# Atrium Legal Group — full reference > Atrium Legal Group, PLLC is a law firm based in Rockwall, Texas, with additional offices in Garland (Firewheel) and Dallas. Its attorneys handle estate planning and trusts, probate administration, adult guardianships and special needs planning, business formation and contracts, family law, and real estate. Atrium Legal Group is a Rockwall, Texas law firm handling estate planning, trusts, probate, guardianships, business formation, family law, and real estate — with offices in Rockwall, Garland (Firewheel), and Dallas. ## Contact (NAP) - Name: Atrium Legal Group, PLLC - Phone: (469) 402-3030 - Fax: (469) 453-3026 - Email: info@atriumlegalgroup.com - Rockwall Office (main): 1131 W Yellow Jacket Lane, Rockwall, TX 75087 - Firewheel Office: 245 Cedar Sage Rd, Suite 250, Garland, TX 75040 - Dallas Office: 17000 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75248 - Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm; Friday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday Closed. Evening appointments available upon request. - Consultations: 45-minute consultation; Atrium Legal Group charges a fee for all consultations. - Service area: Rockwall, Rockwall County, Garland, Dallas, Dallas–Fort Worth - Profiles: Google (https://maps.google.com/?cid=7204952159067413340), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/atriumlegalgroupTX), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/atriumlegalgrouptexas/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/atrium-legal-group) ## How working with the firm works 1. **Reach out.** Call (469) 402-3030 or request a consultation online. Tell us briefly what’s going on — please don’t send confidential details yet. 2. **Quick conflict check.** Before we talk specifics, we confirm we don’t represent anyone on the other side. That’s why we ask for names of other people involved. 3. **Your consultation.** A focused, 45-minute meeting with an attorney in Rockwall, Garland, or Dallas. Evening appointments are available on request. The firm charges a fee for all consultations. 4. **A clear plan & fee.** You’ll leave knowing your options in plain English. For most estate planning — unless there’s a family dispute — the firm can normally quote a set fee. 5. **Drafting & review.** We gather what we need (our questionnaire helps), draft your documents or file your case, and walk you through every page before anything is final. 6. **Sign, file, and follow through.** We guide signing and court steps, then stay in touch. Estate plans should be reviewed every two to three years or after any major life change. ## Practice area: Estate Planning & Trusts URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/practice-areas/estate-planning Customized estate planning designed specifically for each person. Our estate planning and probate lawyers in Rockwall combine years of legal expertise with an honest, down-to-earth approach. At Atrium Legal Group you are a person, not just a client. Estate plans are coordinated with your business planning and, where it helps, your financial strategy. ### Services - **Last Will and Testament**: A simple Will dictates how you want all of your property to be distributed and names an Executor. Wills must be probated. - **Revocable Living Trusts**: Assets in the trust are not subject to probate administration, and a named successor Trustee can manage your affairs if you become incapacitated — which may avoid a guardianship proceeding. - **Irrevocable Trusts & ILITs**: An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust owns one or more life insurance policies, providing liquidity for estate taxes without adding to the value of the estate. - **Special Needs Trusts**: Allows a disabled individual to benefit from an estate without disqualifying them from government benefits. - **Miller (Qualified Income) Trusts**: Adjusts an individual’s income downward, usually to establish eligibility for Medicaid. - **Charitable & Marital Remainder Trusts** - **Durable & Medical Powers of Attorney**: Lets the people you designate manage your financial affairs or consent to medical care if you are unable to. - **Advance Directive (Living Will) & HIPAA Authorization** - **Designation of Guardian for Minor Children & Adults** - **Disposition of Remains & Personal Property Memorandum** ### Attorneys - Jeffery L. Butler - J. Spencer Smyth - Jonathan Lyle ### Frequently asked questions (general information, not legal advice) #### Do I need a Will if I have a small estate? Many people assume everything passes to a surviving spouse if there’s no Will. In Texas, if you don’t have a valid Will, state law decides where your assets go and who administers your estate — and children from a previous marriage can become primary heirs ahead of a surviving spouse. A Will lets you decide instead. #### Do I need a Will or a Trust? It depends on your situation. Do you want to avoid probate entirely? Do you own real estate in more than one county or in another state? Do your beneficiaries or executors live out of state? Questions like these shape the recommendation — which is why it starts with a consultation. #### What does a Revocable Living Trust actually do? You move assets out of your individual name and into a trust you