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John A. Crane

Probate Attorney at Austin, TX

4.8   19 reviews

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About John

Learn John’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
Licensed for 38 years
State TX
Status Eligible to Practice in Texas
Acquired 1984
Updated 02/05/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact John

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Crane Law Firm
5508 Highway 290 West
Suite 225
Austin, TX, 78735-8816

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  19 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by David | June 16, 2015
Top notch lawyer
I have used John for both my personal legal matters and my business matters. His advice has always been exceptional and all documentation meets whatever test is applied. He also made the appropriate referrals when needed. I will always take my legal matters to John first.
Posted by Didi | June 16, 2015
The best attorney in a difficult situation
After the death of my mother, as the executor I had to find a good attorney to guide me through the difficult steps involved in ending a loved one's affairs, distribution of property, closing out finances, etc. I spoke with and read reviews of many attorneys that specialized in this service. I chose John Crane after reading some of his blogs, excellent reviews and speaking to him on the phone. Another important determining factor was that he charged a flat fee for everything involved. Most of the other lawyers charged hourly and were very evasive when trying to determine how many hours this might take to complete all the things required to take care of an estate. Many of their estimates started at the fee that John gave me and included a range of several thousand dollars beyond. John was extremely easy to work with, reassuring, and thorough. When we went to court so I could be appointed executor, the judge, the clerks and other court staff seemed to know him and like him (which always seems like a winning situation for the client) and court-related matters were handled quick and easy. His office has an electronic file system, so you are able to communicate through a secure website and can easily track progress and view documents as they become available. While the electronic communication worked very well for me, he also was available the times I chose to call him with questions. Losing my Mom was so difficult, I felt very lucky to have found John Crane as I had total confidence in him taking care of and giving good advice on all the relative legal issues. I strongly recommend John Crane as a very knowledgeable expert in his field that maintains a professional demeanor while being very empathetic to my loss.
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Posted by Barbara | June 13, 2015
Mr. Crane's legal help
John Crane was of great help in guiding us through probate and settlement of a difficult estate case. He responded quickly to any of my questions and concerns, and his opinions and suggestions were valuable, based on his experience with people and with the law. I appreciate having his help greatly.
Posted by Scott | June 11, 2015
Set up a Partnership/LLC for me
My business partner and I hired John to create the Operating Agreement and to create/complete/file the documents with the state to establish an LLC. I communicated with John via email, telephone, face-to-face meetings, and via the firm's online document exchange tool. John also organized one or two conference calls with my CPA (who referred me to John) to make sure we were covered from both a Legal and a Tax standpoint. Everything was great. I would recommend him and will use him again if I need to do another one.
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Posted by Carol | June 10, 2015
Excellent attorney
John has prepared and amended our wills over the past twenty-five years and has been attentive, thorough and responsive to all our needs. He is a wonderful person as well.
Posted by Ted | June 8, 2015
Review / Update Will
It had been a long time since we had first drawn up our will with John Crane. After some changes in the status of our beneficiaries, we decided to make an appointment to update our will. After reviewing our will we found that no changes were needed at that time. Mr. Crane was very helpful in explaining the various legal provisions and steps that would be taken on behalf of our beneficiaries.
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Posted by Lee | June 6, 2015
Probate work
John did an excellent job on a family probate. He was efficient and helped my father take care of a difficult situation with the least inconvenience. We greatly appreciated John's work. I would recommend him highly. John was straightforward and open about all the costs.
Posted by Lisa | June 5, 2015
Recent Acquisition went smoothly!
John has handled my estate planning and business needs for several years. My consulting firm was recently acquired, and John handled the acquisition. The process was smooth and hassle free for me, and he successfully negotiated on my behalf with my best interest in mind. He was very good about helping keep perspective during a very emotional transaction. It was overall a very positive experience, and i felt comfortable and well represented during every part of the process.
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Posted by Lisa | June 4, 2015
Excellent 5 Star Lawyer
John did an excellent job representing my "difficult" case. He deserves 5 stars for his professional knowledge, trustworthiness, responsive mannerism, keeping me informed and his heartfelt kindness. I highly recommend John Crane!
Posted by Laurel | June 1, 2015
Excellent Probate Attorney
Mr. Crane was very helpful handling my sister's estate especially since I lived out-of-state and had to execute her will. I would recommend him highly.
Posted by April | June 1, 2015
An Excellent Law Firm
When my husband died I was at a loss. There were so many things I didn't know how to take care of. John and his staff walked me through every single thing I needed to do to probate the estate. They put me at ease and made a complicated process simple for me. In addition to knowing exactly what to do, they were very kind and caring. I would recommend John for any legal needs.
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Posted by anonymous | June 1, 2015
Recommended by a friend.
John is presently handling a probate matter for me. I found him knowledgeable, responsive and sensitive to my legal needs following the loss of a close family member. Would recommend to others.
Posted by Patti | May 31, 2015
Great Attorney!
John assisted my husband and I in creating new wills. He helped us make key decisions in its content, kept us apprised of all legal ramifications of our decisions and always respected what we wished to do. He never made it more complicated than we wanted which he could have easily done with unnecessary legal language and execution hurdles for our Executor. Creating wills can be a harrowing experience, but John made it as pleasant as possible with his care, timeliness, professionalism and down to earth demeanor.
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Posted by King | May 30, 2015
Great job for me and my family.
Mr. Crane listens well and understands the clients issues, he has the training and experience to do an excellent job for his clients. He performed a great job for me and my family.
Posted by Evelyn | May 30, 2015
Review for Attorney John Crane
Mr. Crane assisted my family with estate planning (drafting wills and other relevant documents) and with probate procedures following the death of my father last year. I was very happy that he was there to assist my mother and help her with legal issues during such a stressful time. Mr. Crane was knowledgablel, responded to our questions and concerns in a timely manner, and guided us throughout the process. We would not hesitate to use his services again in the future.
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Posted by LEE | May 30, 2015
Will ASSISTANCE
JOHN WAS GREAT, I NEEDED A NEW WILL AND HE KEPT ME INFORMED AND UP TO DATE ON WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY WILL AND POWER OF ATTORNEY. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM TO OTHERS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE IN THIS AREA.
Posted by Rob | May 23, 2015
3 1/2 years of Ups and Downs
Prior to my experience with John, I had only dealt with lawyers to write a will or review contracts. I met John through my CPA and it is true what they say, good people attract good people. My problem was a business partner who would not let me leave a failing business and blamed me for everything that was wrong or went wrong with the business. From the beginning John was steady, calm. He helped me deal not only with the overwhelming task of going to court but the emotions that go with a life changing event. He was also willing to bring other people in where he felt he lacked. John is a total team player and is excellent at what he does he assembled a first class team all of which were just as good and helpful as he was. Throughout the entire process I felt cared for. I cannot think of a better guy to have on your team when it counts. I would highly recommend him
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Posted by anonymous | April 5, 2009
Exceptional service
Provided expert counsel to me in handling my father's estate. Went above and beyond the call of duty and traveled for an out of town court appearance, helped complete my case in a timely manner.
Posted by Stephen | March 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate executive
I hired Mr. Crane as the executive to my parents trust. There was six pieces of property out of the six property’s one brought in about $10,000 a year income. He desided against my objections to sell the only property that had an income and keep the other property that was costing me money. Also he did nothing when assets of the trust came up missing , over $3,000 of assets from two difficult property’s of the estate.
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Response from John Crane March 17, 2020
Thanks Stephen. To be clear, you did not hire me. You agreed to a court order in which the judge appointed me Receiver for your mother’s estate and trusts, ordered me to sell ALL real estate, and further ordered me to take care of all of your mother’s business left unresolved since she died in 2009. I know you accused your siblings of taking things out of the properties, but you refused to tell me what you thought was missing and they say they they took nothing. You have claims against them; they have claims against you. I know it is a difficult situation for you, but I will be as fair as I can be in resolving this matter in accordance with the judge’s order.
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Resume

