Houston Will Contest Attorneys

Protecting Your Rights and Inheritance

When a loved one passes away, the last thing any family wants to face is a dispute over their will. However, these situations arise more often than you might think, especially in complex estates across the Houston metropolitan area. Our experienced probate litigation team is here to help you navigate these challenging circumstances and fight for your rightful inheritance.

What Is a Will Contest?

A will contest is a legal challenge to the validity of a will during the probate process. In Texas, you can contest a will if you have proper standing (meaning you would inherit under a prior will or through intestacy if the current will is invalidated) and legitimate grounds to challenge its validity.

Common Grounds for Contesting a Will in Texas

Lack of Testamentary Capacity

One of the most frequent grounds for contesting a will is that the testator (the person who made the will) lacked the mental capacity to understand what they were doing. For example, we represented a client whose father was diagnosed with dementia and whose symptoms included confusion, hallucinations, and memory loss. We provided evidence showing his father did not understand the legal effect of signing a new will. 

Undue Influence

This occurs when someone exerts excessive pressure on the testator to change their will. 

Here’s an example scenario: A stepchild isolates their elderly stepmother from other family members and manipulates her into dramatically altering her will during her final months. 

In this situation, the family may have grounds to contest the validity of the will due to the undue influence exerted on a vulnerable family member. 

Improper Execution

Texas law requires specific formalities for a will to be valid, including proper signatures and witnesses. We have disputed multiple wills for which the signature or handwritten notes were called into question. 

In one notable case, a mother of three executed a typed will and, many years later, altered the will by hand to reflect the death of one child and the birth of several grandchildren. Unfortunately, the mother did not sign or initial next to the handwritten changes, nor work with an attorney to witness and notarize the revisions. The judge in this case found that the handwritten changes were invalid and enforced the will as originally written.

Why Choose Our Firm?

• Deep Local Experience. With decades of combined experience in Houston-area probate courts (including Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Galveston Counties), we understand the local legal landscape and have built strong relationships with probate judges, court staff, and other professionals in the probate community.
• Proven Track Record. Our firm has successfully handled dozens of contested estates and will contests. We approach each case with meticulous attention to detail and a strategic mindset.
• Personal Attention. We know that will contests often involve deeply personal and emotional family dynamics. Our team provides compassionate, individualized attention while aggressively protecting your interests. You'll work directly with experienced attorneys who take the time to understand your unique situation and advocate for your goals and intentions.
• Comprehensive Support. From gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to negotiating settlements and representing you at trial, we handle every aspect of your will contest. Our firm has access to a network of expert witnesses, including medical professionals, handwriting experts, and forensic accountants who can strengthen your case.

Contesting A Will in Texas: Time Is Critical

In Texas, you typically have two years from when a will is admitted to probate to contest it. Waiting can harm your case as evidence may disappear and witnesses' memories may fade. If you believe you have grounds to contest a will, contact our office immediately for a confidential consultation.

Our will contest attorneys can take the burden of a will dispute off your shoulders by helping:

• Review the circumstances surrounding the will's creation
• Evaluate your legal standing to bring a contest
• Identify potential grounds for challenging the will
• Explain your options and likely outcomes
• Develop a strategic plan to protect your interests
• Handle all legal filings and court appearances
• Keep you informed throughout the process

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced probate litigation team. We're here to help you fight for your rightful inheritance and honor your loved one's true wishes.