Stephen Dale Howen

Stephen Dale Howen

also known as Steve Howen

3.4
Rating: 7.3

Licensed for 34 years

Estate planning Lawyer at Waco, TX
Practice Areas: Estate Planning, Wills & Living Wills, Probate ... +3 more

7111 Bosque Blvd Ste 305, Waco, TX

About Stephen

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Estate Planning 30%

Every family needs a solid estate plan to help face the risks of death or disability. The Law Office of Steve Howen offers affordable, comprehensive planning that includes the Wills, Powers of Attorneys and Guardianship Designations every family or couple needs.

19 years | 100 cases

30%
Wills and Living Wills 20%

The most important elements of a good estate plan are well drafted Wills and Living Wills. A will distributes your property, a Living Will directs your medical care in an end-of-life situation. With some careful planning we can help your family through a difficult time.

19 years | 250 cases

20%
Probate 15%

When a loved one dies, managing the estate can be difficult. The Law Office of Steve Howen helps you navigate this situation whether formal or informal probate is needed. You do not have to face this crisis alone.

19 years | 100 cases

15%
Trusts 15%

Trusts are legal instruments used to own property subject to specific restrictions. Those restrictions can protect people from spending too much or they may be useful in dealing with creditors or taxes. Trusts have long-lasting impacts, so it is best to fully understand all the ramifications before putting property "in trust."

19 years | 50 cases

15%
Elder Law 10%

Planning for the Golden Years can be mystifying. Steve Howen takes the mystery out and allows you and your family to enjoy what you have built.

11 years | 25 cases

10%
Guardianship 10%

Having the right person helping a child or an incapacitated adult makes all the difference. The Law Office of Steve Howen can provide you with the tools you need, crafted for your special circumstances, to make sure your loved one has all of life's opportunities available to him or her.

19 years | 50 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 34 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1991

Eligible to Practice in Texas

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2021

Location

The Law Office of Steve Howen

7111 Bosque Blvd Ste 305, Waco, TX, 76710-4071

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Stephen Dale Howen's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.4 /5.0

5 Client Reviews

5 star (3)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Estate Settlement

He was paid the retainer fee to settle an estate. I waited over 6 months, with nothing being filed at the courthouse (I kept a check on that). I called several times to get updates, but never had a call returned. His secretary always said he was busy with another client, or on the phone with one. We ...had to ask to get our retainer fee back, and eventually did. We hired another lawyer who got the ball rolling as soon as he was paid his retainer fee. The estate was settled in a timely manner.

Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Lack of responsiveness

Steve seemed to have a have a plan for my case and I paid him a retainer. However in one month he didn't do any work on my case. He didn't respond to emails, phone calls, or text messages until I asked for my money back. I'm still waiting to see my refund. I would not recommend him.

Posted by David | May 8, 2020 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Solid and Ethical

I was adverse to Stephen in a highly contentious case for about 2 years. I found him to be knowledgeable and ethical in defending his client. He did what he said he would do and was reliable. He did what was necessary to defend his client and appropriately assessed the risks and benefits of his ...various litigation options. I would recommend Stephen to my defense clients.

Posted by Kenny | January 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Didn't feel like I visited a lawyer

Steve was very knowledgeable and helped put action to his recommendations. Didn't feel like I had visited a lawyer when we were through. Highly recommended and really skilled.

Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Personal, professional, approachable

Mr Howen assisted me in drafting a comprehensive will and plan for my estate. I wouldn't trust anyone else with this process and honestly had procrastinated on this process until I met with Mr Howen. It was then and with him that I felt he was the right man for the job.

See All Client Reviews

Stephen Dale Howen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Stephen
Lauren Newman Pierce headshot
Lauren Pierce

Estate planning lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steve has a great legal mind and cares about his clients and his community. I endorse Steve for estate planning, litigation and general legal services."

Esther Cortez headshot
Esther Cortez

Business lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Steve and his family for many years. He is a dedicated family man who is always respectful and professional to everyone, both inside the office and out. I highly recommend Steve without any hesitation whatsoever."

Rodney L. Hubbard headshot
Rodney Hubbard

Litigation lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Steve for more than 20 years. He is an outstanding advocate for his clients. He is always well prepared and goes the extra mile."

Robert M. Kisselburgh headshot
Robert Kisselburgh

Litigation lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Steve was opposing counsel in a case where my client was a quadriplegic. He was the consummate professional while skillfully representing his client. He is a true professional."

John Mcferrin Barcus headshot
John Barcus

Litigation lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have known Steve since he recruited me to our former firm as a summer 1L many years ago, and endorse him as a litigator without hesitation."

David C Dunbar headshot
David Dunbar

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked opposite Steve on a serious personal injury matter in Johnson County, Texas. Steve always zealously represented his client but simultaneously was a consummate professional. I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Donald Colleluori headshot
Donald Colleluori

Litigation lawyer

Joshua Reed Thane headshot
Joshua Thane

Intellectual property lawyer

Jennifer Anne Haltom Doan headshot
Jennifer Doan

Intellectual property lawyer

Parker D. Young headshot
Parker Young

Commercial real estate lawyer

Doug K. Butler headshot
Doug Butler

Litigation lawyer

James R. Dunnam headshot
James Dunnam

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.3 (Very Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021.

Public Reprimand issued in TX, 2021

updated on 10/29/2021

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Honors

2019

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Top Contributor, Avvo

2016

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Advocate, American Board of Trial Advocates

2014

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1991

Order of the Coif Distinguished Graduate, SMU Law School

1991

Cum laude Distinguished Graduate (7th in a class of 265), SMU Law School

1990

Senior Notes and Comments Editor, Journal of Air Law & Commerce, SMU Law School

1990

Board of Advocates, Moot Court Competition, SMU Law School

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Founder, The Law Office of Steve Howen

2013 - 2015

Of Counsel, Haltom & Doan

2007 - 2013

Founder, The Law Office of Steve Howen

1991 - 2007

Partner, Figari Davenport, LLC

1983 - 1988

Accounting & Finance Officer, United States Air Force (Active Duty)

Associations

2016 - Present

Waco-McLennan County Bar Association

Member

2016 - Present

State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section

Member

2015 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1991 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

Education

1991

Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law

Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)

1983

Baylor University

B.B.A.

Speaking Engagements

2016

Alzheimer's Association Support Group Meeting

Legal Tools for Dealing With Declining Decision-Making Capacity

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution