learn about our history
Silverleaf Legal Group was built on a simple idea: families deserve to understand their options before they make decisions that affect the people they love. We don’t believe in rushing clients through a process they don’t fully understand. We believe in sitting across the table from you, explaining how Texas law actually works, and helping you build a plan that reflects your goals not a generic template.
Our practice covers estate planning, probate, business law, and real estate … because in our experience, those areas of law are closely connected. The decisions you make in one area often show up in the others. When you work with Silverleaf, you get a team that thinks through all of it with you, not just the piece in front of them today.
We start every client relationship with a conversation, not a contract. Before any documents are drafted, we make sure you understand your options and what each one means for your family.
Flat-fee pricing, plain-English explanations, and no surprises. You’ll always know what you’re getting, what it costs, and why we’re recommending it.
A good estate plan isn’t a one-time transaction. We build plans designed to grow and adapt with your family — and we’re here when life changes require an update.
Tom Fortenberry, Founding Attorney, Silverleaf Legal Group
Silverleaf Legal Group was founded by Tom Fortenberry, a Texas attorney with more than 20 years of experience across patent law, litigation, real estate, and estate planning. Tom didn’t start out as an estate planning attorney. He came to it the same way most of his clients do: by recognizing that the people and assets he’d worked hard to build needed a real plan behind them.
After practicing at an international firm and returning to his roots in East Texas, Tom opened his own practice with a focus on real estate and business law. Over time, client after client asked the same question: now that we’ve built something, how do we protect it? That question became the foundation of what Silverleaf does today, helping Texas families and business owners put plans in place before they need them.
Most people delay estate planning not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know where to begin. The terminology is unfamiliar, the decisions feel permanent, and it’s hard to know who to trust. At Silverleaf, we’ve built our practice around removing those barriers. Our job is to make the process clear, manageable, and worth your time. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviewing a plan you’ve had for years.
We’ve helped hundreds of Texas families work through wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, asset protection, and long-term care planning. Each situation is different. Each plan is tailored to the family in front of us.
Silverleaf Legal Group focuses on the areas of Texas law that intersect most directly with how families build, protect, and pass on what they’ve worked for.
We work primarily with Texas residents and business owners who want to understand their estate planning options. Our clients include families with minor children, retirees, blended families, business owners, and individuals who want to make sure their assets go where they intend.
It depends on your goals and your family’s situation. A will may be the right starting point for some families; others benefit from a revocable living trust that avoids probate and allows for more control over distributions. During a consultation, we can walk through the differences and what makes sense for your circumstances.
We start with a conversation, not paperwork. We ask about your family, your assets, and what you’re hoping to accomplish. From there, we explain your options in plain language and give you a clear picture of what an estate plan might look like for you.
We charge flat fees for most estate planning services, so there are no hourly billing surprises. Pricing varies based on the complexity of your plan. We’ll walk you through costs clearly before any work begins.
Yes. We review existing documents regularly for clients who want to make sure their plan still reflects their wishes — especially after major life changes like remarriage, the birth of grandchildren, or a significant change in assets.
Yes. We assist families with Texas probate proceedings, including independent administration, muniment of title, and heirship determinations. If a loved one has passed and you’re not sure what steps to take, we can help you understand the process.
A Lady Bird deed (formally called an enhanced life estate deed) is a Texas real estate tool that can allow property to transfer to a named beneficiary outside of probate, while the original owner retains full control of the property during their lifetime. Yes, we prepare Lady Bird deeds as part of our estate planning work.
The first step is reaching out to schedule a consultation. There’s no obligation, just a conversation to help you understand your options and decide whether Silverleaf is the right fit for your family.
Disclaimer:Â The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this website or reading its content. Estate planning laws vary and are subject to change. Consult a licensed Texas attorney regarding your specific situation.
