When a loved one's estate becomes a legal battle, you need a fighter in your corner fast.
Probate litigation starts when someone challenges a will, disputes an executor's actions, or claims they were left out unfairly. In Harris County, these fights happen more often than most families expect. We've seen disputes erupt over handwritten wills, missing assets, and executors who quietly drain an estate before anyone notices. The longer a dispute sits without legal action, the harder it gets to recover what's lost. Texas probate law gives courts real power to remove executors. Courts can void fraudulent transfers and force asset accounting. But you have to act. Bellaire and Memorial Villages families with high-value estates often face the most complex fights. Probate [1][1] disputes can drag on for years without an attorney who knows Harris County Probate Courts 1 through 4.
Someone is claiming the will isn't valid. We challenge or defend wills based on undue influence, lack of capacity, and fraud.
An executor is mismanaging or stealing from the estate. We can petition the court to remove them and hold them accountable.
Family members are fighting over who gets what. We represent beneficiaries who are being shortchanged or ignored.
A trustee isn't following the trust terms. We take action to enforce the trust and protect what the original creator intended.
Someone pressured your loved one into changing their will or trust. We build the evidence and fight that claim in court.
Assets are missing or records don't add up. We investigate and pursue fraud claims aggressively on your behalf.
Probate disputes move fast. Assets disappear. Deadlines pass. Waiting even a few weeks can cost you real money and legal standing. Troy Moore has handled probate litigation across Harris County for over 25 years. He knows the judges, the courts, and the tactics that work. You'll speak directly with Troy, not a paralegal, not an assistant.
Probate litigation has strict deadlines. The sooner you call, the more options you have. Troy Moore handles probate litigation as part of a full range of estate legal services in Houston.
We keep the process clear so you know exactly where things stand at every point.
You call or text, and Troy reviews the facts of your dispute directly. We'll tell you right away if you have a strong case. No legal jargon, no pressure.
We build your case and file in the right Harris County Probate Court. Troy handles the paperwork, deadlines, and court appearances. You don't have to figure out the system alone.
We push for the outcome you deserve, whether that's a settlement or a courtroom win. Troy doesn't back down when the other side gets aggressive. We see it through to the end.
Probate litigation costs vary based on how complex the dispute is. A straightforward executor removal costs less than a full will contest that goes to trial. Cases in Harris County can move at different speeds depending on court backlog and how cooperative the other parties are. We give you a clear fee picture before any work begins. You'll know what you're paying and why. Last month a client called us after an executor stalled for six months. We moved quickly because they didn't wait any longer. No hidden fees, no surprise bills.
Here are the questions Houston families ask us most often about probate litigation.
Costs depend on the case. Simple disputes can start around $2,500. Full will contests or fraud cases can run $15,000 to $25,000 or more. We explain the fee structure before you commit to anything. You won't get a surprise invoice.
Most contested cases in Harris County take six months to two years. Cases that settle early can close faster. Harris County Probate Courts handle thousands of cases, so timing depends on the court's docket. We push hard to move things along.
Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. Texas probate rules are strict, and one missed deadline can end your claim. The other side will almost certainly have legal representation. Going in without an attorney is a common mistake that costs families real money.
Regular probate is an administrative process to transfer assets. Litigation means someone is fighting over the estate in court. It's a different animal entirely. You need an attorney who handles contested cases, routine estate administration.
Very fast. Texas has strict deadlines for contesting a will or challenging an executor. Some windows are as short as two years from the date the will was admitted to probate. And assets can disappear quickly if an executor is acting in bad faith. Call as soon as you suspect a problem.
Watch for a will that changed right before death. Watch for an executor who won't share financial records. Watch for family members suddenly cut out of an estate they expected to inherit. Missing assets and secretive behavior from an executor are also red flags. If something feels wrong, it's worth a call.
Yes. Texas courts can remove an executor who mismanages assets, fails to follow the will, or acts in bad faith. We've successfully petitioned for executor removal in Harris County cases where families were being ignored or harmed. It requires court action, but it's absolutely possible with the right attorney.
