Probate Litigation Attorney Bedford

Guiding You Through Contested Wills & Estate Disputes

Losing a loved one is difficult enough. When questions arise about a will, the handling of the estate, or the fairness of distributions, that grief can quickly turn into confusion and conflict. If you are facing a dispute over a will or estate connected to Bedford, you do not have to navigate it alone.

At Holland McGill Law, PLLC, we represent families and individuals in probate disputes that involve both complex law and sensitive family relationships. Our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience in family law, estate planning, and probate work, and we draw on that background to help clients understand their options and move forward with a clear plan.

We take time to learn your story, your goals, and your concerns. Then we work with you to choose an approach that fits your situation, whether you are challenging a will, responding to a lawsuit, or worried about how an executor is managing the estate.

Protect your interests in your Bedford probate case—book a consultation online or call (817) 934-5922 to speak with a probate litigation attorney.

Why Families Turn to Our Firm in Contested Probate Cases

Probate litigation is rarely only about legal documents. It usually involves years of family history, blended households, prior divorces, and promises that were made or never put in writing. You need a probate litigation attorney who understands both the law and the family dynamics that come with these cases.

Our attorneys at Holland McGill Law, PLLC have more than 40 years of combined experience helping clients through difficult family disputes, including divorce, custody, adoption, estate planning, and probate. This broad background matters in contested estates because questions about prior divorces, support obligations, or informal agreements often overlap with who receives what from an estate.

When you work with us, we focus on three core commitments. We offer assertive representation that aligns with your goals, we communicate clearly about what is happening in your case, and we tailor our strategies to the specific people and relationships involved. Whether your matter proceeds in a probate court that serves Bedford cases or is resolved through negotiation, our goal is to protect your interests while keeping you informed at every step.

Common Probate Disputes We Handle for Bedford Families

Many people are unsure whether what they are experiencing is a probate dispute or simply a difficult conversation among relatives. If you recognize your situation in any of the following examples, it may be time to talk with a probate litigation lawyer about your options.

Will Contests & Questions About Validity

One frequent conflict involves will contests. These may arise when someone believes that the will is invalid because of a lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper signing procedures. In other cases, heirs dispute whether a newer document replaces an older will or whether a handwritten note should be treated as a valid expression of the person’s wishes.

Concerns About Executor Conduct

Another common source of litigation is executor or administrator conduct. Beneficiaries may worry that the person in charge of the estate is not providing information, is misusing estate funds, or is not following the terms of the will. Requests for formal accountings, petitions to remove an executor, and disputes over creditor claims can all become part of a probate lawsuit.

Disputes Over Beneficiary Rights & Nonprobate Assets

We also see conflicts over nonprobate assets and beneficiary designations, such as life insurance, retirement accounts, or transfer-on-death deeds. These assets may pass outside the will, which can surprise family members and lead to questions about whether a change was truly intended. In blended families, disputes may arise between a surviving spouse and children from a prior relationship, especially when property or business interests are involved.

If you are uncertain whether your situation requires legal action, a conversation with our team can help clarify what type of dispute you are facing and what steps may be available to you.

What To Do If You Are Facing a Probate Dispute

When a disagreement about an estate surfaces, it can be tempting to wait and see if things work out. In Texas, however, important deadlines apply to will contests and other probate challenges, and early decisions can affect your rights. There are several practical steps you can take to protect yourself while you consider your options.

Gather Documents & Information

First, gather the key documents and information you already have. This may include copies of any wills, codicils, or trusts, financial statements, correspondence from the executor, and notices from the court. If you do not have a copy of the will that is being probated, make a note of that so we can discuss how to obtain it through the court process.

Be Careful What You Sign

Second, be cautious about signing releases, settlement agreements, or waivers before you have had legal advice. These documents can limit your ability to contest a will or object to how the estate is being handled. It can also be helpful to keep written notes of conversations with other family members and with the executor so that you have a record of what was said and when.

Track Deadlines & Court Dates

Third, take note of any court dates or deadlines you learn about. Courts that handle probate matters related to Bedford often set timelines for objections and filings. Acting within those time frames can be critical. When you schedule a consultation with us, we will want to know about any pending hearings or notices you have received.

