Scheduling Open
24x7
Location
6671 Southwest Fwy, Ste 490-A
By Appointment Only

Probate Litigation in Houston, Texas

Houston Probate Litigation Attorneys

Common Probate Disputes Handled by Probate Litigation Attorneys in Houston, TX

Probate litigation often involves:

  • Litigation to dispute the validity of wills on the basis of incapacity of the testator, undue influence over the testator, defective execution of the will, forgery, etc.
  • Trust litigation to challenge or defend the construction of a trust or the actions of a trustee.
  • Will construction proceedings on behalf of fiduciaries or beneficiaries to clarify ambiguity in a will.
  • Fiduciary litigation to challenge the actions of an executor or trustee in managing the financial affairs of the estate or trust.
  • Accounting proceedings to challenge or defend the management of an estate or trust.
  • Fiduciary removal proceedings to remove a trustee, remove an executor, or remove a guardian because of misconduct or incompetence.
  • Spousal rights proceedings to question or establish the rights of a spouse to inherit, and to analyze the validity of prenuptial and antenuptial agreements.
  • Kinship proceedings to question or establish the inheritance rights of more distant relatives.
  • Claims proceedings to establish who has a claim on assets of an estate (such as business partners or creditors).
  • Disputes over life insurance beneficiary designation forms.

There are specific time limits and procedures for bringing claims. The Houston probate court focuses on carrying out the decedent’s wishes and ensuring that the Texas probate laws are followed.

Avoiding Probate Litigation When Possible

The burdens on a family after a loved one’s death can feel immense. It is a difficult time for those managing both their grief and the legal aspects of an estate. Fearing that your loved one’s final wishes are not being carried out can make the situation even more complicated. Many families wonder what rights they have and what can be done. You may not want to get into a legal battle—it is a common worry that litigation will be costly and time-consuming, or that the effort will be all for nothing in the end.

Our experienced probate mediation and litigation attorneys in Houston, Texas strive to help you and your family resolve your loved one’s estate as effectively as possible. Even if you don’t live in Houston, our legal team can be your advocate in court, working to ensure that your loved one’s wishes are carried out and your rights are protected.

Litigating Probate Matters When Necessary

We have represented clients in will contests, sometimes in support of a propounded will and on other occasions to object to a will.  We have also participated in proceedings to construe and reform wills, in contested accounting proceedings and in tax proceedings. 

Our estate litigation attorneys enjoy a reputation for sound advice, efficiency, and practicality. Our first and foremost goal will always be to achieve the best possible result for our clients. Quite frequently, we are able to settle such proceedings without trials after taking into account the merits of the positions advanced by respective parties and the tax rules applicable.

Our Houston Probate Attorneys provide a full range of probate services to our clients, including helping with probate disputes and litigation. Affordable rates, fixed fees, and payment plans are available. We provide step-by-step instructions, guidance, checklists, and more for completing the probate process. We have years of combined experience we can use to support and guide you with probate and estate matters.

FREE CONSULTATION

Disclaimer:  The content of this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice and should not be acted upon without consulting a qualified probate attorney.

FREE CONSULTATION

  • Common Law Marriage & the Race to the Courthouse When the First Spouse Dies

    Common Law Marriage & the Race to the Courthouse When the First Spouse Dies

    The statistics show that fewer and fewer people are getting married.  It is much more common for those who are in a relationship to simply forego the legal or formal process to get married.  This can have a number of unforeseen consequences. Take the case of a couple who held themselves out as being married…


  • Can a Sibling Be Appointed Guardian Over the Wishes of the Sibling’s Spouse?

    Can a Sibling Be Appointed Guardian Over the Wishes of the Sibling’s Spouse?

    The term “guardianship” refers to the court supervision of an incapacitated person. The court appoints a guardian and grants them legal authority to make personal and/or financial decisions for the incapacitated person.  This can be needed if, for example, the incapacitated person owes debts to others. This can be a lengthy process and it can…


  • Probate Disputes Can Result from Ambiguous Language in Deeds

    Probate Disputes Can Result from Ambiguous Language in Deeds

    Lifetime gifts of real estate generally pass outside of the probate process, as they pass prior to probate. However, these transfers are often not discovered until the death of the property owner. This is why these disputes are often part of the probate process. Probate disputes often involve disputes over property that was purportedly or…