Bell County Legal Help for Disability, Estate Planning and Probate
After serving as a JAG Legal Assistance Officer, Ted Smith opened his law office in Killeen, Texas, and has been practicing as a lawyer in the Killeen and Bell County area since 1976.
If you have a disability that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits can help you support your family when you are unable to work.
It is never too early to speak with an attorney about estate planning. While many people do not want to think about what will happen to their estates and assets after they pass on, it is a necessary part of life.
Ted Smith was an active duty JAG legal assistance officer with III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas before he opened his private practice in Killeen in 1976. Since then he has represented thousands of Central Texans by providing solutions to their legal needs.
Bell County pathways
The first call should turn a confusing legal issue into a clearer next step.
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Killeen
Ted Smith Law Group handles disability, estate planning, probate, and injury matters for families across Bell County.
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Harker Heights
Harker Heights residents can get city-specific guidance for SSD, estate planning, probate, and injury matters.
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Belton and Temple
Belton is the county seat for many court matters, while Temple residents can begin by phone with the office.
Serving Bell County from Killeen
Start with the city or practice page that fits, then call the office.
Killeen
The firm's Central Texas office has served local families since 1976.
Belton
Bell County probate and court questions often involve filings in the county seat.
Temple
Temple residents can begin with a phone call and send records before traveling to Killeen.
“Ted Smith is the best in the area! I can't say enough good things. The whole office cares about their clients and make sure your case is taken care of swiftly and done perfectly.”
“I used Ted Smith Law group to probate my wife's estate. Ted Smith and Barbie King were absolutely terrific in supporting my Probate case. They far exceeded my support expectations.”
“The Ted Smith Law group helped me with my SSDI case. It was a lengthy process and they were there all the way through. They kept me up to date on what was needed to be done and documents that needed to be completed.”
“The Ted Smith Law Firm is #1 in both customer service and professional service. They help me with all my Will and Deed issues when my husband passed in a very timely manner. I want to thank everyone from the firm for their care and support in this very difficult time.”
The Bell County Clerk accepts probate filings in Belton. The application and current county docket determine which court handles the matter, so the assigned court should be confirmed rather than assumed.
Do I have to go to Belton in person for a probate case?
Some steps, like filing and occasionally a hearing, happen in Belton. Much of the preparation, document review, and planning can happen through the office first.
How long do I have to appeal a Social Security Disability denial?
Generally 60 days from the day you receive the denial letter (SSA presumes it arrived five days after the date printed on it) to request reconsideration, and another 60 days after a reconsideration denial to request a hearing. Confirm the exact dates on your own SSA notice, since deadlines can vary by case.
I live in Fort Hood housing or off-post near Killeen. Am I still a Bell County resident for legal purposes?
Most Fort Hood-area addresses, including Killeen and Harker Heights, fall within Bell County, which is why probate and county court matters for military families in this area are typically filed in Belton.
Does the firm handle estate planning for families with property outside Texas?
Military families connected to Fort Hood often own or inherit property in more than one state due to past duty stations. This is discussed case by case, since it can affect which documents are needed and where.
What should I bring to a first call about a Bell County legal question?
Whatever document or letter raised the question: a denial letter, an existing will, a death certificate, or a deed. It gives the firm a concrete starting point.
Talk with Ted Smith Law Group about a Bell County legal question
Contact the office to discuss your legal matter and the next step.
