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Frisco Estate Litigation Attorney
Support For Families Facing Contested Wills & Probate Disputes
When a loved one dies and questions arise about their will, trust, or how their estate is being handled, the legal issues can feel as heavy as the loss itself. If you are caught in a conflict over an inheritance or concerned about the actions of an executor or trustee, an estate litigation attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
At Burrows Law Group, we work with families who are facing contested estates and probate disputes in this part of North Texas, including many who live and work in and around Frisco. We take time to listen to the history behind the dispute, explain what Texas law allows, and help clients decide how they want to move forward.
Our firm is a full-service law practice with a collaborative team of attorneys. That structure allows us to address estate conflicts that may involve family law issues, small businesses, and complex assets, while still treating every client with compassion and respect.
To speak with our experienced Frisco estate litigation lawyers, call us at (972) 236-7798 or contact us online today.
When Estate Disputes Turn Into Litigation
Estate planning is meant to bring clarity, yet many families discover that a will or trust raises more questions than it answers. You may suspect that someone pressured your loved one to change their will, or that a recent amendment does not reflect what they repeatedly said they wanted. You might be worried that the executor is not sharing information, is favoring one beneficiary, or is mishandling property.
These situations are especially common in growing communities like Frisco where families often own homes, investment properties, and sometimes interests in small businesses. Blended families and second marriages can add another layer of complexity. When expectations about inheritances collide with unclear or disputed documents, tension can escalate quickly.
We understand that estate conflict is rarely only about money. It often reflects years of family dynamics and unresolved issues. Our goal is to help you distinguish between what feels unfair and what might be legally actionable, then talk honestly about whether litigation, negotiation, or another approach fits your situation.
How Our Team Handles Estate Litigation For Families Here
Estate disputes in Texas involve both technical rules and human relationships. At Burrows Law Group, we approach these cases as a team. Each matter is assigned to an attorney whose background and skills fit the dispute, and that attorney can draw on the insight of colleagues with experience in related areas, such as family law or small business matters.
This collaborative model allows us to look at the full picture. For example, a contested will may be connected to an ongoing divorce or support obligations. A trust dispute might involve a family-owned company with contracts and employees. Because we are a full-service firm, we can address these overlapping concerns instead of treating your estate case in isolation.
We also believe that informed clients make better decisions. From the first conversation, we work to explain your options in plain language. We talk about the potential paths your case could take, including negotiation, mediation, and court hearings, and how each path might affect your time, costs, and relationships. Our attorneys strive to protect your legal interests while remaining sensitive to the emotional impact on you and other family members.
Common Estate Litigation Issues We Help Resolve
Estate litigation covers a wide range of conflicts. Understanding the type of dispute you are facing can help you decide what to do next and what information to gather. We routinely handle matters that fall into several broad categories.
Some of the most common estate disputes include:
- Will contests. These involve challenges to whether a will is valid. Concerns may relate to your loved one’s mental capacity, suspected undue influence by another person, or questions about whether the document was properly signed and witnessed under Texas law.
- Trust disputes. Beneficiaries may disagree with how a trustee is interpreting or applying the terms of a trust. There can also be questions about whether the trust was created under pressure or whether the trustee is complying with their duties.
- Executor and trustee conflicts. Heirs and beneficiaries sometimes believe that an executor or trustee is moving too slowly, withholding information, favoring certain people, or mismanaging assets. In serious cases, they may ask a court to remove or replace that person.
- Accounting and asset disputes. Families may disagree over how property has been valued, sold, or distributed, especially when real estate and business interests are involved. Questions about missing assets or unexplained transactions can also lead to litigation.
In areas with growing property values like the Frisco region, these disputes can involve significant homes, investment properties, and retirement accounts. We help clients understand what rights beneficiaries, heirs, executors, and trustees usually have in Texas and what evidence is important in different kinds of claims. From there, we can work together on a strategy that reflects both the legal and personal realities of your case.
What To Do If You Are Caught In An Estate Dispute
When you suspect that something is wrong with how an estate is being handled, it can be tempting either to act quickly out of frustration or to wait and hope the problem resolves itself. Both reactions are understandable, yet they can create risks. Taking a few thoughtful steps early may protect your position, especially because certain estate and probate deadlines in Texas can be strict.
If you are in the middle of an estate conflict, consider these steps:
- Gather key documents. Collect copies of any wills, codicils, trust documents, prior versions of those documents, and written communications about your loved one’s wishes. Court papers, account statements, and emails from the executor or trustee can also be helpful.
