Charles Merton Reed, Probate Attorney in Houston, Texas
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Probate and Tax
Houston, TX
Practicing probate in Houston since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Charles Merton Reed?
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Quick answer
Charles Merton Reed is an attorney based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Probate and Tax. Charles has over 38 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Houston, TX
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Probate · Tax
- Handles Probate and Tax matters from Houston, TX.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Charles Merton Reed: Charles Merton Reed is an attorney based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Probate and Tax. Charles has over 38 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Charles takes on
Charles concentrates on probate and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Probate cases in Houston, Texas
Charles takes probate matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Houston, Texas
Charles takes tax matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Charles Merton Reed — probate lawyer in Houston
Charles Merton Reed is an attorney based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Probate and Tax. Charles has over 38 years of legal experience.
Mr. Charles Merton Reed is a lawyer practicing taxation law, probate law. Charles received a B.B.A. degree from University of Texas in 1980, and has been licensed for 38 years. Charles practices in Houston, TX.
Working with Charles on a probate matter
Mr. Charles Merton Reed is a lawyer practicing taxation law, probate law. Charles received a B.B.A. degree from University of Texas in 1980, and has been licensed for 38 years. Charles practices in Houston, TX.
Who Charles represents
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for probate and tax matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Houston
J.D. · 1988
University of Texas
B.B.A. · 1980
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
Texas
1988 · ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in University of Houston and B.B.A. in University of Texas.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in University of Houston and B.B.A. in University of Texas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Charles Merton Reed's office in Houston
Charles's primary office is at 5851 San Felipe St Ste 425, Houston, TX, 77057-8018. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles Merton Reed
Charles has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Charles Merton Reed — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new probate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a probate attorney in Houston, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many probate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Charles
Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in probate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every probate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many probate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Charles Merton Reed
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a probate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some probate attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.
How long do probate cases in Texas typically take?
Simple probate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Houston?
Charles is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Charles will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Charles?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new probate clients right now?
Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Probate attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
Charles handles probate matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified probate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated probate attorneys in Texas
If Charles's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these probate attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





