Denton Estate Litigation Attorney

Support When a Texas Estate Dispute Becomes Overwhelming

When a loved one dies and questions arise about their will, trust, or the way an executor is handling assets, the legal process can feel as painful as the loss itself. If you are facing a conflict over an estate in the Denton area, you may be unsure whether you have grounds to act, how to protect your inheritance, or how to keep family relationships from breaking down further. You do not have to sort through these issues on your own.

At Burrows Law Group, we help families navigate contested wills, trust disagreements, and disputes with executors or trustees across North Texas, including matters that arise in Denton County probate court. Our team works to combine clear legal analysis with practical guidance, so you understand both your options and the potential impact on your family and finances. We listen first, then help you evaluate a path forward that fits your situation.

Because we are a collaborative, full service firm, our attorneys are able to draw on experience in family law and small business representation when estate disputes overlap with divorces, blended families, or closely held companies. Our goal is to provide steady support at a time when you need both legal direction and compassion.

To speak with our experienced Denton estate litigation lawyers, call us at (972) 236-7798 or contact us online today. 

Facing an Estate Dispute in Denton County

Many people come to us after noticing something that does not feel right with an estate. They may suspect that a will was changed shortly before death, believe that a vulnerable parent was pressured into signing documents, or feel that an executor is favoring one side of the family over another. Others simply know that they have been left out and cannot understand why, especially when earlier conversations suggested a different plan.

Estate conflicts in Denton County often involve a mix of legal and personal history. Long standing sibling tensions, second marriages, business partnerships, and prior divorces can all influence who expects to receive what. When these expectations collide with the actual terms of a will, trust, or beneficiary designation, the result can be confusion and anger. On top of that, probate notices and court deadlines can arrive quickly, which adds pressure for those who are already grieving.

We recognize that an estate dispute is not just about money. It is also about respect, trust, and a sense that your loved one’s true wishes are being honored. In our first conversation, we work to understand your concerns, clarify which court is handling the matter, and explain in plain language what options might be available under Texas law.

How Our Estate Litigation Lawyers Approach Your Case

Listening, Review & Initial Evaluation

Every estate conflict has its own history, so our attorneys start by listening to yours. We review key documents, such as wills, trusts, codicils, beneficiary designations, account statements, and any filings already made with Denton County probate court. We also ask about family relationships, prior agreements, and what you believe your loved one intended.

From there, our team evaluates what kinds of legal claims may apply. This can include will contests based on lack of capacity or undue influence, challenges to the validity of certain documents, or actions to address an executor’s or trustee’s handling of assets. When estate property includes a family business or when a prior divorce decree affects who should receive what, we are able to involve attorneys within our firm who regularly handle those related areas.

Collaborative Strategy & Client Communication

Our attorneys work collaboratively, which means you benefit from more than one perspective on complicated issues. We discuss with you the potential strengths and weaknesses of your case, possible timelines, and the range of outcomes that courts commonly consider in similar disputes. Throughout the matter, we focus on communication. We explain filings and hearings before they happen, answer your questions, and help you weigh whether settlement, mediation, or taking the dispute to trial best serves your interests.

Common Estate Litigation Issues We Handle

Will Contests & Document Disputes

Estate litigation can take many forms, and recognizing where your situation fits can help you decide when to seek legal help. One frequent category involves will contests. These may arise when someone believes a will was signed by a person who lacked the mental capacity to understand what they were doing or when there is concern that another individual used pressure or manipulation to influence the terms. Disputes can also occur when multiple documents conflict or when handwritten notes or informal changes appear after a formal will.

Executor, Trustee & Beneficiary Disputes

Another common area involves disputes with executors and trustees. Problems may include failing to provide information, delaying distributions without clear reason, selling property in a way that seems unfair, or using estate funds for personal benefit. Beneficiaries and heirs often come to us with questions about whether they can request a formal accounting, ask a court to remove a fiduciary, or seek compensation when assets appear to have been mismanaged.

Blended Families & Complex Heirship Issues

We also see conflicts involving trusts, beneficiary designations on financial accounts, and questions about who is legally considered an heir in blended families. Prior marriages, stepchildren, and informal caregiving arrangements can make an already emotional process more complex. When you meet with us, we work to identify which of these issues apply to your situation and how Texas law might address them, so you can make informed choices about whether to negotiate, mediate, or litigate.