- Keep your own notes. Write down what you know about the situation, including dates of important conversations, changes to documents, or events that concerned you. These notes can make it easier to remember details later and to share them with a lawyer.
- Be cautious about signing. Do not sign waivers, releases, or settlement documents until you understand what rights you may be giving up. Once you agree to certain terms, it can be difficult or impossible to undo them later.
- Manage family communications. Estate disputes often inflame old tensions. Try to keep your messages factual and avoid statements that could be misinterpreted. If discussions are becoming heated, it may help to pause direct negotiations until you have legal guidance.
Because time limits can apply to will contests and other estate claims, contacting an attorney early often makes a difference. We can review your documents, help you understand what concerns may have legal significance, and talk with you about practical choices before the conflict grows larger.
Our Estate Litigation Process
Knowing what to expect can ease some of the stress of starting a case. At Burrows Law Group, we follow a structured yet flexible process that allows us to adapt to your needs and the demands of your dispute. Our aim is to keep you informed and involved without overwhelming you with legal procedures.
While every case is different, our process often includes:
- Initial consultation and review. We begin by listening to your story and reviewing any documents you can provide. During this meeting, we ask questions about your loved one’s health, relationships, and prior planning, and we outline potential legal issues we see.
- Case evaluation and strategy discussion. After the initial review, we examine the legal standards that might apply to your dispute. We then discuss with you the strengths and challenges we see and outline possible strategies, from sending formal requests for information to filing or responding to court actions.
- Investigation and preparation. Depending on your case, we may gather additional records, communicate with the other side, and prepare court filings. Throughout this phase, we update you on developments and invite your input on important decisions.
- Resolution efforts. Many estate disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation. We work to prepare you for those conversations, explain what various proposals mean, and help you weigh the pros and cons before you decide whether to accept any agreement.
- Hearings and trial when needed. If a resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent you in hearings and trials in the appropriate Texas courts. We strive to explain each step, from pretrial conferences to the presentation of evidence, so that you know what is happening and why.
Throughout this process, our attorneys focus on communication. We encourage questions, provide regular updates, and make sure you understand not only what is happening but also how each step fits within your overall goals.
Serving Estate Litigation Clients In The Frisco Area
Many of our estate litigation clients live in or near Frisco, even if their loved one’s estate is being probated elsewhere in North Texas. Which court handles a case usually depends on where the person who died lived or owned property. For many families in this part of the Dallas Fort Worth region, that can mean proceedings in county courts that handle probate matters.
We are familiar with how regional courts typically schedule and handle probate and estate disputes. That familiarity helps us guide clients through required appearances, filings, and deadlines. Our team plans with you around court dates and uses technology to make it easier to share documents and stay in touch, so distance from our Flower Mound office does not stand in the way of attentive representation.
Whether you are in Frisco or elsewhere nearby, we can meet in person or remotely, depending on what works best for you. Our goal is to make it as straightforward as possible to get the advice and representation you need for your estate dispute.
To speak with our experienced Frisco estate litigation lawyers, call us at (972) 236-7798 or contact us online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have Grounds To Challenge A Will In Texas?
You may have grounds to challenge a will in Texas if certain legal conditions are present. Common reasons include concerns that your loved one did not have sufficient mental capacity when they signed the document, that someone exerted undue influence, or that the will was not executed according to Texas requirements. Sometimes new wills or codicils appear shortly before death, which can raise questions when they differ sharply from long-standing plans.
Whether these concerns justify a formal challenge depends on the specific facts and available evidence. During a consultation, we review the documents, ask about your loved one’s health and circumstances, and explain how Texas law applies to situations like yours. From there, we can discuss whether it makes sense to move forward with a will contest or consider other options.
How Long Does An Estate Dispute Usually Take?
The length of an estate dispute varies, and it often depends on the complexity of the issues, the number of people involved, and how far apart the parties are in their expectations. Some disagreements can be resolved in a matter of months through negotiation or mediation once everyone has the necessary information. Others that involve multiple legal questions, extensive property, or highly contested facts may take longer and may require several court hearings.
Court schedules and procedures can also affect timing. During our initial evaluation, we can give you a sense of common timeframes for disputes similar to yours and explain factors that might speed up or slow down the process. Throughout your case, we work to keep matters moving and to keep you updated on the schedule so that you are not left wondering what is happening.
Will Estate Litigation Make My Family Conflict Worse?