control. Assets held in the trust generally aren’t subject to probate, and the trust can release assets over time instead of in one lump sum. Property left outside the trust may still pass under your Will and go through probate — so “funding” the trust matters. #### How often should I review my estate plan? Generally every two to three years — and right away after a major life change: a birth, death, marriage, divorce, or disability; a big change in net worth; buying or selling a business; moving to another state; or a change in tax law. #### How much will it cost? It depends on your situation. Unless there’s a dispute among family members, the firm can normally quote a set fee for estate planning services after a consultation. Atrium Legal Group charges a fee for all consultations. ## Practice area: Probate Administration URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/practice-areas/probate From the simple estate to the complex, we know how to get through each county’s process as quickly as possible. Probate is the court process that transfers title from a person who has died to the living beneficiaries. It can be frustrating for heirs and it is public record — our probate attorneys in Rockwall help families choose the right path and see it through. ### Services - **Independent Administration**: When the Will says the Executor serves without court supervision, or all beneficiaries agree. Usually involves only one court hearing and the filing of an inventory. - **Dependent Administration**: Court supervision of every aspect of settling the estate. More time-consuming and expensive, and the Executor must post a bond. - **Muniment of Title**: Transfers property to the beneficiaries named in a valid written Will without full administration, when the decedent owed no debts other than a mortgage. - **Small Estate Affidavit**: For estates of $75,000 or less where the person died without a Will, at least 30 days have passed, and no other probate is pending. - **Heirship Determination & Affidavits of Heirship**: A court procedure that declares who the heirs are and, if desired, appoints an administrator. - **Family Settlement Agreements**: An enforceable alternative used when a Will is poorly written, a costly Will contest looms, or the estate is small. - **Contested Wills & Contested Probate** ### Attorneys - Christopher Ash - Jason G. Smith - J. Spencer Smyth - Jonathan Lyle ### Frequently asked questions (general information, not legal advice) #### What is probate? Probate is a court proceeding that transfers title from the person who died to the living beneficiaries. It happens in the state where the person lived and in any state where they owned real property. On average it can take six to eighteen months, and it is public record. #### If I’m married, does everything go to my spouse without probate? Not necessarily. Your spouse is entitled to assets from your estate, but if you haven’t planned correctly, your spouse will likely be subject to the probate court and its control. #### What’s the difference between independent and dependent administration? Independent administration lets the Executor serve without court supervision and usually involves one hearing plus an inventory. Dependent administration puts every step under court supervision — it takes longer, costs more, and requires a bond. #### Is there a simpler option than full probate? Sometimes. Depending on the facts, a Muniment of Title, a Small Estate Affidavit, or a Family Settlement Agreement may be available. Each has specific requirements, so it’s worth reviewing your situation with an attorney before choosing. ## Practice area: Guardianships & Special Needs URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/practice-areas/guardianships Guardianships for special needs adults and for adults who have lost capacity. Do you have a disabled beneficiary and want to protect your assets and your family, but aren’t sure where to start? Our attorneys help with special needs trusts and guardianships, and can help you navigate the court system with skill, compassion, and care to obtain adult guardianships. Our special needs advocates will help ease your mind as you plan for the future, making sure your wishes are carefully documented and protected. ### Services - **Guardianship for Special Needs Adults** - **Guardianship for Adults Who Have Lost Capacity** - **Special Needs Trusts** - **Designation of Guardian (in advance)** - **Elder Law & Special Needs Planning** ### Attorneys - Christopher Ash - Jason G. Smith - J. Spencer Smyth - Jonathan Lyle ### Frequently asked questions (general information, not legal advice) #### What is an adult guardianship? In general terms, it’s a court process that appoints someone to make decisions for an adult who can’t make them on their own — for example, an adult with special needs or one who has lost capacity. The court decides what authority the guardian receives. #### Can planning ahead avoid a guardianship? Often, yes. Documents like durable and medical powers of attorney, or a revocable trust with a successor trustee, can let trusted people step in without a court proceeding. A Designation of Guardian also lets you name who you’d want if a guardianship is ever needed. #### How does a Special Needs Trust help? It