About Us

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
‍Elder Law
Estate Planning
Trust and Estate Administration
Special Needs Planning, including public benefits planning
Guardianship
Fiduciary Representation and Trust and Estates Accounting

‍Education
‍South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas
Juris Doctorate, 1999
Austin College, Sherman Texas
B.A. in Political Science & Communication Arts, 1994

‍Certifications
‍Texas Attorney Licensed by the State Bar of Texas 1999
Certified as an Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation 2013
State Bar of Texas Certified Attorney Ad Litem / Guardian Ad Litem

‍Honors and Awards
‍Listed, Thompson Reuters Super Lawyer (recognized since 2021)
Listed, Thompson Reuters Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” (2008 and 2010)
Listed, H Texas Magazine “Top Lawyer” for Elder Law (2023)
Best Lawyers (recognized since 2022), including Best Women Lawyers

‍Affiliations
‍Member, Houston Bar Association and serving Co-Chair of the Elder Law Committee
Member, Fort Bend County Bar Association
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Texas Chapter (Past-President)
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Member, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section, State Bar of Texas
Member, Probate, Trust and Estates Section, Houston Bar Association 
Member, Disability and Elder Law Attorneys Association (Past-President)

‍Bar Admissions
‍State Bar of Texas, 1999