About Don Duane Ford
Don Duane Ford III is a managing partner at Ford + Bergner LLP, located at 700 Louisiana Street, 48th Floor, Houston, Texas, 77002. He has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1997. The firm specializes in estate planning, probate, and guardianship matters—areas where Mr. Ford has developed extensive expertise over nearly three decades. His legal career is marked by a commitment to helping clients navigate complex legal fields related to their estates and family matters. Mr. Ford earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Baylor University School of Law in 1997.
During his time at Baylor, he focused on business planning, estate planning, and probate law, laying a strong foundation for his future practice. Prior to obtaining his J.D., he completed a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Accounting from Baylor University in 1994. This educational background in both law and business provides him with a unique perspective on the financial implications of estate planning and probate issues. In 2010, Mr. Ford achieved board certification in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This prestigious distinction is awarded to attorneys who demonstrate exceptional competence in their field. Additionally, in 2009, he completed certification to serve as a mediator in probate and guardianship cases, attending the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law.
This training enhances his ability to resolve disputes amicably, which is often crucial in sensitive family matters. Over his 29-year career, Mr. Ford has been involved in more than 1,200 probate cases, 600 estate planning cases, and 400 guardianship cases. His experience allows him to provide clients with informed guidance tailored to their specific situations. Since 2006, he has served on the Guardianship Certification Board, where he was elected Chair of the Rules Committee during its inaugural meeting. His leadership role in this board supports his improving guardianship practices in Texas. Active in the legal community, Mr.
Ford is also a member of the Houston Bar Association's Probate, Trust, and Estate Section. Since 2000, he has been on the editorial board of The Houston Lawyer Magazine, contributing to discussions on important legal issues. Fluent in English, he has been recognized for his high ethical standards, receiving an AV Preeminent Peer Review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This recognition shows his dedication to maintaining integrity and professionalism in his practice.
