Our Staff

M. Elizabeth Raxter

Certified Elder Law Attorney

Elizabeth Raxter is one of thirty-one Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELA) in the State of Texas. She is certified as a CELA by the National Elder Law Foundation and her certification is recognized by the State Bar of Texas and the American Bar Association. Ms. Raxter is also certified in Guardianship by the State Bar of Texas for representation in guardianship cases and court appointment. 

Ms. Raxter specializes in Wills and Trusts, Probate, Guardianship, Real Estate, Asset Protection, Business Start Up and Generational Transfers, Long Term Care Planning, Special Needs and Public Benefits. Ms. Raxter frequently speaks to community groups regarding Elder Law issues, Asset Protection and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

Ms. Raxter received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and her Juris Doctorate degree from University of Hawaii. Ms. Raxter is licensed to practice law in Texas, Arkansas and Hawaii. She lives in Lockhart, Texas.

Memberships & Activities

• State Bar of Texas (2005 – present)
  • Member of Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section
• Hawaii State Bar Association (1998 – present)
  • Member of Elder Law Section
• Arkansas Bar Association (2011 – present)
• Member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and the NAELA-Texas Chapter
• Serves on the Board of Directors for National Elder Law Foundation
• Of Counsel with Texas Trust Law 
• Member of Beta Sigma Phi, community sorority
• Member of Central Texas Advocates for Seniors
• Member of Lockhart Evening Lions Club
• Serves on the Board of Directors for Community Action for Central Texas

Recognition & Awards

• Recognized by the Texas Bar College for Professionalism through Education
• Voted Senior Resource Guide’s Best Elder Law Attorney in 2015 and 2018
• Voted Best Attorney in Caldwell County in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021
• Voted Office with Best Staff in Caldwell County in 2021

April Garsson

Attorney

April joins our firm as an attorney whose passion for special needs families and Elder Law drives her entire practice of estate planning. Beginning her law career with Jones Day over twenty years ago, April represented major corporate clients in litigation. After several years, April broadened her legal practice to include estate planning with an emphasis on planning for children and adults with special needs. Her interest in special needs planning comes from being a mother of an adult with autism. April’s experience with her son has given her firsthand knowledge of the unique circumstances that special needs individuals face daily.  

April’s passion, attention to detail, and client-focused perspective help her in providing legacy planning strategies that ensure the happiness, health, and well-being of the elderly and special needs individuals for years to come.

April is a Louisiana State University Honors Graduate and Phi Beta Kappa Life Member. She graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law at Little Rock where she was the Editor-in-Chief of the UALR Law Journal. April is a member of the Texas State Bar, the Austin Bar Association, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).  She is passionate about her special needs community and has served in advisory board roles for the Autism Trust and Austinhaven.

Clara Peterson

Paralegal

Clara Peterson is a native Texan from Hondo. She has been employed as a paralegal with the Law Office of M. Elizabeth Raxter since 2008. Clara brings 14 years of experience and astute attention to detail in conducting research, drafting documents, and preparing for court hearings. Clara promotes confidence in assisting families and the legal team with gifting and estate planning. Her compassionate demeanor sets families’ minds at ease when assisting them to navigate unexpected circumstances that arise in life.

Clara takes particular interest in keeping abreast of the legal rules affecting Caldwell County real property transfers. Clara is a trusted leader in our community having been asked to serve with various community groups handling real property issues involving county bonds, eminent domain, and legal rules for property division.

When not at the office Clara enjoys volunteer work for the Caldwell County Community and Gaslight-Baker Theatre, reading, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Amber Royall

Office Manager & Bookkeeper

Amber Royall is the office manager and bookkeeper. She brings over 20 years of administrative experience in office management and accounting. Amber joined our team in 2020. Behind her beautiful smile is a woman who is passionate about getting to know our clients and making sure they receive quality service and attention. She also maintains accounts payable, receivables, and assists with monthly billing.

Amber has been a resident of Luling for most of her life and enjoys serving her community. She is happily married to her husband, Charles Royall, for 21 years and is the mother four amazing boys, Clayton, Carson, Cade and Cooper. She is an active member of the McNeil Baptist Church. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.