Estate Litigation Attorney in San Antonio
Serving San Antonio Families in Contested Estate Matters Since 1983
When a loved one’s death leads to a disputed will, a trustee who has mismanaged assets, or a family disagreement over who inherits, the legal and emotional stakes are high. Estate litigation covers these contested matters: challenges to will validity, claims of executor or trustee misconduct, beneficiary disputes, and proceedings to determine who qualifies as a legal heir. Each of these disputes is resolved in the Bexar County Probate Courts, and each requires an attorney who understands both probate procedure and the family dynamics underneath the conflict.
Wilson Law has served San Antonio families in estate, probate, and family law matters since 1983. That history means we’ve worked through the full range of contested estate issues that arise for local families, and we approach each one with the same principle: understand the client’s situation fully before developing a strategy built around their specific goals.
If you’re facing an estate dispute in San Antonio, we’re ready to help. Contact Wilson Law at (210) 405-4919 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
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What is a “legal separation?”Texas, unlike other states, does not recognize a “legal separation.” Instead, temporary orders concerning marital issues (financial issues, child conservatorship, matters of residence) can be granted while a divorce is pending.
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What does a “temporary order” mean in Texas?
Texas law does not recognize “legal separations.” Instead, after a divorce is filed, either party may request a “temporary order,” which determines the temporary situation until the divorce is decreed.
For example, a temporary order can dictate who will remain in the house, pay what bills, and visitation matters for the non-custodial parent. It’s important to understand that a temporary order is not always required.
Also, if the parties involved agree to the temporary order, there may not need to be a hearing. However, some situations are so volatile that a judge is asked to impose a temporary order after listening to the evidence presented.
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In Texas, is marital property automatically divided 50/50?Texas law does not insist that property must be divided equally. Instead, a judge will divide the community estate into a “just and right” division.
Credentials That Matter in a Contested Estate Case
Estate litigation attorney Eric D. Wilson earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 2004 and has been a member of the Texas Bar since that year, as well as the State Bar of Texas and the San Antonio Bar Association. Wilson Law is a Fellow of the Texas Bar College, is Lead Counsel Verified, and holds Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent and Client Champion Gold ratings (2022). These recognitions reflect a sustained record of peer and client trust built over decades of serving Bexar County families.
Estate Litigation Matters We Handle
We represent clients on both sides of contested estate disputes throughout San Antonio and Bexar County. Whether you’re pursuing a claim or defending against one, our representation covers the core categories that arise under Texas law.
Common matters include:
- Will Contests: Challenging or defending the validity of a will based on lack of mental capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Claims against an executor, administrator, or trustee who has mismanaged estate assets, failed to account for funds, or acted in self-interest
- Beneficiary Disputes: Conflicts among heirs or beneficiaries over the interpretation of estate documents or the distribution of assets
- Determination of Heirship: Court proceedings to identify lawful heirs when a person dies without a valid will
- Trust Disputes: Litigation involving improper trust administration, mismanagement, or distributions that don’t follow the trust’s terms
- Competing Wills: Disputes arising when multiple wills exist and their validity or priority is in question
Texas law allows interested parties, including heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, and fiduciaries, to bring or defend claims in the Bexar County Probate Courts. We handle will litigation and trust litigation as dedicated practice areas, with estate litigation serving as the broader umbrella for all contested estate matters.
Why San Antonio Families Turn to Wilson Law
Our firm has been part of the San Antonio legal community since 1983. That longevity isn’t just a number. It reflects a referral-based reputation built one client relationship at a time, and it means we bring continuity of local knowledge to every contested estate matter we take on.
Estate disputes rarely involve just one area of law. A contested estate may implicate family relationships, blended family dynamics, or business interests tied to estate assets. Because our practice spans estate planning, probate, family law, and business law, clients facing disputes at those intersections don’t need to piece together representation from multiple firms.
Our approach is consistent: we take time to understand each client’s situation before recommending a course of action. No two estate disputes are the same, and the strategy we develop reflects your specific circumstances and goals, not a template applied across cases.
Start with a Free Consultation
Estate disputes are stressful, and uncertainty about legal costs can make it harder to take the first step. We offer free initial consultations so you can understand your options before making any commitment. Reach us online or by phone at (210) 405-4919.
How Estate Litigation Works in Bexar County Probate Court
Bexar County has three dedicated probate courts in the Bexar County Courthouse in downtown San Antonio, each presided over by an elected judge. These courts handle will validity, heir determination, trust matters, and full estate administration for San Antonio residents and those who owned property here. Disputes are governed by the Texas Estates Code and filed in the probate court for the county where the decedent lived or held property.
A typical estate administration moves through several stages: appointing an executor or administrator, inventorying assets, notifying creditors, and distributing assets to lawful heirs. Disputes can surface at any point. An heir may challenge the named executor’s qualifications. A beneficiary may question whether an asset was properly accounted for. A family member may contest the will’s validity entirely. Under Texas law, only a licensed attorney may represent the interests of third-party individuals or entities in probate estate proceedings.
Acting early matters. Establishing claims before applicable deadlines, preserving relevant evidence, and engaging in early negotiation or mediation can affect how a dispute is handled, whether it settles short of trial or proceeds to a full probate court hearing.
Discuss Your Estate Dispute with Wilson Law
If you’re involved in a contested estate matter in San Antonio or Bexar County, we can help you understand your position and what your next steps look like. Wilson Law brings over 35 years of experience serving local families to every case we handle. Call us at (210) 405-4919 or reach out online to schedule your free initial consultation.