AVVO RATING 8.0 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Zunker, Crane & Gibson, LLP
  • 2002 - 2012
  • Partner
  • Zunker & Crane LLP
  • 1998 - 2002
  • Partner
  • Zunker, Butler, Estes & Crane
  • 1994 - 1998
  • Partner
  • Butler, Todd & Crane
  • 1991 - 1994
  • Owner
  • Law Offices of John A. Crane
  • 1988 - 1991
  • Assistant Attorney General
  • Attorney General's Office, State Of Texas
  • 1984 - 1988
View all work experience

Education

  • Baylor University School of Law
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
  • 1984
  • Baylor University
  • BBA
  • 1981

Associations

  • Texas Bar Foundation
  • Fellow
  • 2017 - Present
  • Real Estate, Probate & Trust Law Section, State Bar of Texas
  • 1990 - Present
  • Family Eldercare, Inc.
  • President, Board of Directors
  • 2009 - 2010
  • Austin Bar Association, Estate Planning & Probate Section
  • Treasurer
  • 2008 - 2009
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Publications

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (2)
Endorse John
Probate Attorney | Jun 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer highly! John is an exceptional probate lawyer. His experience speaks for itself but in addition his kind and thoughtful disposition make him a pleasure to be around and work with, especially during difficult times that necessitate the need to hire a probate lawyer. I recommend you hire John Crane."
Probate Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"John is a highly skilled Probate professional. He is warm, genuine, and cares deeply about his clients. I can recommend to any of my family and know they will be taken care of by his firm. Because of his passion and skill, I recommend John without reservation."
Guardianship Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. John is a fantastic lawyer. Very professional and knowledgeable in the area of guardianship and probate. John is well respected in the community as an exceptional attorney."