League City Fiduciary Litigation Attorney

When someone is entrusted with another person’s assets or legal responsibilities, Texas law requires them to act in good faith and in the best interest of the person they serve. When they do not, the result can be financial loss, emotional stress, and legal disputes that require court involvement. If you believe a fiduciary has failed in their duties or you’re accused of breaching a fiduciary role, a League City fiduciary litigation attorney can help protect your rights and resolve the conflict.

At Lewis Law Firm, PLLC, we represent individuals, beneficiaries, trustees, executors, and guardians in fiduciary disputes throughout Galveston County and the surrounding areas. Whether you are contesting a decision, responding to an accusation, or defending your actions, our team can guide you through the process with clarity and strategy.

Understanding Fiduciary Relationships in Texas

A fiduciary relationship exists when one party is legally bound to act in the best interests of another. These relationships emerge in various contexts and often involve a substantial amount of trust, discretion, and responsibility.

Some of the most common fiduciary roles include:

• Executors and administrators of estates,
• Trustees managing living or testamentary trusts,
• Guardians appointed to care for minors or incapacitated adults,
• Agents under powers of attorney, and
• Business partners or corporate officers.

Texas defines these roles, not just intention. Courts hold fiduciaries to a high standard of conduct, and a breach can result in civil liability, removal from the role, or court-imposed penalties.

What Constitutes a Breach of Fiduciary Duty?

To prove a breach of fiduciary duty in Texas, the party bringing the claim must show:

• A fiduciary relationship existed,
• The fiduciary failed to uphold their duties, and
• That failure caused harm or financial damage.

Common examples include:

• Misappropriation of funds or self-dealing,
• Acting outside the authority granted in legal documents,
• Failure to disclose conflicts of interest,
• Neglecting recordkeeping or reporting duties, and
• Failing to distribute estate or trust assets properly.

Even unintentional mistakes can be costly. A fiduciary litigation attorney in League City can review the facts of your case and advise you on potential defenses or claims.

Fiduciary Litigation in Probate and Trust Matters

Many fiduciary disputes arise after someone’s death. During probate, heirs and beneficiaries may question how the executor manages the estate. In trust administration, beneficiaries may allege that a trustee is acting unfairly or withholding information.

Disputes can involve:

• Claims that a fiduciary failed to follow the decedent’s instructions,
• Allegations of asset mismanagement,
• Concerns about favoritism or delayed distributions, and
• Efforts to remove a fiduciary and appoint someone new.

These conflicts often involve legal and personal tensions. Your League City fiduciary litigation lawyer can help diffuse disputes when possible or litigate aggressively when necessary.

Fiduciary Conflicts Among Family Members

Fiduciaries are often family members. A sibling may be named trustee, or an adult child may have power of attorney. When disputes arise, they are rarely just about the money. Personal history, communication breakdowns, and grief can fuel the conflict.

A fiduciary litigation attorney can assist with:

• Contesting changes made to a will or trust near the end of someone’s life,
• Challenging the actions of a guardian managing a parent’s estate, and
• Disputes over business assets shared among family members.

These cases often benefit from early legal intervention. A skilled lawyer can help gather records, review financial statements, and seek an informal resolution before trial becomes necessary.

How Texas Law Addresses Fiduciary Disputes

Texas law provides remedies for fiduciary misconduct. Depending on the facts, courts may:

• Remove or suspend the fiduciary,
• Order a full accounting of all assets and decisions,
• Award damages to affected beneficiaries,
• Invalidate transactions that were the result of self-dealing, and
• Impose constructive trusts to recover misused property.

These remedies aim to restore trust, protect vulnerable individuals, and uphold the decedent’s intentions. Lewis Law Firm, PLLC assists clients in pursuing or defending these actions by employing tailored strategies grounded in Texas law.