Grayson County Probate Lawyers
We are a law firm based in Grayson County, although we regularly represent clients in estate disputes in neighboring counties. Grayson County is not Dallas County. That is stating the obvious. But it is a point that only lawyers who regularly practice in the Red River area counties understand. Lawyers from Dallas have cars and can buy maps. But that does not mean they know Grayson county jurors, judges and court personnel. We do. We have substantial experience in handling contested probate matters in Grayson County.
Uncontested estates in Grayson County are typically handled by the Grayson County Judge. The County Judge admits wills to probate and appoints executors or administrators.
However, contested estates in Grayson County are transferred to either of two county courts at law:
Those courts handle contested matters such as will contests, fiduciary complaints, and guardianship disputes. The judges of the Grayson County courts at law are very experienced in evaluating issues such as testamentary capacity, undue influence, ambiguous terms in a will, the obligations of a fiduciary, etc. They may also rule on the validity of a deed or trust and the conduct of an executor, trustee, or other fiduciary including holders of a power of attorney.
Grayson County has an estimated population of almost 130,000. Sherman is the county seat, where the courts are located. Grayson County is currently experiencing economic growth. The southern cities, such as Gunter and Van Alstyne are increasingly serving as bedroom communities to the Metroplex, with tremendous growth in residential construction. Lake Texoma and the Hagerman Natural Wildlife Refuge attract substantial recreational investments from outside the county.
The economy of Grayson County, Texas is diverse and has a strong base in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail industries. In addition, the county's proximity to major cities such as Dallas and Oklahoma City has also contributed to its economic growth. Land and residential real property prices have been increasing rapidly. According to data from the Grayson Central Appraisal District, the average market value for land in Grayson County is $11,139 per acre.
The exploding flow of funds into Grayson County has led to rapidly rising property values. This has an impact on contested estates, since it increases the amounts at stake in such disputes. Those increased stakes emphasize the importance of hiring a probate litigation lawyer who has substantial experience in handling contested estates. This is particularly true when you have the opportunity to hire a firm who has a home office in Sherman!
Denison Dam
Grayson County Courthouse
Counsel for estate disputes
Our clients benefit from our law firm's decades of legal experience in the Texas probate process and contested estate matters such as will contests and fiduciary litigation. We do not focus on estate planning or routine estate administration issues. Probate law can involve complex cases involving inheritance issues that impact assets and the ultimate distribution to loved ones of the deceased. We advise you on the proper steps. Sometimes that means just demanding an accounting and going to probate court to enforce that request. Sometimes it means filing or defending a will contest. We seek the cost effective solution that is tailored to your particular contest or dispute. Our fee arrangements can be either hourly or contingency depending on the assets involved in the trust or estate.
We have access to experts such as accountants, physicians, and handwriting analysts. We are obviously familiar with the local probate procedures and courts. We will counsel you when the best course is to go to trial and when to settle an estate dispute.
Call us if you need help.
