Probate is the legal process of administering an estate and resolving all claims to assets and property as dictated by a valid will. The process involves validating a will and interpreting the intent and instructions contained with the will.

Probate involves not only the distribution of an estate, but also resolution of any creditor claims and assignment of an executor. The process works on behalf of heirs and other parties who may have claims against the estate.

Probate Law includes:

Estate Administration – In cases where the decedent had no will (intestate) or the will is disputed, the court may appoint an Independent or Dependent Administrator to oversee the administration and distribution of the decedent’s property and assets.

Contested Wills – These are situations where, as it sounds, an heir or a possible heir has reason to claim that the will that has been probated is either not the most current will or it’s not a will that was created when the decedent was of sound mind.

Contested Trusts & Estates – Like contested wills, these are situations where a trustee or a possible trustee has reason to claim that the Trust in question is either not the most current rendition of the Trust or it’s not a Trust that was created when the Trustor was of sound mind.

Estate Litigation – This is a broad category that includes any dispute in regards to estate planning and estate planning documents.

Probate Litigation – Probate litigation is also a broad category that includes any dispute that lies in the jurisdiction of the Probate Courts, which typically includes wills and Trusts, but also includes guardianships.

Leigh Hilton’s primary practice lies in estate planning, and as such, she is one of the most qualified probate litigators in Denton County. With her knowledge of the ins and outs of all estate planning documents and probate procedures, she has the experience you will need to accurately and successfully present or defend your litigation.