What We Do at Dismuke & Waters

At Dismuke & Waters, we serve as long-term legal partners for individuals, families, and family-owned businesses. We understand that legal planning is about more than documents and transactions. It’s about protecting the people, values, and legacies that matter most across generations.

With decades of combined experience, our attorneys provide thoughtful guidance during life’s milestones and transitions, offering clarity, stability, and peace of mind at every stage.

Our areas of practice include:



• Estate Planning – Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and customized planning designed to protect loved ones and preserve family legacies
• Probate, Estate Administration & Guardianship – Compassionate guidance through probate and estate administration, as well as guardianship proceedings to care for and protect vulnerable family members
• Asset Protection Planning – Proactive strategies to help families safeguard assets and plan responsibly for the future
• Business & Tax Planning – Trusted counsel for family-owned businesses on formation, growth, succession, and tax-efficient structures
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Transactions – Thoughtful representation for families and business owners navigating the purchase or sale of a business, with an emphasis on continuity, legacy, and long-term goals
• Real Estate Law – Legal support for residential and commercial real estate transactions, including family investments and legacy properties

We take the time to truly understand our clients’ stories, relationships, and priorities. Many of our client relationships span years and generations, allowing us to anticipate needs, adapt plans over time, and provide steady counsel that families can rely on now and in the future.

It's Tax Time. Are You Ready?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBBA”) has significant implications for estate planning. The bill repealed the sunsetting estate tax provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “TCJA”). As a result, the OBBBA made the increased federal estate tax exclusion and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exclusion permanent.

By eliminating the scheduled reduction in exclusion amounts set to occur in 2026 under the TCJA, the OBBBA removes a major source of uncertainty for individuals and families. This added stability allows for more predictable, long-term estate planning strategies and enables individuals and families to more confidently leverage the increased exclusion amounts for lifetime gifts or transfers to trusts.

How Does OBBBA Impact Your Long-Term Plan?