Clarify Your Goals

Finally, consider what you hope to achieve. For some clients, the primary goal is to ensure that a parent’s true wishes are followed. For others, it may be to obtain information and transparency from an executor, or to reach a fair compromise without further damaging relationships. Sharing these goals with us at the outset helps us talk with you about realistic paths forward.

How Our Probate Litigation Lawyers Guide You Through the Process

Contested probate matters follow a general path, but every case has its own details, personalities, and turning points. When you work with our probate litigation lawyer team, we start with an in-depth review of your situation, including the documents, family background, and your concerns about what has happened so far.

After we understand the facts, we discuss possible legal claims or defenses, such as challenging a will, enforcing a prior agreement, seeking an accounting, or defending against accusations from other heirs. We explain the stages that typically follow, which may include filing or responding to pleadings, exchanging information with the other side, attending hearings, and participating in mediation or settlement discussions when appropriate.

Communication is central to our approach. We strive to keep you updated about developments, upcoming deadlines, and options at each stage. Our team explains legal terminology in plain language so you understand what each step means and can make informed decisions about how to proceed.

Because our practice includes both family law and probate work, we are accustomed to handling disputes that touch on divorce decrees, prior custody orders, and property division agreements. This allows us to consider how older court orders and informal family arrangements may affect current estate issues. Throughout the process, our goal is to pair thoughtful strategy with assertive advocacy so that your interests are presented clearly and effectively in or out of court.

Probate Litigation in the Bedford Area: Local Courts & Practical Realities

Many estates connected to Bedford are handled in Tarrant County courts, such as the probate courts and county courts at law located in Fort Worth. Which court becomes involved often depends on the size of the estate, the type of proceeding that has been filed, and where the person lived at the time of death. Understanding where your case is likely to be heard can help you anticipate what lies ahead.

Hearings in these courts may be set for a wide range of issues, from routine status updates to contested matters involving testimony and evidence. In some situations, the court may permit certain appearances by video, and in others, the court may expect parties and attorneys to appear in person. We work with you to prepare for these proceedings, explain what to expect, and coordinate your participation as needed.

For clients who live in Bedford, having a firm with a local office can make it easier to meet in person to review documents and prepare for hearings. For out-of-town heirs or beneficiaries, our ability to handle consultations by Zoom or telephone allows you to remain involved in your case without frequent travel. We are familiar with the filing requirements, scheduling practices, and general expectations of the courts that serve this area, and we use that knowledge to help manage your case efficiently.

Whether you live a few minutes from our office or are located elsewhere while an estate is administered here, we work to make the process as accessible as possible while keeping you connected to what is happening in the Tarrant County court system.

Balancing Cost, Conflict, & Your Goals in Probate Litigation

One of the most difficult questions in any estate dispute is how far to take the conflict. Litigation has both emotional and financial costs, and those costs must be weighed against the size of the estate, the strength of the claims, and your long-term goals. We believe that thoughtful conversation about these issues at the outset is essential.

During our initial discussions, we talk with you about the value and complexity of the estate, the relationships involved, and what you want to achieve. For some clients, preserving family relationships where possible is important. For others, ensuring that a clear injustice is addressed is the priority. We factor these considerations into our recommendations about negotiation, mediation, or proceeding toward a contested hearing or trial.

At Holland McGill Law, PLLC, we are committed to providing quality legal assistance at reasonable costs. We discuss fee structures and anticipated expenses with you up front so you understand how representation will work financially. Our goal is to align our strategy with the reality of the estate and your budget, and to avoid surprises along the way.

While no attorney can promise a particular result in probate litigation, our consistent track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients reflects the care we bring to each matter. We work to help you make informed choices about how to move forward, balancing your legal rights with the practical impact on your life and relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I Need a Probate Litigation Attorney?

You may benefit from working with a probate litigation attorney if there is a serious disagreement about a will, trust, or the way an estate is being handled. Warning signs include being denied information about assets, suspecting that a will was signed under pressure, believing that someone lacked capacity when documents were created, or receiving court papers you do not fully understand. 

