Probate Litigation Attorney Fort Worth

Support When A Texas Estate Becomes A Dispute

A loved one has passed away, and instead of a smooth estate process, you are facing questions, tension, or outright conflict. You may worry that a will is not valid, that a trustee or executor is not acting fairly, or that you are being left in the dark about what is happening in probate court. In moments like this, having a steady probate litigation attorney to explain your options and protect your rights can make a difficult situation more manageable.

At Crain & Wooley, our work focuses on wills, trusts, and probate matters for families across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. When disagreements arise, we help clients understand what Texas law allows, what evidence matters, and which paths toward resolution may fit their goals. Our attorneys emphasize clear explanations, patient guidance, and responsive communication so you are not navigating a contested estate alone.

To discuss your situation, call (972) 945-1610 or contact our office to schedule a consultation.

We regularly assist families connected with Tarrant County probate courts and offer by-appointment services tied to Fort Worth, in addition to our offices in Plano and Mansfield. Whether you are local or managing a dispute from outside the area, we work to make each step of the process clear and understandable.

Contested Probate Matters We Handle

Probate litigation arises when there is a legal dispute over a will, trust, or the way an estate or guardianship is being handled. These conflicts often play out in the probate and estate courts that serve Fort Worth and can involve complex family histories and significant assets. Our role is to help you understand where your situation fits within Texas probate law and what options you have to protect your interests.

In some cases, the question is whether a will truly reflects the person’s wishes. In others, concerns center on how an executor, administrator, or trustee is managing assets or communicating with beneficiaries. Disputes may also involve questions about rights under Texas inheritance law inheritance law. We work to separate legal issues from emotion so you can make informed decisions.

Common probate and estate disputes we address include:

• Questions about the validity of a will, such as alleged undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper signing
• Challenges involving trusts, including how a trustee invests, distributes, or reports on trust assets
• Claims that an executor or administrator has mismanaged estate property or failed to follow court requirements
• Disputes among heirs or beneficiaries about who is entitled to inherit under Texas law
• Concerns about gifts or transfers made shortly before death that changed the expected distribution
• Disagreements over accountings, access to information, or the timing of distributions from an estate

Every contested case is fact specific. Our attorneys take time to review relevant documents, such as wills, trust agreements, prior amendments, and accountings, along with the history of the family relationships. We then explain how Texas probate rules may apply, so you can decide whether negotiation, mediation, or formal litigation is the right path for your circumstances.

How We Guide You Through Probate Litigation

When you first contact our firm about a contested estate, we start by listening. We want to understand what has happened so far, what documents exist, where the estate is being handled, and what you believe is unfair or improper. If a probate matter is already on file in a Tarrant County probate court, we review the status of that case and discuss how the court process generally works in that setting.

Next, we gather and review the available paperwork, which often includes wills, trust instruments, deeds, financial statements, and prior correspondence. We then walk you through the legal options that Texas law typically provides in similar disputes. Our goal is to explain these options in everyday language, outline potential benefits and risks, and help you weigh how each path aligns with your priorities, whether that is preserving relationships, protecting an inheritance, or ensuring that a fiduciary is held to their obligations.

Communication is central to how we work. Clients tell us that one of their biggest frustrations with legal matters is not knowing what is happening. We take that concern seriously. Our firm has built in a responsiveness promise, including a money-back guarantee tied to our communication on important matters, because we want you to feel heard and informed. When court hearings, deadlines, or negotiations are coming up, we strive to keep you updated so there are fewer surprises.

We also understand that costs matter, especially when you are weighing whether to move forward with a probate litigation lawyer. Our proactive planning services, such as wills and trusts, are generally offered at flat, clearly stated rates so you know upfront what to expect. Contested or reactive matters, including litigation, are typically billed differently because the time and complexity can vary significantly. Before you decide how to proceed, we explain how we structure fees for your type of case, what factors can influence total cost, and how we work to keep you informed about the financial side of your decision.

Throughout the process, we stand beside you in communications with opposing parties, in settlement discussions, and in court settings connected with Fort Worth and the surrounding area. Whether your matter ultimately resolves through agreement or requires rulings from a judge, we work to protect your rights and to keep your long-term goals at the center of each decision.

Why Fort Worth Families Choose Our Firm

Families involved in contested probate matters often want more than a lawyer who knows the rules. They want a team that understands the bigger picture of estate planning, family dynamics, long-term care, and tax issues that may run underneath the dispute. At Crain & Wooley, our practice focuses on estate planning, probate, Medicaid planning, business succession, and related fields, so most disputes we see grow out of planning and strategies that we work with every day.

Our Dallas–Fort Worth presence allows us to support clients with ties to Fort Worth, whether they live nearby or are managing an estate from another city. We maintain offices in Plano and Mansfield and provide by-appointment service connected to Fort Worth so you can meet with us in person when that makes sense. For many families, virtual meetings are a practical solution, particularly when multiple heirs live in different parts of Texas or out of state.

