Gonzales County Will Contests
Transferring property after a person passes away can be a complex process, even with a carefully crafted will or estate plan. In many cases, highly emotional and tense will disputes can arise, leading to serious arguments between family members and lengthy probate processes. If you need to dispute a will in Gonzales County, the attorneys at Marrs Ellis & Hodge, LLP can help.
Our Gonzales County will contest lawyers have significant experience challenging wills in probate court. We will work closely with you to identify your goals and handle all aspects of the dispute on your behalf, helping deescalate tense situations and fighting for you and your family’s best interests.
Why Choose Us
- Over the past 10 years, our Texas will contest attorneys have successfully represented hundreds of clients across the state in high-stakes property disputes and will contests.
- Our attorneys have received multiple awards and prestigious distinctions recognizing our track record of success, including a preeminent AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
- We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. We will diligently prepare your case for probate court and advocate aggressively for your side of the dispute.
Legal Requirements for a Will in Texas
A will is a document that dictates how a person wants to dispose of his or her property following his or her death. To qualify as a valid legal instrument, the testator, or the person who the will applies to, must meet the following requirements.
- The testator must be at least 18 years or older, be lawfully married, or be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces
- The testator must create the will in writing, either by hand or typed on a computer and printed
- The testator must be of sound mind at the time of executing the will, meaning that the testator understands what it means to make a will, knows the nature and extent of his or her property, and are able to make the decisions necessary to create the conditions of the will
- The testator must create the will freely and voluntarily, meaning that no one should impose his or her influence over the creation and terms of the will.
- The testator must sign the will in the presence of at least two credible witnesses.
Who Can Challenge a Will in Texas?
If you believe that your loved one’s will is not legally valid or if undue influence is involved in the creation of the document, you may have grounds for a will dispute. Any person who has valid legal standing to the document can file a will contest claim. You could file a challenge to the will in Texas probate court, which will then be responsible for hearing the dispute and making a decision.
However, you will need to prove that if the court accepts the will as valid, you will experience harm. In these situations, you need an attorney to represent you in your dispute and fight for your best interests—and our attorneys at Marrs Ellis & Hodge, LLP have the skills and experience necessary to handle your claim.
Contact a Gonzales County Will Contest Lawyer
If you are struggling with a will dispute in Gonzales County, the attorneys at Marrs Ellis & Hodge, LLP can help. We are trained to handle high-stakes property disputes and will work closely with you to fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a Gonzales County will contest lawyer.