“Helpful and Trustworthy Attorney”
I was really sad that I even had to hire an attorney to deal with parts of my family when my dad died but he really helped me get through the process and was SO knowledgeable on everything that was going on.
Will Contests & Defense of Wills
When you need to challenge the details of a will, it’s important to consult an experienced probate attorney. Get in touch with attorneys Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly today by calling (346) 384-8768 in Houston and (817) 532-6797 in Fort Worth .
“Helpful and Trustworthy Attorney”
“Ryan and team were very professional and empathetic regarding probating my sister’s estate.”
“Ryan and team were very professional and empathetic regarding probating my sister’s estate.”
They were caring and kind all the way through the process. I highly recommend them to anyone entitled to claim leftover funds from foreclosure or who need to probate an estate for a loved one. Here is a picture of myself and my lovely sister, Karen!
- Shirley H.
“After my Mom passed away and her house was foreclosed on, Ryan of Conscious Dealz helped me get the excess funds from the foreclosure.”
“After my Mom passed away and her house was foreclosed on, Ryan of Conscious Dealz helped me get the excess funds from the foreclosure.”
He told me the amount I would receive at the beginning of the process. He also told me that I would never have to step inside of a court room, which I didn’t want to due to the complex challenges of probate court. Ryan and his team worked very hard for me.
- AJ J.
“Keith and his team were fantastic.”
“Keith and his team were fantastic.”
Keith and his team were fantastic. We had heard horror stories of the probate process but our experience was fast and flawless with Keith. The loss of our loved one was very unexpected and the estate was complicated. Considering the circumstances I can honestly say it couldn’t have gone any better. I have already recommended Keith to others and will continue to.
- Thomas M.
“Thank you, Keith, I truly appreciate you.”
“Thank you, Keith, I truly appreciate you.”
He researched my problem, consulted another expert just for a second opinion, and responded to me with the answers I needed. He is a SUPER PERSON.
- Kathie
“He was responsive and found the right resources for us.”
“He was responsive and found the right resources for us.”
He helped my family navigate a unique probate and trust process right at the end of the year.
- Previous Client
“He is aggressive in court room while remaining respectful and compassionate to other lawyers and his clients.”
“He is aggressive in court room while remaining respectful and compassionate to other lawyers and his clients.”
Keith is one of the finest and technically proficient lawyers I have ever met.
- Jennifer
“Whenever I had a question or concern, all I had to do was call or email Keith.”
“Whenever I had a question or concern, all I had to do was call or email Keith.”
Keith is very professional and was able to settle my family dispute.
- Susan
Contesting a Will in Texas
Would You Like to Oppose or Protect the Details of a Will?
Unfortunately, probating a last will and testament is oftentimes a very emotional situation that has the potential to cause problems in the family. Contesting a will in Texas usually occurs when a member of the family is not satisfied with the way the will was written or executed. One person could have received property that another wanted, or it could be that a relative or close friend was left out entirely.
In the state of Texas, contesting a will must be done within two years after the original probate, and no matter which side of the will you find yourself on, a legal representative is needed to direct and guide you through the process.
The person contesting a will must prove that the will is invalid or that there is something wrong with it. There are several ways that a will can be determined to be invalid.
- Lack of capacity. This would mean that the testator must be found incompetent when they wrote the will. The testator had to understand what a will is, knowing what money and property was theirs and who they wanted to benefit. Medical records would undoubtedly be necessary.
- Undue influence. This would be a situation where another person heavily influenced the writing and signing of the will, such as an ex-wife or stepchild.
- Improperly executed. All Texas wills must be signed by the testator and also by two witnesses.
- Revoked will. There was more than one will executed.
- Forged will. If the testator’s signature is not original or it was forged.
- Mistake or fraud. This would include the testator signing the will under the impression that it was another document, or they were not clear of the provisions that were stated.
Many people contesting a will in Texas never get to court because mediation is the suggested course of action for determining conflict with Texas probate. In many instances, the case does not get to the mediator either, as it is settled outside of court between attorneys and family. Attorneys often encourage the person contesting a will in Texas to settle outside of the legal perimeters because it is easier on the family.
How Long Do You Have to Contest a Will in Texas
In Texas, the law allows individuals two years from the date a will is admitted to probate to file a contest. This period is critical, as missing the deadline can result in losing your right to challenge the will.
An experienced attorney plays a crucial role in guiding you through this process, which may involve:
Litigating the case: If mediation is unsuccessful, your attorney will represent your interests in court, presenting a compelling case to challenge or defend the will.
Filing a formal contest: Your attorney will draft and file the necessary legal documents to initiate the contest.
Gathering evidence: This may include medical records, witness statements, or expert testimony to support your claims.
Navigating mediation: Many will contests in Texas are resolved through mediation rather than court trials. This approach helps preserve family relationships and reduces the financial and emotional strain of litigation.
If you need assistance with contesting a will or other probate information, call Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly at (346) 384-8768 in Houston and (817) 532-6797 in Fort Worth to schedule a consultation.
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WE have vast experience protecting the rights of Texans in these areas.
Have you lost a loved one and need to settle his or her estate? Do you need the estate administered correctly? Are you concerned that someone may be taking advantage of your relative’s death? Are you concerned about ensuring that the wishes of the deceased are honored?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, our Texas law firm can help. We can assist you with questions related to inheritance law, will contests, guardianships, property rights, will forms, conservatorships, codicils, intestacy, and more. When you need a probate lawyer in Texas, call Keith Morris & Stacy Kelly.
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