Review by Charles Jordan
C
My experience with Mr. Moore’s law firm was very good. The staff and Mr. Moore were very professional. They address all of my concerns and needs. I would highly recommend this law firm
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Contested Probate Attorney in Houston, TX
When a will is challenged or an executor acts in bad faith, you need a fighter in your corner fast.
Warning Signs
When Contested Probate Turns Into a Fight
Probate disputes often start small. A sibling questions a will. An executor stops answering calls. A beneficiary suspects the estate is being drained before anyone sees a dime. In Harris County, these cases move through Probate Courts 1 through 4. Delays give bad actors more room to hide assets or spend them. We've seen families lose months and sometimes inheritances. They waited too long to challenge a suspicious will or a self-dealing executor. If someone died without a valid will, intestacy rules can make things even messier.[1] Don't wait until the estate is gone to act.
25+
Years handling contested probate and trust disputes across Texas.
3,000+
Cases handled, including will contests and executor removals.
24/7
Text line for urgent probate emergencies, day or night.
Common Disputes
Suspicious Will Changes
A will changed shortly before death, especially one favoring a new caregiver or late relationship, often signals undue influence.
Executor Misconduct
An executor who won't share records or pay themselves first is breaching their duty to the estate.
Beneficiary Disputes
Heirs disagree on asset division or question whether everyone named is who they claim to be.
Undue Influence Claims
A caregiver or new spouse pressured a vulnerable person into changing their estate plan near the end.
Probate Fraud
Forged signatures, hidden assets, or fabricated documents can destroy an entire estate plan.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Trustees or executors who mismanage estate funds owe the beneficiaries money back, and we go after it.
Why Us
Why Houston Families Trust Us With Contested Probate
Waiting on a contested probate case lets wrongdoers spend or hide assets. We move fast, build strong evidence, and fight in Harris County Probate Courts with the aggression these cases demand. Troy Moore handles your case personally, not a junior associate buried in paperwork.
What You Can Expect
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A direct conversation with Troy Moore, not a call center.
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A clear plan for challenging or defending the will or estate.
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Plain-English updates, no confusing legal jargon.
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Aggressive representation in court when disputes can't be settled.
Act Now
Don't Let a Bad Executor Win
Every day you wait, assets can disappear. Call now for a straight answer about your contested probate case. We'll tell you what we can do as your Trial Attorney team.
Our Process
How We Handle Contested Probate Cases
We built a simple process so you always know what's happening next.
1
Free Case Review
We look at the will, the estate, and the behavior causing concern. Troy Moore tells you honestly whether you have a strong claim.
2
File and Investigate
We file the right petitions in Harris County Probate Court. We gather records, bank statements, and witness statements to build your case.
3
Fight for Resolution
We push for a fair settlement when possible. If not, we take the case to trial and argue it with everything we've got.
Fair Pricing
Contested Probate Cost in Houston
Cost depends on how complex the estate is and how much the other side fights back. A simple executor dispute costs less than a full will contest with multiple witnesses and expert testimony. We give you an honest estimate upfront, so there are no surprise invoices later. Many contested probate cases in Harris County allow attorney fees from the estate itself. We'll explain this clearly during your free case review.
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Upfront pricing before we start any work.
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No action taken without your approval.
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No hidden fees or surprise charges.
Typical price range
$3,500 - $25,000+
Simple executor removal cases cost less than full trial litigation.
Contested wills with multiple witnesses raise costs.
Estate size and asset complexity affect time spent.
A cooperative opposing party can lower total legal fees.
Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Review by andrews verdaux
A
great honest probate lawyer
Review by Missi Nalback
M
Great experience, explained everything thoroughly.
Review by k w
K
Extremely professional and knowledgeable! After starting our trust with Troy Moore, I feel like we have a long lasting trusted ally in making sure All the Things are arranged and smooth when our lives have ended.
Review by Tim Williams
T
Troy and his team were great throughout our estate planning. Professional, patient, and informative. If you have not already taken care of your future, I highly recommend Troy Moore.
Review by Bill Darnell
B
Troy was extremely helpful in navigating us through the briars in setting up our will and trust. My wife and I would not hesitate to refer him to others.
Review by Riley Darnell
R
Helped me and my family out so much! Highly recommend.
Review by Ruth Scott
R
Troy Moore took care of all my “Will” needs. He was very professional and the process was effortless. I would highly recommend Troy!
Review by Eric Lamonte
E
Troy and Tiffany deserve an A plus. They were a huge blessing to help me through this process with the system. Thank you very much for all you do!
Your Questions
Contested Probate Questions
Here are answers to what Houston families ask us most.
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How much does contesting a will cost in Houston?
Costs typically range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands for complex trials. We give you a clear estimate after reviewing your case. Many estates can be made to pay legal fees, which we'll discuss with you directly.
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How long does a contested probate case take?
Simple disputes can resolve in a few months. Full trials in Harris County Probate Court can take a year or more. We work to move things along as fast as the court system allows.
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Should I hire a lawyer or handle this myself?
Contested probate is not something to handle alone. Courts have strict deadlines and evidence rules, and one mistake can cost you your inheritance. We've seen families lose cases simply by filing late.
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What's the difference between contesting a will and removing an executor?
Contesting a will challenges whether the document is valid at all. Removing an executor focuses on their misconduct while managing the estate. We handle both, often together.
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How fast do I need to act on a probate dispute?
Fast. Texas law sets strict deadlines for contesting a will, often within two years of probate. Assets can also be spent or hidden the longer you wait, so call us right away.
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What are signs I should contest a will?
Watch for last-minute changes favoring one person. Watch for a decedent who was ill or confused. Watch for an executor who won't share records. These are red flags we investigate closely.
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Can I recover money an executor already spent wrongly?
Yes, through a breach of fiduciary duty claim. We can pursue repayment to the estate and, in some cases, personal liability against the executor. Harris County courts take these claims seriously.