If you feel that your rights as an heir or beneficiary are not being respected, speaking with our team can help you understand whether formal legal action is appropriate. In an initial consultation, we review the facts, look at any documents you have, and discuss possible paths before you decide how to proceed.

How Long Do Probate Disputes Usually Take in This Area?

The length of a probate dispute connected to Bedford varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the estate, the number of parties involved, the court’s schedule, and how far the conflict goes. Some matters resolve in a few months through negotiation or mediation, while more heavily contested cases that proceed to trial can take significantly longer. 

Courts that handle Tarrant County probate matters set their own calendars and time frames for hearings, and those schedules influence how quickly a case moves. When we meet with you, we can give you a general sense of the stages involved and discuss which factors are likely to affect the timing in your particular situation.

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

For a first meeting, it is helpful to bring any documents that relate to the dispute, even if you are not sure they are important. This may include copies of wills or trusts, letters from the executor or administrator, court notices, financial statements, and any written communications that explain what has happened so far. If you do not have certain documents, that is not a problem. 

We can talk about how to request them from the court or from the person handling the estate. It can also help to write down a brief timeline of events and any specific questions or concerns you have, so we can focus our discussion on what matters most to you.

Can You Represent Me If I Do Not Live in Bedford?

Yes, we regularly work with clients who live outside Bedford but are involved in estates that are being handled through courts in this area. Our firm offers consultations and ongoing meetings by Zoom or telephone, which allows you to stay actively engaged in your case without frequent travel. When in-person appearances are required, we can represent you in court and coordinate your participation where the court expects it. We explain how communication will work and how we share documents, so you know what to expect if you are managing a probate dispute from another city or state.

Will Going to Court Make My Family Conflict Worse?

Many clients worry that filing a lawsuit or responding to one will deepen family divisions. Court involvement can increase tension at times, but in some situations it can also bring structure and clarity to a conflict that has already grown unmanageable. Our approach is to discuss your relationships and long-term goals early and to consider options such as negotiation or mediation when they align with those goals. 

We work to present your position firmly and respectfully, and we talk with you about how each step might affect family dynamics. Ultimately, the choice about how far to pursue a case belongs to you, and we aim to support you in making that decision thoughtfully.

How Are Legal Fees Handled in Probate Litigation Cases?

Legal fees in probate litigation cases are usually handled based on the nature of the dispute, the anticipated work, and any court requirements that apply. At Holland McGill Law, PLLC, we focus on reasonable costs and clear conversations about fees at the beginning of our representation. During your consultation, we discuss how fees and expenses are structured for your type of case and what factors might increase or decrease the overall cost, such as the need for expert witnesses or extended hearings. Our goal is to give you enough information to weigh the financial aspects of your decisions along with the legal and personal considerations.

What If I Think the Executor Is Mishandling the Estate?

If you believe an executor or administrator is mishandling an estate, it is important to pay attention to any specific signs, such as a lack of communication, unexplained delays, or transactions that do not seem consistent with the will. There are legal tools that may be available, including formal requests for an accounting or, in some situations, petitions for removal or other relief. The right approach depends on what has already occurred and what evidence exists. When you contact us, we review what you have observed, look at any documents you can provide, and talk about practical steps you can take to seek information or raise concerns with the court.

Speak With Our Team About Your Probate Dispute

You do not have to carry the weight of a contested estate alone. Whether you are being pulled into a lawsuit, are worried that a loved one’s wishes are not being honored, or simply need clarity about your rights, our attorneys are here to listen and to help you understand your options.

When you contact Holland McGill Law, PLLC, you gain access to a team with decades of combined experience, a strong foundation in both family law and probate matters, and a commitment to personalized service. We offer in-person meetings in Bedford as well as Zoom and telephone consultations, so you can choose the format that works best for you. During your first conversation with us, we focus on understanding your situation, explaining the general process, and helping you decide on sensible next steps.

To discuss your probate dispute and speak with a Bedford probate litigation attorney, schedule a consultation online or call (817) 934-5922 today.