holds an inheritance for a disabled beneficiary’s benefit without disqualifying them from the government benefits they rely on. ## Practice area: Business Law & Formation URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/practice-areas/business-law Business planning to match your needs, and coordinated with your estate plan. From forming the right entity to drafting and reviewing the contracts that run your business, our business attorneys in Rockwall help owners build on solid ground. ### Services - **Limited Liability Companies & Series LLCs**: Owners generally aren’t personally liable for the company’s debts — a hybrid of corporation and partnership. - **Corporations**: A legal entity separate from its owners that can contract, borrow, hire, own assets, and pay taxes. - **Family Limited Partnerships**: Family members pool money to start or run a business and share in profits by ownership. - **Limited Liability Partnerships** - **Nonprofit Corporations**: Help getting a 501(c)(3) off the ground. - **Contract Drafting**: Contracts for new businesses and investors, and buy-sell agreements. - **Contract Review**: Advice on the risks and underlying terms of a contract before it becomes binding. - **Intellectual Property** ### Attorneys - Jeffery L. Butler - Christopher Ash - Jason G. Smith ### Frequently asked questions (general information, not legal advice) #### Should my business be an LLC or a corporation? Both can separate business liabilities from your personal assets, but they differ in structure, formalities, and taxation. The right choice depends on your goals, partners, and plans for growth — and how the business fits into your estate plan. #### Why have a lawyer review a contract before I sign? Once it’s signed, it’s binding. A review flags risks and unclear terms while you can still negotiate them. #### Why coordinate my business with my estate plan? Ownership interests, buy-sell agreements, and succession all affect what happens to the business — and your family — if something happens to you. Planning them together avoids gaps. ## Practice area: Family Law & Litigation URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/practice-areas/family-law Divorce, custody, adoption, marital agreements — and the trial and appellate experience to back them. Our family law work covers divorce, custody determinations, adoption, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and modification of divorce decrees, supported by attorneys with civil trial and appellate experience. ### Services - **Divorce** - **Custody Determination** - **Adoption** - **Pre-Nuptial & Post-Nuptial Agreements** - **Divorce Decree Modification** - **Civil Litigation & Appeals** ### Attorneys - Rwan Hardesty ### Frequently asked questions (general information, not legal advice) #### What is a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement? It’s a written agreement between spouses (before or after marriage) about how property and certain financial matters will be handled. Requirements for enforceability are specific, so these should be drafted carefully. #### Can a divorce decree be changed later? Some terms — often those involving children — may be modified when circumstances change. Whether and how depends on the specific terms and facts. #### What does an appellate attorney do? Appellate work involves briefing and arguing appeals, and helping trial attorneys preserve errors for appeal during the case. ## Practice area: Real Estate URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/practice-areas/real-estate Contracts for commercial and residential property, warranty deeds, and negotiation. Real estate often sits at the center of an estate plan, a probate, or a business. Our attorneys prepare and negotiate the documents that move property cleanly. ### Services - **Commercial Property Contracts** - **Residential Property Contracts** - **Warranty Deeds** - **Contract Negotiation** - **Deed Research** ### Attorneys - Jason G. Smith ### Frequently asked questions (general information, not legal advice) #### What is a warranty deed? In general, it’s a deed that transfers real property and includes the seller’s promises (warranties) about the title. The exact warranties depend on the deed’s form and wording. #### Does real estate affect my estate plan? Yes. Real estate in another county or state can mean additional probate proceedings, which is one reason some families choose a trust. It’s worth discussing how your property is titled. ## Attorney: Jeffery L. Butler URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/attorneys/jeffery-butler Title: Founding Partner, Attorney & Financial Advisor Areas of practice: Estate Planning, Business Formations / Contracts, Wealth Management, Probate Administration Education: University of Idaho College of Law Profiles: https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/75087-tx-jeffery-butler-4640180.html, https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/jeffery-butler-1500938 As a Founding Partner and Financial Advisor, Jeff excels at analyzing not only your estate planning goals, but also factoring in your financial strategies. Jeff’s areas of practice are Estate Planning, Financial Advising, Probate Administration, and Business Formation. After 10 years