Probate Litigation Lawyer In Jacksonville

Support When A Contested Estate Becomes Overwhelming

Disputes over a will, trust, or estate often arise at the same time you are grieving a loss. You may feel shut out of decisions, worry that a loved one’s true wishes are not being honored, or suspect that an executor is not handling things fairly. In these moments, having a probate litigation attorney on your side can bring clarity and direction.

At Edwards & Edwards, P.A., we help clients work through contested estates in Jacksonville and nearby communities. Our goal is to protect your rights while guiding you through a court process that can feel confusing and intimidating. We listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and work to reduce the stress you are already facing.

Our firm brings more than 65 years of combined legal experience to each matter. We are a sister-owned, family-operated law firm, and we understand how painful family conflict can be. From the first conversation, we focus on giving you a clear path forward.

Don’t wait to address your legal needs—connect with a skilled probate litigation attorney. Call (904) 454-4881 or get in touch with us to book your consultation.

Why Families Turn To Our Firm

When you are dealing with a contested estate, you need more than legal forms and court dates. You need a team that understands how probate disputes affect finances, relationships, and your peace of mind. Families come to us because we treat their case as part of a larger picture, not as an isolated problem.

Our attorneys work together on probate disputes, which means you benefit from the insight of a coordinated team rather than one person working alone. We draw on our background in estate planning, real estate, business law, and other areas that often overlap with probate. Many contested estates involve a family home, investment properties, or closely held businesses, and our broader experience helps us see how each legal decision may affect your long-term financial stability.

As a sister-owned, all-female leadership team, we have built a firm culture centered on empathy, direct communication, and practical guidance. Clients often tell us that they feel heard and understood, even while we address complex legal and financial questions. We know these disputes can divide families, and we work to approach each matter with care and respect while still protecting our client’s interests.

We also understand that probate litigation rarely fits neatly into business hours. Court deadlines and family tensions can create urgent situations. Our firm offers after-hours and, when possible, same-day appointments so you can speak with us when you need to. From the start, you will know how to reach us, how we communicate, and what to expect next.

Common Probate Disputes We Handle

Probate litigation occurs when there is a disagreement about how an estate is administered or how assets should be distributed. If you feel that something is wrong with the way a loved one’s estate is being handled, it can be difficult to know whether your concern is a legal issue or a painful but ordinary family disagreement. Part of our work is helping you sort that out.

One frequent source of conflict is a will contest. A family member or beneficiary may believe that the will on file does not reflect the true wishes of the person who died. This might involve questions about mental capacity at the time the will was signed, pressure or manipulation from someone who benefited, or problems with how the document was executed. In these situations, we review the circumstances and advise whether a challenge in probate court may be appropriate.

Disputes about executors and personal representatives are also common. Beneficiaries may feel that the person in charge of the estate is not providing information, delaying important steps, or using estate property for personal benefit. In some cases, a probate litigation lawyer can ask the court to require a detailed accounting, to order certain actions, or, in serious situations, to consider removing the representative.

We also handle conflicts involving trusts, beneficiary designations, and jointly owned property. Blended families, second marriages, and long-term unmarried partners often create complex situations, especially when written documents do not match what family members expected. When an estate includes homes or other real estate in or around Jacksonville, or when a small business is part of the estate, we rely on our real estate and business law background to address those assets as part of the dispute.

What To Do In A Probate Dispute

If you are worried about how an estate is being handled, it can be tempting to wait and see how things unfold. In Florida probate, waiting too long can limit your options. Court deadlines for filing objections or raising certain issues can arrive sooner than you expect, especially in matters moving through the probate system in Duval County.

There are practical steps you can take before everything feels out of control. You do not have to take all of them at once, and we can help you decide which are most important for your situation.