What To Do If You Suspect Problems With an Estate

If you think something is wrong with the way an estate is being handled, taking a few practical steps early can protect your options. Start by collecting copies of any wills, trusts, codicils, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designation forms that you can reasonably access. If you have received notices from Denton County probate court or correspondence from an executor or trustee, keep these together and in order, as they often contain important dates and information about the case.

You may also want to gather records that show how your loved one handled their affairs before any disputed documents were signed. This can include older versions of estate plans, bank statements, or emails and letters that mention their intentions. At the same time, it is usually wise to avoid signing waivers, releases, or informal agreements with other family members before you understand the legal impact. Once documents are signed, it can be difficult or impossible to undo their effects.

Texas law sets specific time limits for contesting a will or challenging certain actions by an executor or trustee, and those limits can be affected by when the will was admitted to probate or when you learned of particular conduct. If the estate is being administered in Denton County, court schedules and deadlines will follow that court’s procedures. Speaking with an attorney early often allows more options. In an initial meeting, we can review what you have, explain which deadlines may apply, and help you decide whether further investigation or formal action is appropriate.

Why Families Turn to Burrows Law Group for Estate Disputes

Team Based Representation

Clients who choose Burrows Law Group for estate conflicts often tell us that they value having a team that looks at the whole picture. Our attorneys bring different backgrounds in probate related disputes, family law, and small business matters, and we collaborate internally when a case touches more than one area. For you, this can mean a more coordinated strategy when questions about a divorce decree, child support obligation, or company ownership affect who should inherit specific assets.

Personalized Case Assignment & Client Care

We also take care in how we assign cases. When you contact us about an estate dispute, our goal is to connect you with attorneys whose skills and experience align with the particular issues and family dynamics involved. This might include attorneys who have handled similar will contests, complex fiduciary duty claims, or disputes involving multiple generations of a family. Throughout the matter, we work to keep you informed and to answer questions promptly, so you are not left wondering what comes next.

Most importantly, we strive to treat every client with compassion and respect. We understand that estate litigation often arises at one of the hardest times in your life. Our commitment is to put your interests first, explain your options in clear terms, and work toward outcomes that reflect both legal rights and practical realities. Whether a case is resolved through negotiation or proceeds to a courtroom in the Denton area, our focus remains on supporting you and your loved ones through the process.

Estate Litigation in the Denton Area Courts

How Contested Probate Matters Typically Proceed

Contested estates in this region are commonly handled through Denton County probate courts, which means filings, hearings, and many decisions will occur there. The specific court and process typically depend on where your loved one lived at the time of death and where property is located. Cases often begin with the filing of an application to probate a will or open an administration, followed by hearings to appoint an executor or administrator and, in contested matters, additional hearings on disputes.

What Our Local Experience Means For You

Our attorneys regularly appear in courts across North Texas, and this includes matters that proceed in Denton County. Familiarity with local procedures can help us anticipate how scheduling, required filings, and court preferences may affect your case. For example, some issues are commonly addressed through mediation before a trial date is set, while others may go directly to the court for initial rulings. Understanding these patterns allows us to discuss with you what to expect at each stage.

While no two cases follow exactly the same path, probate litigation often involves written discovery, depositions, and motion practice before a final hearing or trial. We guide clients through each step, explaining what information will be requested, how evidence is gathered, and how your participation in hearings may look. Our aim is to make the Denton County process less intimidating by giving you a clear view of what is happening and why.

To speak with our experienced Denton estate litigation lawyers, call us at (972) 236-7798 or contact us online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have Grounds To Contest a Will in Denton County?

Whether you have grounds to contest a will generally depends on the specific facts and the requirements of Texas law. Common reasons to challenge a will include concerns that the person who signed it did not understand what they were doing, that another person used pressure or manipulation to influence the terms, or that the will does not meet legal formalities. Conflicting documents or evidence that a later will replaces an earlier one can also be relevant.

In Denton County, a will contest typically happens within the probate case that has been opened in the local court. Time limits usually begin when the will is admitted to probate, so it is important to act promptly if you have concerns. During a consultation, we can review the will, any related documents, and what you know about your loved one’s condition and circumstances at the time of signing. From there, we can discuss whether a contest may be appropriate and what steps might follow.

How Long Does Estate Litigation Usually Take?

The length of an estate dispute can vary widely, and it often depends on the complexity of the issues and how willing the parties are to reach agreements. Some conflicts can be addressed within a few months through targeted negotiations or mediation, particularly when the central dispute is narrow. Other cases that involve multiple claims, extensive discovery, or heavily contested hearings may last a year or longer.