as a Telecommunications Manager, Jeff Butler decided to change his stars and pursue a career he was passionate about – the law. He quit his job, packed up his wife and four children, and returned to school in Moscow, Idaho. Jeff graduated near the top of his class from the University of Idaho College of Law, where he served as Editor of the Law Journal for Critical Legal Studies, volunteered in the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic and the Small Business Clinic, and served as the student body Sergeant at Arms. Jeff focuses on a straight-forward approach, with the client’s needs at the focal point. He prides himself on being honest, upfront, efficient, and realistic when working with clients. Jeff works with his clients to put together a comprehensive plan that meets their specific needs. When not at the office he enjoys golfing, the shooting range, and spending time with his four children and his wife of 20+ years, Angel. ## Attorney: Christopher Ash URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/attorneys/christopher-ash Title: Founding Partner, Attorney & Certified Mediator Areas of practice: Business Formations / Contracts, Probate, Guardianships, Complex Business Matters Education: University of Texas School of Law, 2001; Graduate Portfolio in Dispute Resolution, University of Texas Recognition (as stated by the firm): Outstanding Young Attorney — Texas Monthly; Texas Super Lawyers, Rising Star — Thomson Reuters; “Best Attorney,” Living Magazine Lakeside Editions, 2017–2022; Dean’s Achievement Award (law school) Memberships: Rockwall Bar Association; Rockwall Chamber of Commerce; J. Reuben Clark Law Society; Certified Mediator Profiles: https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/75087-tx-christopher-ash-5180693.html Chris co-founded Atrium Legal Group as a way to help more clients find the help they need. Chris’ expertise in Complex Business matters, Adult Guardianships, Probate Administration, and Complicated Estate Plans have earned him countless accolades and awards, including: Outstanding Young Attorney by Texas Monthly and “Texas Super Lawyers, Rising Star” by Thomson Reuters. Most recently, Chris was voted “Best Attorney” in the 2017–2022 Lakeside Editions of Living Magazine. Chris graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 2001. While attending law school, Chris worked for the Texas Journal of Business Law and received the Dean’s Achievement Award for the highest grade. In his more than 19 years of practicing law, Chris has represented individuals and small businesses, including many local businesses in Rockwall County and the greater DFW area, as well as large national/international companies such as Sony, Bass Pro Shops, Smith & Wesson, DHL, Coach USA, Tracker Marine, Kroger, and Plains Capital Bank. Chris believes that litigation is not always necessary, or even the best option, to resolve disputes. With a Graduate Portfolio in Dispute Resolution (University of Texas), and as a Certified Mediator with nearly two decades of experience, Chris brings a complete set of tools to each matter, saving his clients the stress and expense of a courtroom battle when possible. A member of the Rockwall Bar Association, Chris is actively involved with his faith and community. He is a proud sponsor of Billie Stevenson Elementary, a member of the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society. When not practicing law, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and three amazing children, and the outdoors. ## Attorney: Jason G. Smith URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/attorneys/jason-smith Title: Attorney, Board Certified, Estate Planning Areas of practice: Business Formations / Contracts, Contested Probate, Guardianships, Real Estate, Taxation Education: Texas Tech Law School, 1998 Recognition (as stated by the firm): Board Certification in Estate Planning, 2006 (Texas Board of Legal Specialization) Profiles: https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/75087-tx-jason-smith-53639.html One of the best probate lawyers on our Rockwall team, Jason joins Atrium Legal Group as the only Board Certified Estate Planning Attorney in the Lakeside area. With more than 25 years of legal expertise, Jason is the “go-to” for legal advice, not only for clients, but also for other attorneys. A native of Rockwall, Texas, Jason grew up watching his father (a local prosecutor) in Court. He decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and graduated from Texas Tech Law School in 1998. He went on to earn his Board Certification in Estate Planning (a rigorous program with intense requirements and testing) in 2006. Jason focuses his expertise on Real Estate, Taxation, Complex Business Matters, and Contested Probate Cases. Jason spends his free time with his three children, at his Ranch, on the Farm, or hunting. ## Attorney: Rwan Hardesty URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/attorneys/rwan-hardesty Title: Senior Attorney Areas of practice: Civil Litigation, Family Law, Appeals, Probate Administration Rwan brings more than thirteen years of trial experience, including multiple jury trials and contested hearings, in Civil and Family Matters (Divorce and Custody). A significant amount of her time