Fort Hood Legal Help for Veterans and Military Families
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.
Fort Hood pathways
The first call should turn a confusing legal issue into a clearer next step.
✓
Fort Hood SSD
Start with the claim stage, medical records, work history, and any SSA letters already received.
✓
Military estate planning
Review wills, powers of attorney, beneficiaries, retirement assets, spouses, and who can act in an emergency.
✓
Military-family probate
Sort authority, property, family structure, and whether military benefits or beneficiaries affect the next step.
Fort Hood roots, Central Texas practice
The firm's Fort Hood story is grounded in Ted Smith's documented military legal background and Killeen practice history.
JAG
Former active-duty Fort Hood legal assistance officer.
“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 post was renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023 and reverted to Fort Hood in 2025. Both names may still appear on documents issued during the Fort Cavazos period.
Do I need a new power of attorney before every PCS or deployment?
Not necessarily new, but it should be reviewed. A POA that named the wrong person, expired, or does not cover the current situation can leave a family unable to act on something urgent while a servicemember is away.
Does my will control who gets my SGLI or TSP?
No. SGLI, SBP, and TSP pass by beneficiary designation, not by will. Those forms need to be updated separately whenever family circumstances change.
Where does probate happen for a Fort Hood-area family living in Killeen?
Bell County probate and guardianship matters are filed in Belton whether the family lives on post or off; the application and current county docket determine which court hears the matter.
Talk with a Killeen firm rooted in the Fort Hood community
Contact the office to discuss your legal matter and the next step.
