Rachelle N. Maldonado
Associate
Rachelle Maldonado focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and probate administration, and guardianships. She partners with individuals and families to create comprehensive estate plans, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. Rachelle guides clients through trust administration and probate proceedings, working to facilitate efficient asset transfers while minimizing tax exposure.
Drawing from her background in tax strategy and compliance, Rachelle brings particular value to clients with complex financial portfolios and business interests. Her experience spans multiple industries, including energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing, where she has conducted detailed financial analysis and substantiated complex tax positions. This business-focused perspective enables her to craft sophisticated, tax-efficient estate planning strategies that address both personal and commercial considerations.
Rachelle is known for her thorough, client-centered approach to estate planning. She recognizes that effective planning extends beyond asset protection to encompass family dynamics and long-term relationship preservation. Her commitment to clear communication and careful attention to detail helps ensure that clients’ estate plans reflect their values and objectives while minimizing potential areas of conflict.
Affiliations
- Member, State Bar of Texas
- Member, Texas Probate Law American Inn of Court
- Member, Houston Estate Planning and Financial Forum
- Member, Houston Young Lawyers Association
Community Involvement
- Board of Directors, Christian Community Service Center Back to School Program
- Co-Chair, Christian Community Service Center Azalea Gala Committee
- Co-Chair, Fresh Arts Annual Gala
- Member, UPWARD Women
Presentations and Publications
- Co-author, “Navigating Jurisdictional Complexities and the Emerging Framework for Guardian-Initiated Divorce in Texas,” Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists (TAFLS) Family Law Forum, Vol. 42, Issue 2 (Summer 2025)
- Speaker, “Special Needs Trusts: Essential Planning Considerations,” Houston Estate Planning and Financial Forum Study Group (February 25, 2025)
- Speaker, “Common Estate Planning Mistakes: What to Avoid,” Houston Estate Planning and Financial Forum Study Group (November 20, 2024)
- Speaker, “Navigating the Probate Process: A Practical Guide,” Houston Estate Planning and Financial Forum Study Group (May 8, 2024)
- Speaker “Estate Planning Considerations for Blended Families,” Houston Estate Planning and Financial Forum Study Group (November 30, 2023)