involves working in the appellate process, which includes briefing appeals and oral argument in civil, criminal, and family matters, with a focus in the family law appellate arena. With that experience and knowledge, she is able to successfully and diligently ensure preservation of error for trial attorneys. Rwan is a compassionate attorney who is focused on assisting her clients in strategically planning for, preparing for, and navigating the litigation and appellate process while dealing with any difficulties encountered during the cases which she tackles. She tailors her strategy to each specific case and to the client’s needs, while responding to any changing dynamics caused by the litigation or appellate process. She is dedicated to keeping clients well-informed about all aspects of their case. ## Attorney: J. Spencer Smyth URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/attorneys/spencer-smyth Title: Associate Attorney Areas of practice: Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianships Education: B.A., History; B.A., Political Science Spencer Smyth (pronounced “Smith”) brought his years of legal experience from Idaho to join Atrium Legal Group. With two Bachelor of Arts degrees — History and Political Science — he brings a wealth of information and knowledge to every encounter. Spencer interned with Pendlebury Law Office during his last year of law school, where they immediately offered him a position following graduation and the passing of the bar. After gaining valuable experience there, Spencer started his own practice in Southeastern Idaho, with a focus on Estate Planning and Business Formations. During this time, he taught religion as an adjunct professor at the local college. His teaching skills allow him to explain complex details and strategies thoroughly and efficiently to clients as they go through the estate planning and probate processes. Spencer uses his analytical insights to hone in on unique aspects of each case in order to find creative and intricate solutions to both simple and complex situations. His direct, no-nonsense approach allows him to set client expectations and then exceed them with his quality of work. Spencer’s downtime is spent raising eight children with his wife Sarah, serving the community through his church affiliations, cooking, and occasionally fitting in time to read. ## Attorney: Jonathan Lyle URL: https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/attorneys/jonathan-lyle Title: Associate Attorney Areas of practice: Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianships Education: Texas A&M University School of Law; B.S., Biochemistry, cum laude — Texas A&M University Jonathan Lyle joined Atrium Legal Group after working as a Probate and Estate Planning Attorney in Forney, Texas, for a little more than a year. Jonathan graduated from Texas A&M University, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. He then went to law school at Texas A&M University, where he served in the Tax Law Resolution Clinic before graduating with his law degree. Jonathan is passionate about Probate law and enjoys practicing throughout the DFW area, where he has handled a variety of cases, ranging from standard Probate to Real Estate Litigation. When not at work, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog, as well as reading, cooking, and volunteering at his local church group, where he works with a wonderful group of 6th grade boys, helping them prepare for their future. ## Staff - Angel Butler — Director of Operations. Oversees operations at every office and is fluent in translating Legalese into English. - Kelly-Anne Roberts — Paralegal. Drafts, files, and tracks probate cases — and keeps clients in the loop. - Mellissa Tucker — Paralegal · Probate/Guardianship Assistant. 18+ years as a Deputy Clerk in the Marion County (FL) Clerk’s office. - Terri Rust — Probate & Guardianship Paralegal. Former Senior Probate Clerk with Rockwall County. - Ophelia Latt — Client Relations. The cheerful first voice you’ll hear, on the phone and in person. - Kelly Loveless — Administrative Assistant. Handles deed research and the behind-the-scenes details of every plan. - Nikki Myers — Scheduling Coordinator. More than 10 years as a receptionist; keeps every visit welcoming. ## Sample insights (design samples — not authored by the firm) - Will or trust? A plain-English starting point (https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/insights/will-vs-trust-plain-english) — Two tools, two different jobs. Here’s how to think about which questions to bring to your consultation. - Named as executor? Your first 30 days (https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/insights/executor-first-30-days) — Grief and paperwork arrive together. A calm checklist for the first month after a loved one passes. - Starting an LLC in Texas: a five-point checklist (https://atrium-legal.sample.baller.software/insights/llc-formation-checklist) — Forming the entity is step one. The documents around it are what protect you. ## Disclaimer Attorney advertising. This information is general and is not legal advice. Prior results and reviews do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting Atrium Legal Group does not create an attorney-client relationship.