Courts in North Texas, including those in Denton County, schedule hearings based on their dockets, the number of pending cases, and the time needed for each matter. Additional factors, such as the need for expert evaluations or the availability of witnesses, can also affect timing. When we review your situation, we work to give you a realistic sense of how long different approaches might take and how that timing fits with your personal and financial needs.

What Should I Bring To My First Meeting With Your Firm?

Bringing the right information to an initial meeting helps us make the best use of your time. If you can, gather copies of any wills, trusts, powers of attorney, codicils, and beneficiary designations that relate to your loved one. Court papers from Denton County probate court or another county, including notices, orders, and applications, are also very helpful. These documents show what has already been filed and what stage the case is in.

It can also be useful to bring account statements, deeds, or other records that identify significant assets, as well as any correspondence you have received from the executor, trustee, or other interested parties. If you have written notes about conversations with your loved one regarding their intentions, feel free to bring those as well. If you do not have everything, do not worry. We will review whatever you have and discuss what additional information may be needed later.

Will Going To Court Make My Family Conflict Worse?

Many people worry that filing something in court will deepen rifts within their family. Litigation can place stress on relationships, particularly when long standing tensions already exist. At the same time, there are situations where legal action is the only realistic way to protect rights, clarify obligations, or prevent further harm to an estate.

When you work with us, we talk openly about both the legal and personal sides of your choices. We often explore whether negotiation or mediation can resolve disputes before a trial is necessary, and we help you think through how different approaches may affect your family. Our role is to give you information and guidance, then support the path you choose, whether that involves pursuing settlement, presenting your case to the court, or a combination of both.

Can Your Attorneys Help If the Executor Lives in Another State?

Yes, an executor’s residence in another state does not prevent us from assisting with an estate dispute that is handled under Texas law. What usually matters is where the estate is being administered and which court has jurisdiction. If the probate case is in Denton County or another Texas county, the court applies Texas rules regardless of where the executor or beneficiaries reside.

In situations where parties live in different states, communication often happens by phone, video conference, and secure document sharing. Our team is accustomed to working with clients and opposing parties who are not physically nearby. We explain how distance may influence scheduling, hearings, and document signing, and we work to make the process as manageable as possible for you.

How Will I Know If a Settlement Offer Is Fair?

Evaluating whether to accept a settlement offer involves comparing what is being offered to what might reasonably happen if the case continued in court. A fair offer is usually one that takes into account the strengths and weaknesses of the claims, the costs of ongoing litigation, the time involved, and the uncertainty that comes with asking a judge or jury to decide. It should also reflect your personal priorities, such as the desire to resolve the matter sooner or to set certain boundaries.

Our attorneys review settlement proposals with you in detail. We look at how the offer aligns with the evidence, how it compares to ranges that courts commonly consider in similar disputes, and what risks you would be accepting or avoiding. We then talk through options and answer your questions, so that any decision to accept, reject, or counter an offer is informed and considered, not rushed.

Can You Work With My Existing Family Law or Business Issues?

Estate disputes frequently intersect with other areas of life, such as prior divorces, child support obligations, or interests in family businesses. Because Burrows Law Group is a full service firm that addresses family law and small business representation as well as estate related matters, we are able to involve attorneys who are familiar with these connected issues. This can help avoid gaps or conflicts that sometimes occur when multiple firms handle different parts of a client’s legal picture.

For example, questions may arise about how a divorce decree affects beneficiary rights, how business ownership is valued within an estate, or how child support obligations interact with inheritances. Our team can coordinate internally to address these questions in one place. During your consultation, we will talk with you about any existing legal matters, so we can structure our approach with those in mind.

Talk With Our Team About Your Estate Litigation Concerns

If you are facing a contested estate, worried about the actions of an executor or trustee, or simply unsure of your rights in a Denton area probate matter, reaching out for guidance can bring some clarity. Our attorneys at Burrows Law Group work to combine careful legal analysis with attention to the emotional realities of family conflict and loss. In an initial conversation, we can review your situation, explain how Texas probate litigation typically works, and discuss what working with our firm would involve.

You do not have to decide on litigation today, but you deserve to understand your options and the time frames that may affect them. We are based in Flower Mound and represent clients in the Denton area and across North Texas. When you are ready to talk, we are here to listen and help you consider a path forward that fits your goals and circumstances.

To speak with our experienced Denton estate litigation lawyers, call us at (972) 236-7798 or contact us online today.