Dealing with the loss of a loved one is hard enough. Adding a legal dispute on top of that can make an already difficult time feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, probate—the court process of handling someone’s estate—often brings up disagreements. Sometimes it’s about whether a will is valid. Other times, it’s about how the executor is handling their duties, or about conflicts between beneficiaries.
At the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC, I work with families and individuals across Texas who are facing these kinds of probate disputes. As a probate litigation attorney, my job is to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and guide you through a process that can be both legally and emotionally complex.
Probate is supposed to be straightforward: the court oversees distribution of the estate, the executor follows the will or state law, and beneficiaries receive what’s due to them. But life rarely plays out that neatly. Here are a few common situations where litigation comes into play:
Not everyone agrees on whether a will reflects the true wishes of the person who passed away. Questions may come up about whether the will was signed under pressure, whether the person was mentally capable at the time, or whether a newer will exists. A contested will lawyer helps sort through these issues in court.
The executor of an estate has a duty to act in good faith and follow the law. If they mismanage funds, delay unnecessarily, or favor one beneficiary over another, disputes often arise. In these cases, litigation may be necessary to hold the executor accountable or even have them removed.
Even when a will is clear, conflicts between family members can surface. One sibling may feel they’re not being treated fairly. Another might accuse the executor of hiding assets. These conflicts can escalate quickly and require a probate dispute attorney to resolve.
When someone passes away without a will, Texas law decides who inherits. That process can stir up arguments, especially in blended families or where relationships are strained.
In my experience, probate disputes aren’t just about money. They’re often tied up in grief, family history, or old conflicts that resurface when emotions are high.
I’ve seen families who were close drift apart because of disagreements about a will. I’ve also seen people accused of misconduct when, in reality, they were simply overwhelmed by the responsibility of serving as executor. Probate litigation isn’t just about the law—it’s about people navigating one of the hardest moments of their lives.
If you’re facing one of these disputes, it’s easy to feel lost. The probate process has strict deadlines, complex procedures, and high stakes. A probate litigation attorney can help you:
To give you a sense of how this plays out in practice, here are a couple of examples:
Every case is different, but in each, the goal is the same: to make sure the estate is handled fairly and according to the law.
How long does probate litigation take?
It depends. Some disputes resolve in a few months, others can take years if they go to trial. The complexity of the estate and the level of conflict play big roles.
Do all disputes go to trial?
Not always. Many cases can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. Sometimes just having a lawyer involved encourages more cooperation.
Can an executor be removed?
Yes. If an executor is acting in bad faith or failing to meet their duties, the court can remove them and appoint someone else.
Is contesting a will worth it?
That depends on the facts of your case. A contested will lawyer can help you evaluate whether you have a strong claim and what your chances of success are.
The probate process is already emotional. Adding litigation makes it even more so. But ignoring problems doesn’t make them go away—in fact, it often makes them worse. Whether you believe a will is invalid, you’re concerned about executor misconduct, or you’re stuck in a dispute with other beneficiaries, having a probate dispute attorney on your side can give you clarity and direction.
At the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC, I understand that probate disputes aren’t just legal battles—they’re deeply personal. My approach is straightforward: listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain English, and create a strategy that makes sense for your situation.
Some attorneys focus only on the technical side of probate law. I believe it’s just as important to acknowledge the human side of these disputes and guide clients through them with both skill and understanding.
You can learn more at www.keithwierlaw.com.
If you’re dealing with a probate dispute in Texas, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether it’s contesting a will, addressing executor misconduct, or resolving disagreements among beneficiaries, working with a probate litigation attorney can help protect your rights and bring much-needed clarity to a confusing process.
Reach out to the Law Offices of Keith Wier, PLLC to discuss your situation. Together, we can work toward a resolution that honors your loved one’s legacy while protecting your future.
Visit www.keithwierlaw.com for more information or to schedule a conversation.