
• Monitoring the progress of estate administration
• Requesting information about estate property and anticipated distributions
• Evaluating proposed distributions, settlements, and family agreements

I provide clear explanations and practical guidance so you can understand the administration and identify concerns that may require further attention.

Schedule an Heir or Beneficiary Strategy Consultation to discuss any questions and next steps.

YOUR RIGHTS.
MY ADVOCACY.

Protecting Rights, Dignity, and Independence

When guardianship is being considered, decisions about a person’s care, finances, and independence can create uncertainty and family conflict. You may have concerns about whether guardianship is necessary, who should serve, or how a loved one’s interests will be protected.

I represent proposed wards and family members affected by Texas guardianship proceedings. My approach focuses on protecting the rights and interests of the person at the center of the proceeding, preserving dignity and autonomy, and ensuring the court has a complete understanding of the relevant circumstances.

Representation May Include

• Representing individuals facing a proposed guardianship
• Evaluating guardianship and less restrictive alternatives
• Addressing disagreements about the need for guardianship or selection of a guardian
• Investigating concerns about a guardian’s conduct or management of property
• Seeking changes to an existing guardianship, restoration of rights, or removal of a guardian
• Representing clients in negotiations, mediation, and contested proceedings

Careful Guidance for Consequential Decisions

I consider the individual’s circumstances, expressed wishes, support system, and available options. When appropriate, I work toward agreements that address concerns and preserve family relationships. 

When court intervention is necessary, I provide focused advocacy and help ensure the court receives a clear understanding of my client’s position.

Schedule a Guardianship Strategy Consultation to discuss a pending proceeding, an existing guardianship, or concerns about a loved one.

YOUR FUTURE.
MY GUIDANCE.

A Thoughtful Approach to Divorce

COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE

Collaborative divorce offers spouses a private, structured, and respectful alternative to traditional contested divorce litigation. Rather than asking a judge to resolve their differences, spouses work with their collaboratively trained attorneys and, when appropriate, neutral financial and mental health professionals to develop mutually acceptable solutions.

The collaborative process emphasizes transparency, informed decision-making, and practical solutions tailored to each family's circumstances. It allows spouses to maintain greater control over decisions involving property division, financial arrangements, parenting, and their family's future.

Although court approval is required to finalize a divorce in Texas, the collaborative process is designed to resolve disputed issues through agreement rather than contested court proceedings. This approach can reduce unnecessary conflict, provide greater privacy, and help preserve important family relationships.

A More Thoughtful Way Forward

Collaborative divorce is not simply about ending a marriage. It is about making informed decisions, protecting what matters most, and establishing a foundation for the next chapter of life.

Schedule a Collaborative Divorce Strategy Consultation to discuss whether the collaborative process may be the right approach for your situation.

Fiduciary Disputes

Addressing Concerns About Property and Financial Management

Unanswered questions about missing assets, unexplained transactions, withheld information, or delayed distributions may require closer investigation.

I represent heirs, beneficiaries, and other interested individuals in disputes involving the management of estate, trust, or guardianship property. I evaluate the available information, explain your options, and develop a strategy suited to your concerns.

Representation May Include

• Investigating concerns about missing or misused assets
• Challenging disputed accountings, transactions, or distributions
• Addressing allegations of fiduciary misconduct
• Seeking removal of a fiduciary or recovery of losses when appropriate
• Representing clients in negotiations, mediation, and contested proceedings

When appropriate, I explore negotiated or collaborative resolutions that consider financial interests, family relationships, and the cost of continued conflict. When court intervention is necessary, I provide focused advocacy for my client.

Schedule a Strategy Consultation to discuss your concerns and potential next steps.