Estate litigation can add strain to family relationships, but sometimes it is the only practical way to address serious problems. Our approach is to talk openly with you about the potential impact of each step, including how formal legal action might change family dynamics. In many matters, we explore negotiation or mediation first, which can give families a structured setting to discuss disagreements with legal guidance present.
When court involvement becomes necessary, we still look for opportunities to narrow disputes and resolve specific issues without unnecessary confrontation. We understand that you may want to protect your legal rights while preserving certain relationships if possible. Our team works with you to balance these goals and to choose strategies that align with your priorities.
Can Your Firm Help Me If I Live In Frisco?
Yes, we regularly assist clients who live in Frisco and nearby communities. The location of the estate case usually depends on where your loved one lived or owned property, not where you currently live. For many families, that means proceedings in probate courts that serve their county of residence.
We are accustomed to representing clients whose daily lives are centered in Frisco while their matters proceed in regional courts. Our team uses phone, video meetings, and secure electronic document sharing to keep clients informed and involved. When court appearances or in-person conferences are needed, we plan those with you so that scheduling and travel are manageable.
What Should I Bring To My First Meeting About An Estate Dispute?
Bringing the right information to an initial meeting helps us give you more specific guidance. Useful items include any wills, codicils, or trust documents you have, as well as earlier versions if they exist. Court filings, letters from other attorneys, account statements, and written communications from the executor or trustee can also provide context.
If you do not have everything, you can still meet with us. We can talk through what you know, help identify which documents we may need to request, and outline next steps. Our goal in the first meeting is to understand your concerns and give you a clearer picture of the legal landscape, not to quiz you on paperwork.
How Involved Will I Need To Be In The Litigation Process?
You can expect to be involved in key decisions and to provide information, but our role is to handle the legal work and guide you through each step. At the beginning of a case, you may spend time gathering documents and sharing your recollection of important events. As the matter progresses, you might be asked to review drafts of documents, attend mediation, or appear at certain hearings.
We strive to prepare you for each interaction so that you know what to expect and why your participation is needed. Outside of those moments, our team focuses on managing filings, communications with the court and opposing parties, and the day to day progress of the case. We keep you informed so you can stay involved without having to track every procedural detail yourself.
Can You Handle Estate Disputes That Involve Family Businesses Or Property In Different Counties?
We often work with clients whose estate disputes involve family businesses, rental properties, or land in more than one county. These matters can raise additional questions about valuations, management rights, and which courts should hear certain issues. Our firm’s work with small business formation and representation helps us address these added layers.
When an estate involves business interests or property in several locations, we look carefully at how those assets are titled, how they have been managed, and what the governing documents say. We then advise you on how these factors might affect the estate case and what steps may be available. Our goal is to offer a coordinated approach so that you are not left trying to piece together advice from separate sources.
Talk With Our Team About Your Estate Dispute
You do not have to navigate a contested estate or probate dispute on your own. If you are uncertain about your rights, worried about how an executor is handling property, or facing pressure to sign paperwork you do not fully understand, speaking with an estate litigation lawyer can provide clarity.
When you contact Burrows Law Group, we listen first. We then explain, in straightforward terms, what Texas law may allow in situations like yours and what paths you might consider. Whether you prefer to start with a phone call or schedule a meeting, our team is ready to discuss your concerns and help you decide on next steps that fit your goals and your family’s circumstances.
To speak with our experienced Frisco estate litigation lawyers, call us at (972) 236-7798 or contact us online today.
Explore Our Services
Services for All Your Family Needs
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Tenacious & Compassionate Legal Support
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Always Keeping Your Best Interests in Mind
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Quality Legal Service Focused on Results
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Fierce Advocacy During Your Time of Need
The attorneys at Burrows Law Group are prepared to ensure you receive the professional legal help you deserve for your situation. Our lawyers’ experience and legal expertise are sure to be invaluable assets in your case. We look forward to meeting with you, discussing your case and presenting you with your legal options.
Call (972) 236-7798 or fill out our online form to request your consultation.
Meet Our Team
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Adam Burrows Managing Attorney, President & CEO -
Dr. Jessica Burrows In-house Counselor & CFO -
Daniel Dower Senior Associate Attorney -
Jennifer Hicks Senior Attorney -
Brielle Roderick-Badoy Senior Associate Attorney -
Hollie Ritchie Associate Attorney
"From our attorney, Adam Burrows, to all of his wonderful staff, everyone has been very helpful with great communication and understanding."
- Jahan B.