We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
About Michael
Biography
Michael's experience as a probate and guardianship attorney began in 2005 when he was selected to work directly for Judge Nikki DeShazo of the Dallas County Probate Court. While working in the Probate Court, Michael reviewed approximately 300 applications for probate and guardianship. This experience allows him to avoid common pitfalls that disrupt probate cases. Michael also wrote the book, so to speak: Michael created a manual to instruct future court clerks on the process of reviewing the various probate applications.
After completing his duties in the Probate Court, Michael formed The Duran Firm, PLLC. In addition to serving private clients, Michael has been appointed by all three Dallas County Probate Courts as well as the Collin County Probate Court, to serve as either an estate administrator, guardian of the person and/or estate, and attorney ad litem in complex estate and guardianship matters.
Michael is also a member of the Dallas Bar Association and is currently the Chair of the Dallas Bar Association Probate, Trusts and Estate Planning Section which is comprised of over 800 attorneys.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Probate
60%
21 years | 500 cases
Guardianship
20%
21 years | 500 cases
Wills and Living Wills
20%
21 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 22 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in Colorado for 23 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
The Duran Firm, PLLC
13355 Noel, Suite 1100, LB 20A, Dallas, TX, 75240
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Michael Anthony Duran's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Connie | October 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A stressful day made much easier!
Michael had all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed to make the probate process virtually painless for me. He understood that this was a very difficult and emotional day for me and did his best to put me at ease, answered questions patiently and just made me feel as if I weren’t alone in this process. T...
Posted by Richard | June 1, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend for Probate
Great experience with Michael Duran and his staff. Web site made it very easy to determine the type of service I required, and to submit the information for the Duran firm to review. I did not have my mother's original will, only a copy. Another attorney I contacted said this would be extremely di...
Michael Duran
Replied last August 30, 2018Clients are always leery of attorneys fees. Offering a fixed fee allows the client to focus on the process of getting the estate probated without having to worry about the cost. In order to offer a fixed fee, an attorney must have the experience to know when such a fee arrangement is appropriate. Having personally handled hundreds of probate cases, I am able to spot the problems that could make me regret a fixed fee. One of the typical problems is not being able to locate the original will. In your case, we were able to easily overcome the problem and still do your case for a fixed-fee which was a win-win for both of us. I am glad you were happy with our work. Thank you for taking the time to write a review.
Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I had a great experience with the Duran Law Firm.
Mr. Duran helped me probate my mother's will. He did an excellent job. He made navigating the system very easy for me and my family. I highly recommend his work. A plus is that he appeared well known and genuinely well liked by the staff at the probate court. I felt like I was in good hands.
Michael Duran
Replied last August 30, 2018Incredibly, there are some attorneys that attempt to argue with the staff but be oh-so-sweet to the judge. This is not the way to get what you need for your clients. Having worked in the Dallas County Probate Court and having been part of the staff, I know how integral the staff is to the process. Besides, you should always be nice! I am a low-cost law firm. I am also highly-experienced. Reviews like yours let people know that they do not have to drop a lot of money to get through probate. Therefore, thank you for taking the time to write a review.
Posted by Pam | November 17, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Excellent Response
Albeit, Michael was unable to assist me he not only responded to me but also gave me a reference for what I was needing. Thank you so Michael for taking the time to respond and be helpful as well.
Posted by Jerome | January 4, 2015
Great guidance given that we were new to this process!
Mike assisted my wife and I in setting up our first will, given that the birth of our first born was quickly approaching. His style was extremely helpful because neither my wife nor I were familiar with this process. Additionally he provided us some good things to think about as we tried to finaliz...
Michael Anthony Duran's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Duran is an excellent advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need. He is also an asset to the Avvo Community, providing invaluable resources to those seeking help."
"Michael is excellent attorney—honest, accurate, and very knowledgeable on probate and guardianship matters."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great attorney for Wills and Estate matters!"
"Michael is a gifted probate lawyer."
"Michael is an excellent attorney. He is honest and straight forward. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Michael is diligent, effective, and efficient in moving his matters forward."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked with Michael on a guardianship matter and appreciated his attention to detail and the assistance he offered on the case. He is a great attorney who serves his clients well."
"Michael Duran is the most diligent and detail oriented lawyers I have ever encountered. I have worked with Michael as opposing counsel on numerous cases. He is always well prepared, and he has a detailed understanding of the probate and guardianship process. I give Michael my highest recommendation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked with him on guardianship and probate cases for the past five years. His reputation with local judges is impeccable. Moreover, he is ethical, knowledgeable, and efficient in his practice of law."
Juan Renteria
Criminal defense lawyer
David Pyke
Probate lawyer
Christopher Everett
Guardianship lawyer
David Wilburn
Probate lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Best Lawyer, D Magazine
2010
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2002
Peregrinus Counsel, University of Texas School of Law
1993
Military Honors, United States Air Force Academy
Work Experience
1997 - 1999
ICBM Crew Commander, United States Air Force
1994 - 1997
Orbital Analyst, United States Air Force
Associations
2018 - Present
Dallas Bar Association, Probate, Trusts and Estate SectionChairperson
2005 - Present
Dallas County Bar Association - Probate Section
Education
2002
University Of Texas
law
1993
United States Air Force Academy
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2019
North Texas Probate Bench Bar
Course Director
2009
Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
Probate Basics Fall 2009
Publications
2017
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Do I need a death certificate before making an appointment with a probate lawyer??
06 Nov 2019
Q&A
Would I request to be an independent executor when probating my dad's will if I am the only heir?
06 Nov 2019
Q&A
Why would stepmother ask me for my parent's marriage/divorce dates as she tries to sell her house after my father's death?
08 May 2019