We also focus on long-term relationships, not one-time transactions. Many of our planning clients choose our lifetime guarantee option, in which their estate planning documents can be reviewed and updated over time. Keeping plans current can reduce the risk of the very disputes you may be facing now. For families already in conflict, this long-term mindset means we pay close attention to how today’s decisions may affect future planning and family stability.

Our team is committed to ongoing learning and professionalism. We are involved with organizations such as Texas Bar College, ElderCounsel, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. These affiliations reflect our engagement with the legal and ethical standards that govern estate and elder law work. Combined with our client education programs, including seminars and guides, they help our clients feel more confident that they are receiving informed and thoughtful guidance.

Families often tell us these qualities matter most when choosing a probate litigation lawyer Fort Worth counts on:

• Clear and predictable flat-rate pricing for proactive planning, with fee structures for contested matters explained before you commit
• A focus on estate-related work, so your dispute is handled by a firm that spends its time on wills, trusts, probate, and elder law issues
• An emphasis on education and communication, so you always understand what is happening and what choices you have
• Flexible meeting options, including in-person and virtual scheduling, for families spread across the Dallas–Fort Worth region

When you combine these factors, you get a team that strives to handle not just the legal side of your case, but also the stress and uncertainty that come with contested estates. We work to earn your trust by being transparent, responsive, and focused on what matters most to you.

What To Do If A Probate Dispute Arises

Probate conflicts can develop quickly, sometimes before you have had time to absorb your loss. Taking a few practical steps early can help protect your legal position and may reduce the intensity of the dispute. Acting sooner rather than later can be especially important if a case is already pending in a Tarrant County probate court, since deadlines can affect your rights.

Start by gathering the documents and information you already have. This often includes copies of wills, amendments, trust documents, financial statements, and prior correspondence about the estate. Avoid signing any agreements, releases, or disclaimers without understanding what they mean in the context of Texas probate law, and be cautious about relying solely on verbal assurances from another family member or fiduciary.

Helpful steps if you believe something is wrong with an estate or trust include:

• Collecting copies of any wills, codicils, trust instruments, or beneficiary designations you can locate
• Making notes about key dates, such as when your loved one passed away and when you first learned about the will or probate filing
• Saving emails, letters, and texts that relate to the estate, especially those that mention property, distributions, or prior promises
• Observing how an executor or trustee communicates and whether they provide accountings or information when requested
• Avoiding confrontations that could escalate family conflict or harm relationships you wish to preserve
• Scheduling a consultation with a probate litigation attorney Fort Worth families can turn to for an explanation of their rights

When you meet with our team, we review the information you have collected, talk through the family history, and discuss what outcome you hope to achieve. We then outline potential approaches, which may include seeking more information, exploring settlement discussions, using mediation, or filing formal pleadings in the probate court that is handling the matter. Our aim is to give you a clearer picture of your options so you can move forward with confidence.

If you are unsure whether your concerns rise to the level of a legal dispute, a conversation can still be valuable. We can often explain what typically happens in similar situations in the Fort Worth area, which signs may point toward a legal problem, and what steps might help you avoid unnecessary escalation. To discuss your situation, you can call (972) 945-1610 and speak with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have grounds to contest a will?

You may have grounds if there are legitimate questions about capacity, undue influence, fraud, or whether the document was executed properly. We review the facts, the document, and the surrounding circumstances and then explain how Texas law typically treats similar situations, so you can decide whether to move forward.

How much does probate litigation usually cost?

Costs depend on the complexity of the dispute, how many parties are involved, and whether the case settles or goes through extensive hearings. Our planning work is usually flat-rate, but contested matters are typically billed differently. We explain likely fee structures and discuss what may affect total cost before you decide.

Will my probate dispute have to go to trial?

Many contested probate cases resolve through negotiation or mediation instead of a full trial, although some do require court rulings. We discuss settlement options whenever appropriate and prepare for court when needed. Our goal is to pursue a path that fits your objectives and the specific facts of your case.

How long do contested probate cases take?

Timelines vary based on court schedules, complexity, and how quickly the parties exchange information and consider settlement. Some matters resolve in a few months, while others take longer. We can give you a general sense of timing after reviewing your situation and keep you updated as your case progresses.

How will your team keep me informed?

We focus on clear, timely communication. Our firm has a responsiveness promise, including a money-back guarantee tied to important communications, and we work to return calls and messages promptly. We also explain upcoming steps, hearings, and decisions so you always know what is happening with your case.

Talk With Our Team About Your Probate Dispute

If you are facing a conflict over a will, trust, or estate connected to Fort Worth, you do not have to sort through it alone. Meeting with our attorneys gives you a chance to tell your story, understand how Texas law may apply, and explore practical options for protecting your interests.

At Crain & Wooley, we combine a focus on estate-related work with client education, transparent planning fees, and a strong commitment to responsive communication. Whether your matter is just beginning or already pending in a Tarrant County probate court, we work to provide clear guidance and steady support through every stage. To schedule a consultation with a probate litigation lawyer, call our office today.

Call (972) 945-1610 or  schedule a consultation to speak with a probate litigation attorney today.