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Robert S. Griffin

Robert S. Griffin

Griffin, Cain & Herbig Attorneys at Law, PPLC
  • Probate, Estate Planning, Tax Law ...
  • Texas
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Biography

Robert 'Bob' Griffin
Partner

I am Robert 'Bob' Griffin, a trial attorney operating in the Conroe and Greater Houston Area. I represent individuals, businesses, beneficiaries, and administrators who are in search of prompt and effective resolutions to complex issues. From the outset of your case, I leverage my courtroom experience to your advantage, ensuring I am a steadfast advocate should you need to present your case in court.

My legal practice is geared towards assisting start-ups, small businesses, construction litigation, automotive issues, and medical technology. Additionally, I handle estate planning and probate litigation.

I have been practicing law for over a decade. I hold certificates in both international commercial arbitration and mediation from the A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center at the University of Houston Law Center. I graduated cum laude from the University of Houston Law Center and magna cum laude from the Honors College at the University of Houston, where I double majored in economics and political science. I am also a member of the Texas Bar College and frequently deliver lectures on firearms law and negotiation.

Practice Areas
Probate
Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
Estate Planning
Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Tax Law
Criminal Tax Litigation, Estate Tax Planning, Sales Taxes, Tax Planning
Business Law
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Arbitration & Mediation
Business - Arbitration/Mediation, Consumer - Arbitration/Mediation, Family - Arbitration/Mediation
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Call today to reserve a free Consultation *Use Code "JUSTIA25" during booking (936) 539-1011
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Flat Fee Services – Probate and Estate Planning Flat Fees, or a set price for services rendered, is an attractive way to minimize expenses while gaining certainty. Not every case is suitable for a flat fee, sometimes the flat fee is too expensive, and other times it does not allow for adequate representation. However, there are a few case types which often work well in the flat fee model. These fees do not cover tax filings or further real property work as necessary. These fees are inclusive of filing fees and recording fees but are not inclusive of travel expenses. https://www.griffinandcain.com/probate-and-estate/probate-and-estate-planning-flat-fee-services
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Texas
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Languages
  • English
Professional Experience
Partner
Griffin, Cain & Herbig Attorneys at Law, PLLC
- Current
Education
University of Houston - Main Campus
B.S. | Economics and Political Science
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
University of Houston - Main Campus Logo
University of Houston - Main Campus
J.D. (2012)
University of Houston - Main Campus Logo
Awards
Texas Bar College
State Bar of Texas
Award and Scholarship for Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Law
Houston Bar Association
Outstanding Success in Wills, Trusts, Estate Administration and Estate Planning
University of Houston Law Center
Scholarship and Certificate given for high marks in a series of courses with a focus on that area of practice.
Professional Associations
Texas State Bar
Member
Current
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Speaking Engagements
Methods in Negotiation for Engineers, Masters Course on Practical Medical Device Design, University of Texas San Antonio
College of Mechanical Engineering
Certifications
Mediation
A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center - UH Law Center
Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Repair
EPA
International Arbitration
A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center - UH Law Center
Websites & Blogs
Website
Robert S. Griffin's Website Profile
Blog
Attorney Blogs
Legal Answers
4 Questions Answered
Q. How to resolve title issues for a car with a defunct title loan company?
A: This is a challenging scenario you face. You have a couple options; and unfortunately this is not legal advice, as a lot more facts would have to be known. If there was a probate opened for the boss's wife's father (BWF) that could be very useful for this - but given the title loan, no likely.

First, the deceased individual's who the title is in the name of could complete a form VTR-262. However, ALL heirs to BWF would have to sign this document in front of a notary. You would also complete the other transaction documents. Then, you would go to the tax office - and well - see what they say about the lienholder. It is not uncommon that an entity has purchased the notes/loans of the previous lienholder. However, the tax office may have more information regarding that situation. There are legal methods for handling unresponsive or missing lienholders, but that is often a detailed analysis and at some point can involve a J.P. action.

Second, you can apply for a bonded title. A bonded title is a moderately complex process wherein you state you have purchased the car for value, and that the title cannot be transferred for whatever reason, and that a title should be issued to you. You would then post a bond with the state, and if someone claims the title - court can get involved - but the bond should protect them.

Third, and not likely ideal, is you can attempt to sell the motor vehicle to a dealer, see what price they would give you for it, and then use those funds to purchase a different vehicle.

Fourth, open an administration (probate) for BWF and have the executor act as BWF and handle the lien issue directly.
... Read More
Q. Can I distribute funds from a joint account according to my father's will and handle unallocated shares without probate?
A: What a familiar looking question.

I am not your lawyer, and having a lawyer to prepare and draft certain documents - while avoiding probate - could be prudent given that level of cash on hand.

Since six percent is missed in the Will; I'd focus on getting an agreement amongst all the siblings as to what to do with that six percent. That being said, if there are expenses that total approximately six percent, such as funeral, legal, or the like; then utilize that six percent for those expenses - and make sure everyone is okay with that.

In the alternative, I'd take that six percent, and divide it proportionally amongst the siblings - there a few ways to do this calculation. For example, it seems that approximately $12,000.00 will be left, let us say one sibling receives a 10% share; well multiply 10% x $12,000.00; meaning that sibling gets an additional $1,200.00. You will still have about $720.00 left on that method, so perhaps everyone should go have a nice dinner on Dad; and that amount could cover the expense - or repeat the calculation until there's a few cents left; and flip a coin as to who gets the final portion.

Regardless, on a fact set like this, getting everyone's agreement that it was done right is the best choice, and getting that agreement in writing is a very wise thing to do.
... Read More
Q. Executor of father's will with 6% unallocated cash: Legal guidelines?
A: It seems like there is a disconnect between the concept of probate and non-probate assets; and whether or not the Will is being probated, or not. Furthermore, the executor only has power if the Will is probated and a Court issues letters of administration or testamentary.

A Will only controls probate assets. Non-probate assets include joint accounts with a right of survivorship. However, it is very common in families that non-probate assets are distributed according to the Will, even if the Will is never probated.

I am not certain if your father has passed away or not; but I will assume that the 6% unallocated cash would be a probate asset - an asset requiring the filing an application for probate of will. Generally, in a well drafted will, there is something called a 'Residuary Clause'.

A residuary clause in a will specifies how the remaining assets of an estate are distributed after all specific bequests (such as percentage allocation of funds), debts, taxes, and expenses have been paid. It acts as a catch-all, ensuring that any leftover property or assets, including those not explicitly mentioned in the will or acquired later, are distributed according to your father's wishes. Commonly, these clauses leave the 'residue' to the children or listed beneficiaries in the Will.

If there is not a residuary clause, that is significantly more challenging, and that would require a close inspection of the Will and some analysis of the family to determine the best course of action.

Regardless, if all of the natural heirs come to an agreement, and said agreement is in writing, then the signed and written agreement of the natural heirs should be sufficient to resolve the problem.
... Read More
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Contact & Map
Griffin, Cain & Herbig Attorneys at Law, PLLC
400 West Davis Street
Suite 200
Conroe, TX 77301
US
Telephone: (936) 539-1011
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 12 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed