Probate Litigation Attorney in San Antonio, Texas
When you lose someone you love, the last thing you want to worry about is probate litigation. Unfortunately, lawsuits over estate issues are more common than you might think. And this leaves you with two options: hire a probate litigation attorney or handle all the mess yourself. If you choose the latter, you should be prepared to endure a great amount of stress, emotional strain, and potential for disrupted familial relationships.
All of that sounds like something you’d rather avoid, which is why it might be wise to consider hiring a probate litigation attorney in San Antonio, Texas. Margaret, the founding attorney at Law Office of Margaret M. Priesmeyer-Masinter, is here to assist you in handling issues related to probate litigation so you can focus on what matters most—grieving and recovering from your loss.
What Is Probate Litigation?
Probate litigation is a legal process that addresses disputes related to the administration of a decedent’s estate. It often involves resolving conflicts over the distribution of assets, interpretation of wills, and the duties of executors or trustees.
Probate litigation is distinct from the standard probate process, which usually proceeds without conflict and involves validating a will, identifying the estate's assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets per the will's instructions. When disagreements arise, litigation may be necessary to resolve these issues.
Margaret, a probate litigation attorney in San Antonio, Texas, helps clients navigate these complex legal disputes, advocating for their rights and ensuring a fair resolution.
Common Issues in Probate Litigation
Probate litigation can encompass a wide range of legal disputes, including:
Will contests: Challenges to the validity of a will due to claims of undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, fraud, forgery, or improper execution.
Breaches of fiduciary duty: Allegations that executors or trustees failed to act in the best interest of the beneficiaries.
Disputes over asset distribution: Conflicts often arise when beneficiaries disagree with how assets are allocated.
Conflicts over the interpretation of a will or trust: Disputes can occur when the language of these documents is ambiguous or unclear.
Margaret has handled all of these and other issues in her career as a probate litigation attorney. She employs a strategic approach when resolving disputes with the goal of protecting her clients' interests.
Steps in the Probate Litigation Process
Typically, the probate litigation process follows these steps:
Initiating a claim: The process begins with filing a petition or complaint in probate court.
Engaging in discovery and pre-trial proceedings: Gathering evidence and exchanging information between parties.
Going to trial: Presenting the case before a judge or jury to resolve the disputes.
Pursuing an appeal if necessary: If the outcome is unfavorable, parties may appeal the decision to a higher court.
Margaret guides clients through each step of this process with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring they are fully informed and prepared for what lies ahead.
What’s the Difference Between a Probate Attorney and a Probate Litigation Attorney?
While a probate attorney assists with the administration of an estate, including filing necessary documents and ensuring compliance with state laws, a probate litigation attorney works to address disputes that arise during the probate process. This involves representing clients in court and managing complex legal conflicts.
What Margaret’s Services as a Probate Litigation Attorney Include
Law Office of Margaret M. Priesmeyer-Masinter offers a comprehensive range of services to address all aspects of probate litigation, including:
Evaluating and contesting the validity of wills
Addressing breaches of fiduciary duty
Resolving conflicts over asset distribution
Interpreting ambiguous or contested terms in wills and trusts
Representing clients in probate court proceedings
Margaret’s extensive experience allows her to provide strategic advice and practical solutions, ensuring each case is handled with professionalism and care.
Why Choose Law Office of Margaret M. Priesmeyer-Masinter?
If you are facing a dispute during the probate process that could escalate to litigation, you might want to hire Margaret at Law Office of Margaret M. Priesmeyer-Masinter to serve as your probate litigation attorney. With more than 25 years of experience and proficiency in probate litigation, Margaret offers:
Personalized approach: Each client receives tailored attention to meet their unique needs.
Practical solutions: Focused on achieving efficient and effective resolutions.
Compassionate service: Dedicated to providing empathetic support during challenging times.
Communicative collaboration: Keeping clients fully informed and involved in their cases.
Clients-first mindset: Prioritizing the interests and satisfaction of clients above all else.
With her vast experience and a client-centered approach, Margaret is committed to delivering exceptional legal representation. Contact the Law Office of Margaret M. Priesmeyer-Masinter for a consultation to discuss your probate litigation needs. Margaret is based in San Antonio, Texas, but serves clients throughout San Marcos, New Braunfels, Bernie, Hondo, and Seguin.