Atty. Joy M. Eckelkamp
Joy M. Eckelkamp’s practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, special needs planning, guardianship, probate, trust administration, and fiduciary representation.
Profile Summary
About Joy M. Eckelkamp at a glance
Joy M. Eckelkamp is a trusts and elder law attorney based in Houston, Texas, practicing at Bentley & Eckelkamp PLLC. They have 27+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1999. Admitted to practice in Texas, State Bar of Texas (1999). Educated at South Texas College of Law Houston (J.D., 1999) and Austin College (B.A. in Political Science & Communication Art, 1994). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Elder Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Serands clients in Houston, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Joy M. Eckelkamp’s practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, special needs planning, guardianship, probate, trust administration, and fiduciary representation
- She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) with the National Elder Law Foundation and has been recognized with the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer-Reviewed rating for excellence in legal practice
- While attending South Texas College of Law Joy was awarded the Inaugural Lyndon B. Johnson Civil Rights Award
- Joy is a Super Lawyer and was awarded Best Lawyers in America, as well as Best Lawyers - Women in Law
- Prior to founding Bentley & Eckelkamp, PLLC, Joy was a Shareholder at a local estates and trust firm and also a Trust Officer at a national bank administering trusts, including special needs trusts
- Joy is a graduate of Austin College, located in Sherman, Texas, home to the mighty Kangaroos
- She is a native Houstonian, has four children, and enjoys traveling and all things outdoors
- Joy has a close connection to Guatemala where two of her children started life and visits often, serving the home country that allowed her family to grow.She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and has served as an officer and board member of the NAELA Texas Chapter
- Joy is passionate about simplifying the legal process and helping families make informed choices with confidence
- She believes that estate planning isn’t just about documents—it’s about peace of mind, ensuring that clients feel confident and well-informed about their options
Practice Areas Explained
Joy M. Eckelkamp's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Joy M. Eckelkamp handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Joy M. Eckelkamp is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Texas →
Elder law attorneys for Medicaid planning, long-term care, guardianship, conservatorship, and elder abuse.
Joy M. Eckelkamp is one of 53,430 elder law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse elder law attorneys in Texas →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Texas
Practicing law in Texas. Legal matters in Texas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Houston are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Texas state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Texas brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Texas courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Houston or all attorneys in Texas.
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