Will contests, probate disputes, trust litigation, fiduciary disputes, and property litigation in Travis County and surrounding counties.
Schedule a Consultation →Most legal disputes never need to go to court. But sometimes they do — when a will is challenged, when an executor or trustee isn't fulfilling their duties, when family members disagree about inheritance, or when a property dispute can't be resolved through negotiation. PEEPL Law represents Texas families and estates when litigation becomes necessary, with attention to the fact that most of these disputes happen between people who used to be close.
We work with families in Travis County and the surrounding Hill Country area, including Lakeway, Bee Cave, Steiner Ranch, Spicewood, The Hills, Falconhead, Sweetwater, Rough Hollow, and Travis Club.
PEEPL Law represents clients in the following types of disputes:
Texas litigation has features that differ from other states:
Travis County has a statutory probate court (Travis County Probate Court) with broad jurisdiction over probate, guardianship, trust, and related disputes. Many fiduciary matters that other counties hear in district court are heard here.
Texas has specific deadlines for different types of probate and trust contests. A will contest under Texas Estates Code § 256.204 generally must be filed within two years after the will is admitted to probate, with limited exceptions.
Civil litigation in Texas is governed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, with specific rules for service of process, discovery, motion practice, and trial. Probate proceedings have additional rules under the Estates Code.
Most Texas civil and probate courts will order parties to mediation before trial. Effective mediation preparation is often more important than trial preparation in many disputes.
In Texas, attorney's fees are generally recoverable only when authorized by statute or contract. For probate and trust disputes, Texas Estates Code § 352.052 and similar provisions can authorize fee awards in specific circumstances.
We discuss the dispute, who's involved, what's been tried, and what you're trying to accomplish. We assess the strength of the claim or defense and the realistic range of outcomes.
Most disputes start with a demand letter and negotiation rather than a lawsuit. Sometimes that resolves the matter; sometimes it sets up the eventual litigation more effectively.
If suit is necessary, we file the petition or response and proceed with discovery — written questions (interrogatories), document requests, and depositions to gather evidence.
Most cases involve dispositive motions (motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment) and court-ordered mediation. A substantial number of disputes resolve at this stage.
If the case proceeds to trial, we prepare and try the case. After the verdict, we handle post-trial motions, judgment entry, and any appeal.
Probate and civil litigation in Travis County typically takes one to three years from filing to final judgment, though some disputes resolve sooner through settlement or summary judgment, and complex matters can take longer. Mediation can resolve many disputes within months rather than years.
Texas generally follows the “American Rule” — each party pays their own attorney's fees unless a statute or contract authorizes fee-shifting. For probate and trust disputes, the Estates Code authorizes fee awards in specific circumstances. Hourly billing is most common; some matters can be handled on contingent fee, hybrid, or flat-fee arrangements depending on the type of case.
Texas generally requires a will contest to be filed within two years after the will is admitted to probate. There are limited exceptions (for example, when the contestant was a minor or had a legal disability). The earlier you raise concerns, the more options are available.
For many disputes, the answer is no — depositions and written discovery substitute for live testimony, and most cases resolve before trial. If trial becomes necessary, we prepare witnesses thoroughly and discuss expectations well in advance.
Often, yes. Mediation, structured settlement negotiations, and arbitration resolve a substantial portion of disputes that start as litigation. We assess each matter to determine whether non-litigation paths are viable, and we use them when they fit the situation.
PEEPL Law represents Texas families and estates in disputes across Travis County and surrounding counties. Initial consultations are confidential and focused on your specific situation.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Visiting this site or contacting our firm through this site does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Every legal situation is unique, and you should consult with a qualified attorney to obtain advice tailored to your specific circumstances. PEEPL LAW disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information contained herein.
