Austin Will Contest Lawyer

Disputes over a loved one’s will can be emotionally charged and legally complex. Whether you believe the will does not reflect your loved one’s true intentions or suspect undue influence or fraud, working with an experienced Austin will contest lawyer can help you navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence.

At Lewis Law Firm, PLLC, we provide thoughtful legal support to families in Central Texas facing will contests and related estate disputes.

What Is a Will Contest?

A will contest is a legal challenge to the validity of a will. This process occurs in probate court and is initiated by someone with a legal interest in the estate, such as a spouse, child, or beneficiary, who believes the will should not be enforced as written.

Not every disagreement qualifies as a valid contest. Texas law sets strict standards for challenging a will, and only certain individuals have the legal standing to do so. We can help determine if your concerns meet legal requirements and guide you through the next steps.

Common Legal Grounds for Challenging a Will in Texas

To contest a will in Texas, one or more of the following legal grounds must apply:

• Lack of testamentary capacity. The person creating the will (the testator) must understand the nature of their property, the people who would ordinarily benefit, and the effect of signing the will. If they lacked mental clarity due to dementia, illness, or medication, their will might be deemed invalid.
• Undue influence. This occurs when someone close to the testator exerts excessive pressure or control, overriding the testator’s wishes. A caregiver, relative, or advisor might manipulate the situation for personal gain, especially if a dramatic change in the will favors that person.
• Fraud. Situations of fraud arise when the testator is tricked into signing a will or misled about its contents. For example, if someone swapped documents or falsely described what the testator was signing, the court may set aside the will.
• Improper execution. Texas law requires that most wills be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two credible individuals. A will missing these elements, or containing technical errors, may be challenged and ruled invalid.
• Multiple conflicting wills. When a deceased person leaves behind more than one will, disputes can arise over which document should control. The court typically enforces the most recent valid will, but questions of forgery, timing, or improper revocation may complicate matters.

Each of these grounds involves specific legal standards and evidentiary requirements. A skilled Austin will contest lawyer can evaluate your concerns and help you determine whether to move forward with a formal challenge.

Who Can Contest a Will in Texas?

Only people with a legal interest in the estate can contest a will. These include:

• Heirs under Texas intestacy laws. Individuals such as spouses, children, or parents who would have inherited had there been no will. They may have legal grounds to contest if they are excluded or receive less than expected.
• Prior or alternate beneficiaries. Someone named in an earlier will but left out of a newer one could challenge the latter document if undue influence or lack of capacity is suspected.
• Interested parties. Anyone whose financial rights or inheritance may be affected by the probate process, such as creditors or fiduciaries, can raise a valid challenge if they can show harm.

Lewis Law Firm, PLLC can review your relationship to the estate and help assess whether you have standing to pursue a will contest.

How Does the Will Contest Process Work?

Contesting a will in Texas follows a structured process:

• Filing a formal objection. You must submit a written challenge in probate court, typically within two years of the will being admitted to probate.
• Giving notice to interested parties. Everyone named in the will, along with heirs and other legal stakeholders, must be informed of the dispute.
• Engaging in discovery. This phase involves gathering documents, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to support or refute the claims.
• Negotiation or trial. Some cases resolve through mediation or settlement, while others proceed to a courtroom hearing where a judge will make the final decision.

The timeline and complexity depend on the specific facts of the case. Our Austin will contest law firm works diligently to keep clients informed, prepared, and supported throughout the process.

What to Expect When You Hire Lewis Law Firm, PLLC

When you choose us, you receive personalized service grounded in legal experience and compassion. We provide:

• Tailored case reviews to evaluate your position and the strength of your claim;
• Clear communication every step of the way, with straightforward explanations;
• Compassionate representation that respects your family’s emotional needs;
• Strategic advocacy focused on achieving meaningful results; and
• Responsive counsel you can trust to protect your loved one’s legacy.

We understand the sensitive nature of these disputes and handle each case with care.

How Long Does It Take to Contest a Will in Texas?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. The length of a will contest depends on:

• The nature of the legal challenge,
• How many parties are involved,
• The availability of documents and witnesses, and
• The court’s calendar and availability.

Some disputes are resolved within a few months, while others may take a year or more. Our firm keeps your case moving efficiently, without sacrificing thoroughness.

Is It Worth Contesting a Will?

If you believe your loved one signed a will under pressure, doesn’t reflect their wishes, or unfairly disinherits rightful beneficiaries, contesting it may bring justice and peace of mind. Taking action now may prevent larger disputes later, preserve family relationships, or restore what was wrongfully taken.

We understand that challenging a will is not easy. But in some cases, it’s the only path toward protecting a family member’s legacy. A will contest can restore fairness and protect what truly matters when done with guidance and care.

We can help you assess your options with honesty and empathy.

Why Choose Lewis Law Firm, PLLC?

Families across Austin trust our team for estate litigation because we:

• Focus exclusively on estate planning and litigation,
• Bring extensive courtroom experience and legal strategy to every case,
• Listen carefully and build a custom approach for each family’s needs,
• Believe in responsive communication and explain every step in plain English, and
• Treat every client with the same care and respect we’d give our own family.

If you’re looking for a skilled attorney, you’ll find a thoughtful, strategic advocate at Lewis Law Firm, PLLC.

Schedule a Consultation with a Will Contest Lawyer in Austin Today

Legal disputes about a loved one’s will can be painful and confusing. You don’t have to face it alone. At Lewis Law Firm, PLLC, we stand by your side from day one.