Scott K. Boates is a Texas probate attorney licensed since 1992. He was born in Sinton, Texas in 1963, and is a graduate of Calallen High in Corpus Christi, Texas. His educational background is as follows:
*Bachelor of Science, Political Science, University of Houston, 1988 *Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Houston, 1988 *Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Houston Law Center, 1991
Practice Philosophy
Scott K. Boates follows a personal morality emphasizing service to others. He also draws upon his personal experience in litigation while serving others in his practice. Probate litigation is unique because it concerns disputes over the rights and protection of people who cannot protect themselves. Indeed, Probate Courts exist because of the notion that government must act to defend the defenseless.
Lawsuits in probate Court often involve conflict over the personal and financial affairs of living people suffering severe mental decline. They cannot protect themselves. These people are vulnerable to all kinds of danger, including the danger we bring into our own lives as our judgment wains with time and aging.
It’s not unusual to find that the root of danger to an aging person involves a dishonest adult child, care giver, neighbor, professional advisor or "newest best friend." Perhaps Adult Protective Services has entered the case, or a physician has suggested some form of mental health treatment or commitment. Regardless, the ramifications from such cases can ripple across generations and throughout families.
Mr. Boates knows that litigation is not therapy. Nor are Courts, lawyers or others involved in litigation therapists. Probate litigation often focuses upon the "best interests" of vulnerable people, but that doesn’t make any of us (including the doctors and behavioral health types) experts on what is truly best for another human being. But when we focus upon certain core principles – the importance of personal freedom, privacy, and individuality – there is hope that the lawyers, family members and doctors might actually do more good than harm.
All litigation stirs base personal issues involving pride, greed and other dark truths about our nature. But we shouldn’t be ruled by our darkest nature. Mr. Boates’ approach to all litigation is to control the costs, control the hostility, and accomplish the end that allows us all to better serve one another. Ultimately, that’s in the best interests of everyone.
Scott K. Boates offers 14 years experience in probate and estate litigation. If his approach is right for you, then call him.