Helpful first steps if you suspect a problem in probate include:

• Gather copies of any wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations you have, along with letters or emails about the estate.
• Write down a clear timeline of events, including when documents were signed, when you learned about them, and any unusual changes in your loved one’s relationships.
• Avoid signing agreements or waivers about the estate before you understand your rights and the potential impact.
• Limit emotional confrontations about legal issues with other family members, since statements can sometimes affect how a dispute unfolds.
• Schedule a conversation with a probate litigation attorney to review your concerns, documents, and deadlines.

When you contact our firm, we start by listening. We review the information you have, ask questions about your goals, and explain what Florida probate law may allow in your circumstances. We also discuss practical considerations, such as the possible costs, time frames, and emotional toll of different approaches. Our aim is to help you make informed choices instead of reacting in crisis mode.

How We Approach Probate Litigation In Jacksonville

Every contested estate has its own history and family dynamics, so we begin with a careful evaluation. We review the will or trust, prior estate planning documents, and any court filings already made. Financial records, property deeds, and business documents can also be important. By looking at the full picture, we work to identify both legal issues and practical pressure points.

Our team focuses on balancing strong advocacy with respect for your ongoing family relationships. Some disputes can be narrowed or even resolved through negotiation or mediation, which often gives families more control over the outcome. In other situations, especially where there is serious misconduct or clear disagreement about the law, a judge in the probate division for Duval County may need to decide. We discuss these paths openly so you understand what each one may involve.

Because we handle matters across different areas of law, we are attentive to how probate decisions affect real estate, business interests, and long-term financial planning. For example, the way a settlement is structured can change tax consequences or affect the ability to sell or transfer property located in Jacksonville. We look ahead to these issues rather than treating court hearings as the only goal.

Communication is at the center of our approach. We strive to keep you informed about what is happening, why it is happening, and what your options are at each stage. Questions are expected and welcome. We make a point of explaining legal steps in everyday language so you do not feel left out of your own case. Our role is to guide and advocate, not to make decisions in a vacuum.

Talk With Our Probate Litigation Team

Deciding to speak with a probate litigation attorney about a family dispute is rarely easy. You may worry about starting a conflict, or you may already feel like the conflict is far beyond your control. Reaching out to us is a way to understand where you stand and what choices are available, not a commitment to take a particular path.

When you contact Edwards & Edwards, P.A., we arrange a time to talk about your situation and review key documents. We explain how probate litigation typically proceeds here, what issues we see in your case, and possible next steps. If deadlines are approaching or tensions are quickly rising, we work to offer after-hours or same-day appointments when our schedule allows.

Our family-operated firm is dedicated to walking clients through some of the most difficult seasons of their lives. If you are facing a contested estate, a will that does not seem right, or an executor who will not provide answers, you do not have to sort it out alone. We are here to help you move from confusion toward a plan.

To discuss your probate dispute in confidence, call (904) 454-4881.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I hire a probate litigation lawyer?

You should consider hiring a lawyer as soon as you suspect something is wrong with a will, trust, or estate administration. Early advice can help you meet probate deadlines and avoid missteps. We can review your concerns, explain your options, and help you decide whether formal action makes sense.

How much will a probate dispute cost me?

The cost depends on factors such as how complex the estate is, how many parties are involved, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial. We explain our fee structure at the outset and discuss strategies to match the level of effort to the value at stake.

Can you help if my executor is not communicating?

Yes, we regularly speak with clients who feel shut out by an executor or personal representative. A probate litigation attorney from our firm can review the situation, explain what information you may be entitled to, and discuss options to request accountings, seek court involvement, or pursue other appropriate steps.

Will going to court make my family conflict worse?

Litigation can increase tension, but it can also provide structure and clear decisions when informal discussions fail. We talk with you about negotiation, mediation, and court options, then work to choose a path that addresses your legal rights while considering family relationships.

What happens at my first meeting with your firm?

At the first meeting, we listen to your story, review any documents you bring, and ask questions about your goals and concerns. We explain how Florida probate litigation works, outline potential options, and discuss next steps. We also cover communication expectations and scheduling preferences.

Our expert probate litigation attorney in Jacksonville is ready to provide personalized legal guidance. Call (904) 454-4881 to secure your consultation.