Temple 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.
What Temple clients bring us
The first call should turn a confusing legal issue into a clearer next step.
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Disability claims
Denial letters, medical records, work history, and any recent SSA mail. We review the claim stage and the denial reason before the first call ends.
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Estate planning
Existing wills or powers of attorney, a list of property and accounts, and who you want handling things. Most of this is drafted and reviewed by phone and email.
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Probate
The will, death-certificate information, and a rough list of property, debts, and likely heirs. If Bell County is the proper venue, the filing begins with the clerk in Belton.
Why Temple families use a Killeen firm
Temple clients get the same attorney, the same Bell County court experience, and the same phone-first process as clients who live five minutes from our door.
Since 1976
Ted Smith has practiced in Killeen since 1976, after serving as Fort Hood JAG counsel.
“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.”
How far is Temple from your office, and do I have to drive in?
It is about a 30-40 minute drive from Temple to our office. Most clients only come in when a document needs an in-person signature or notarization; everything else is handled by phone, email, and mailed or photographed records.
Which court handles probate for a Temple resident's estate?
For a person domiciled in the Bell County portion of Temple, probate filings generally start with the Bell County Clerk in Belton. Confirm the county, assigned court, and filing path before relying on the city name alone.
Can you help with a Social Security disability denial if I live in Temple?
Yes. We review the denial letter, the claim stage, and your medical and work records by phone or through documents you send in, then handle the appeal steps from there.
I have a power of attorney from before a PCS move. Does it still work?
It depends on how it was drafted and whether it addresses out-of-state or overseas use. We review existing powers of attorney for Fort Hood-connected families and update them when a move or deployment changes what is needed.
Do you handle both estate planning and probate for the same family?
Yes. Many Temple clients start with an estate plan and later come back when a probate matter opens for a parent or family member. Both go through the same office and Bell County court process.
Ask the office about a Temple legal question
Contact the office to discuss your legal matter and the next step.
