When a family member passes away, their will should reflect their true wishes. Sometimes it doesn’t. Challenges to a will’s validity, disputes between beneficiaries, or disagreements over how an estate should be administered can turn a difficult time into a legal conflict. These contested probate situations demand careful attention to both the law and the relationships at stake—and they require an attorney who can navigate complex court procedures while protecting your interests.
A contested probate matter arises when someone challenges the validity of a will, the administration of an estate, or the decisions made by an executor or administrator. These disputes can arise for various reasons: questions about whether the deceased had the mental capacity to make a valid will, allegations of undue influence on the will’s terms, suspicions of fraud, or disagreements about how an executor is managing estate assets.
These matters require both legal skill and sensitivity. The goal isn’t simply to “win”—it’s to reach a resolution that’s fair under Texas law and, when possible, preserves family relationships. That’s the approach The Goodson Firm P.C. takes with every contested probate case.
Estate planning solutions tailored to your life, family, and goals.
Questioning whether a will meets Texas legal requirements, including proper execution, testamentary capacity, and freedom from undue influence or fraud.
Addressing concerns about how an estate administrator is fulfilling their fiduciary duties, including asset management, beneficiary communication, and accounting responsibilities.
Resolving conflicts between named beneficiaries, including disputes over interpretation of will language, distribution calculations, or asset valuations.
We begin by understanding your specific situation: What’s being disputed? What outcome matters most to you? What are the key facts and relationships involved? Leigh will explain the applicable law, outline potential strategies, and be honest about the challenges and opportunities in your case.
Depending on the nature of the dispute, we obtain the will and related documents, review the deceased’s medical and financial records, identify potential witnesses, and examine how the estate has been administered so far. This groundwork is essential to building a strong legal position.
If your case involves a claim against the estate or challenges to an executor’s conduct, we may begin with a formal demand letter outlining your position and the relief you’re seeking. In some cases, this resolves the matter without litigation. If not, we proceed with the appropriate court filings to protect your rights.
Many contested probate matters are resolved outside the courtroom through mediation or direct negotiation. We represent your interests throughout this process, working toward a resolution that is fair, legally sound, and — where possible — preserves family relationships.
When negotiation fails, we are prepared to take your case to court. We handle all aspects of probate litigation — from filing motions and conducting discovery to presenting evidence and arguing your position before the judge.
Whether your matter resolves through settlement or a court ruling, we guide you through the final steps — ensuring court orders are properly implemented, estate administration resumes correctly, and your legal interests are fully protected going forward.
Contested probate matters are rarely simple — they involve legal complexity, family dynamics, and decisions that carry lasting consequences. At The Goodson Firm P.C., we approach every dispute with the care and precision it deserves, protecting your interests at every stage while working toward the most efficient resolution possible. If you believe a will is invalid, an executor is mismanaging an estate, or your rights as a beneficiary are being overlooked, schedule a confidential consultation with Leigh Hunt Goodson today.
Ms. Leigh Goodson was fabulous in giving me advice for my father's situation. She was a wealth of knowledge and recommendations. We will be using her for further estate planning.
Leigh prepared estate documents for myself and my husband, and she did a fantastic job. Everyone at her office was friendly and easy to work with. The process was quick and easy, and we feel so much better knowing our affairs are in order. If anyone needs any estate planning help, I would 100% recommend Leigh and her office!
I knew from my experience working with attorneys for over 30 years that with a blended family my husband and I needed professional estate planning. Ms. Goodson provided us with excellent options and did a very thorough explanation of the pros and cons of each of them. She offered non-judgmental opinions and legal information about the equitable division of our blended families small estate. We chose to go with the more expensive trust option because it would be a simpler and less expensive probate for our children who almost all live out of state. She and her assistant made extra efforts to accommodate our schedule and the entire process was quickly completed. We highly recommend The Goodson Firm. P.C. for your estate planning and probate legal services.
Leigh Goodson is a professional attorney. She is available to clients and is responsive in urgent and standard matters. Her expertise has been very helpful. Highly recommend, The Goodson Firm.
Leigh Goodson is the attorney I trust to take care of my clients, friends, and family. She knows the law and works with her clients to make sure their priorities are addressed appropriately.
The right time to protect your legacy is before you need to. Schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting everything you have built and the people who matter most.
Locations in Tyler, Dallas, Plano, & Bee Cave, Texas
