Working with us
How long things take
Updated June 30, 2026
These are typical timelines, not guarantees. Much depends on how quickly we receive information and on others we don't control, including courts, the Texas Secretary of State (SOS), the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), lenders, and title companies. Our own turnaround times start once you've signed your engagement letter, made your first payment, and completed your questionnaire.
Estate planning
| Service | Draft ready | Typical signing |
|---|---|---|
| Simple will or Essentials package | 10 business days | 2–3 weeks after engagement |
| Revocable living trust package | 15 business days | 3–5 weeks after engagement |
| Codicil or trust amendment | 5 business days | 1–2 weeks after engagement |
Returning your questionnaire promptly and choosing your executor and agents in advance keeps things moving. Major changes after a draft is ready add time. Trust funding continues after signing, and retitling accounts can take several weeks depending on each financial institution.
Probate
Typical timelines for uncontested matters in Travis County:
| Proceeding | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Muniment of title | 4–8 weeks from filing to order |
| Small estate affidavit | 4–8 weeks from filing to approval |
| Determination of heirship | 3–6 months from filing to judgment |
| Independent administration | Hearing about 3–6 weeks after filing; usually 6–12 months to wrap up |
After an application is filed, the court clerk posts notice of it for at least 10 days before a hearing can be held, and the rest depends on the court's calendar. Once an executor is appointed, Texas law sets further deadlines, such as notifying beneficiaries within 60 days after the will is admitted and filing an inventory within 90 days. Estates that need to sell a house or file tax returns usually take longer. See Independent administration in Texas.
Business formation
LLC or corporation formation usually takes one to two weeks in total:
- We prepare your certificate of formation within 3 business days of receiving your completed questionnaire.
- We file it online with the Texas Secretary of State (SOS). SOS processing times vary; online filings are often processed within a few business days but can take longer in busy periods. Expedited handling is available for an additional $25 state fee.
- Once the SOS issues your certificate, we obtain your EIN online, usually the same day, and prepare your organizational consent.
| Service | Our turnaround |
|---|---|
| Single-member company agreement | 5 business days |
| Multi-member company agreement | First draft in 10 business days, then review rounds |
| Tier 1 contract review | 3 business days |
| Tier 2 contract review | 5 business days |
Multi-member company agreements often take two to four weeks overall, because co-owners need time to agree on terms. Contract review turnaround starts once we have the complete contract and your payment. Tier 3 negotiation depends on the other side.
Trademarks
A full clearance search takes about 5 business days. We file your federal application within 10 business days after you approve the search results. The USPTO typically takes several months to examine a new application, and registration often takes 12 to 18 months overall, longer if the USPTO raises objections or someone opposes the mark.
Residential real estate
A financed purchase typically closes 30 to 45 days after the contract's effective date, and a cash purchase often closes in 2 to 3 weeks. Key dates in a typical Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) resale contract:
- Within 3 days after the effective date, the buyer delivers the earnest money and option fee to the escrow agent.
- Within 20 days after the title company receives the contract, the seller furnishes the title commitment.
- At least 3 business days before closing, for most mortgage loans, the lender delivers the Closing Disclosure.
We review TREC contracts within 2 business days, and title commitments within 3 business days of receiving the commitment and survey. During closing week, we handle real-estate matters the same business day.
This is general information, not legal advice.