Austin Contested Probate Lawyer

Losing a loved one is never easy. When disagreements arise during probate, grief can quickly turn into emotional and legal turmoil. At Lewis Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming these disputes can be. When you need an experienced Austin contested probate lawyer, we’re here to help your family navigate this sensitive time with compassion and practical guidance.

Whether you’re facing questions about the validity of a will, allegations of undue influence, or concerns over the actions of an executor, our firm is committed to providing personal attention and skilled representation. We’re proud to be a trusted resource for clients facing contested probate matters across Central Texas.

We know that no two families and no two estates are alike. Emotions often run high, especially when beneficiaries feel unheard or blindsided. That’s why we take the time to listen carefully to your story, explain your options clearly, and develop a legal plan tailored to your goals.

Probate Can Get Complicated—Fast

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a decedent’s estate, and an Austin probate attorney can guide you through each step to ensure it’s done correctly. It includes validating the will, appointing a personal representative, identifying assets, paying debts, and distributing property to beneficiaries. But sometimes, disagreements arise. When that happens, you need an attorney who understands the law, the process, and the personal emotions at play.

Common reasons probate becomes contested include:

• Disputes over the validity of a will,
• Claims of undue influence or lack of mental capacity,
• Concerns about executor misconduct or breach of fiduciary duty,
• Heirship disputes, and
• Improper asset distribution or omissions.

Texas law offers multiple legal paths to resolve these disputes, but you must handle each one carefully and within strict deadlines. At Lewis Law Firm, PLLC, we tailor our strategy to your unique situation and work toward a resolution that honors your loved one’s true wishes.

We understand that probate litigation can feel daunting, especially for clients who are still processing their loss. But when significant assets, business interests, or family legacies are on the line, early legal intervention can make all the difference. Our team works diligently to minimize unnecessary conflict while protecting what matters most.

Meet Your Contested Probate Lawyer in Austin

We’re not just another law office. Lewis Law Firm, PLLC was founded to provide a more focused, responsive approach to probate and estate litigation in Central Texas. Samantha Lewis brings nearly a decade of experience in Texas and federal courts, offering clients strategy-driven representation grounded in legal insight and shaped by her background in economics.

As a contested probate lawyer in Austin, we’ve seen firsthand how probate disputes can fracture families and prolong grief. That’s why we prioritize both legal precision and emotional care. When you work with us, you’re not just another file—you’re a family seeking resolution and healing. We offer skilled legal guidance in:

• Will contests,
• Executor and trustee disputes,
• Heirship proceedings,
• Guardianship challenges, and
• Fiduciary litigation.

Each situation is different, and we listen closely to understand your concerns. Then we act decisively to protect your rights and advocate for what’s fair.

Texas Law on Contested Probate

In Texas, the legal foundation for contested probate matters is found in the Texas Estates Code, which an experienced estate litigation lawyer in Austin can help you navigate with clarity and confidence.

Some essential elements of Texas law include:

• Statute of limitations. A will contest must generally be filed within two years after the will is admitted to probate. This deadline may vary in some cases, such as contests based on forgery or fraud discovered after the fact.
• Burden of proof. The contestant bears the burden of proving why the will should be set aside, whether due to lack of capacity, undue influence, or fraud. Evidence may include medical records, witness testimony, or documentation showing inconsistencies in the decedent’s decisions.
• Standing. Only “interested persons” (heirs, beneficiaries, creditors) can contest a will. In some cases, people unaware of their inheritance rights may still qualify as interested parties under Texas law.

Our role as your Austin contested probate lawyer is to guide you through these legal standards and provide sound counsel throughout the process.

Why Families Choose Us When Searching for Austin Contested Probate Lawyers

We’ve intentionally kept our law firm small to ensure every client receives personal attention, detailed legal analysis, and genuine care. Our clients choose us because:

• We are local to Austin and understand the Travis County probate court system;
• We treat your family’s needs as if they were our own—with empathy and respect;
• We bring focused probate litigation experience tailored to complex, high-stakes matters; and
• We understand how to balance negotiation and litigation to protect your best interests.

Searching for the best Austin, TX, contested probate lawyer can feel daunting, especially when tensions are high. Our firm is proud to be a trusted advocate during some of the most difficult times families face. We are honored when clients place their trust in us, and we work hard to earn it every step of the way.

Recognizing the Signs of a Contested Probate Case

Not every probate case will be contested, but there are red flags that often signal potential trouble:

• A will made shortly before death, especially if it significantly changes beneficiaries;
• A loved one who was isolated or dependent on a single caregiver;
• Family members were unexpectedly excluded as beneficiaries of the estate;
• Questions about the decedent’s mental capacity at the time they signed the will; and
• Missing assets or failure to account for property.

If any of these concerns sound familiar, speaking with a probate lawyer sooner rather than later is crucial. Legal deadlines are tight, and waiting too long may limit your options.

Best Practices

As your trusted contested probate lawyer in Austin, we want to empower you with knowledge. Here are five proactive steps to take if you suspect a probate dispute is on the horizon:

• Secure a copy of the will, if one exists;
• Document your concerns in writing; keep notes of suspicious behavior or irregularities;
• Avoid informal promises or agreements with other beneficiaries until you speak with a lawyer;
• Act quickly to preserve evidence and meet Texas filing deadlines; and
• Schedule a consultation with an experienced probate litigation attorney.

These actions protect your rights and set the foundation for an effective legal strategy. Consulting with an Austin will attorney during the planning phase can also help ensure your documents withstand legal scrutiny.

Choosing the Best Austin, TX Contested Probate Lawyer for Your Family

At Lewis Law Firm, PLLC, we know that being involved in a contested probate matter is never something a family wants. It’s emotionally taxing, legally complex, and often deeply personal. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Our firm was founded to offer strategic, client-centered representation. We draw on real legal experience to help your family move forward with confidence. Whether through careful negotiation or courtroom litigation, we’re here to ensure your loved one’s legacy is protected and respected.

You’ll find that our clients value:

• Our one-on-one attention and transparent communication,
• Our knowledge of Texas probate law and courtroom procedures, and
• Our deep understanding of both legal complexity and family dynamics.

Let us help you turn a difficult chapter into a path toward resolution and peace.

Ready to Talk? Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re involved in—or suspect—contested probate, the time to act is now. Let an experienced Austin contested probate lawyer from Lewis Law Firm, PLLC guide you through the process with strategic insight and steady support.