Will Litigation Attorney in Jacksonville

Clarity and Support When a Will Becomes a Source of Conflict

When a loved one passes away, and the will does not match what you expected, it can leave you with grief, confusion, and serious questions about your rights. You may suspect that someone took advantage of your family member, or you may simply feel that the estate is not being handled fairly. In these moments, talking with a will litigation attorney whom clients trust can help you move from uncertainty to a clearer understanding of your options.

At Edwards & Edwards, P.A., we work with families and individuals who are facing contested wills, questions about estate administration, and growing tension among relatives. We know that most people never expect to be involved in a legal dispute over a parent’s or spouse’s estate, and they often feel torn between protecting their rights and preserving relationships. Our goal is to offer calm, practical guidance so you do not have to face those decisions alone.

Our firm brings over 65 years of combined legal experience to these matters, along with a sister-owned, family-operated structure that reflects our own commitment to family. We draw on our background in estate planning, business law, and real estate to address the many layers that can appear in a will dispute, and we stay focused on clear communication from the first conversation.

Seek experienced assistance from a qualified will litigation lawyer in Jacksonville. Call (904) 454-4881 or contact us right away to secure your consultation.

Why Families Choose Our Firm for Will Disputes

When you are searching for help with a will dispute, you are not just looking for legal knowledge. You are looking for a team that understands family dynamics, financial realities, and the emotional strain of challenging a will. At Edwards & Edwards, P.A., our attorneys approach will litigation with that full picture in mind.

Our firm is sister-owned and family-operated, which means we understand how deeply personal estate issues can be. Clients often tell us they appreciate working with a team that treats them with respect and empathy, and that recognizes the history behind family disagreements. We strive to create a steady environment where you can talk openly about what is happening without judgment.

We also bring more than six decades of combined legal experience across estate planning, business law, personal injury, criminal defense, and real estate. Will disputes often involve questions about property titles, business interests, prior legal problems, or financial obligations. Because we practice in these related areas, we can look at your situation from several angles at once and help you understand how a particular strategy might affect not just the lawsuit, but your overall financial plan.

Our team-based and holistic approach means we work together on your matter, reviewing both the legal and financial aspects of the estate. We provide personalized recommendations that fit your goals rather than one-size-fits-all advice. Throughout the process, our focus is on clear, consistent communication, so you know what is happening, why it matters, and what choices are in front of you.

When Will Litigation May Be Necessary

Many people are not sure whether their concerns about a will rise to the level of litigation. You may simply feel that something is off, or you may have specific information that makes you doubt the will’s fairness or validity. Understanding common reasons for will disputes can help you decide when it is time to talk with an attorney.

Will litigation can arise for many reasons, including suspected undue influence, questions about the person’s mental capacity at the time the will was signed, or concerns that the will was not executed properly. Sometimes a later document appears that conflicts with an earlier will. Other times, one family member had significant control over the person’s life and finances and appeared to benefit unexpectedly from the final version of the will.

Disputes can also develop when beneficiaries believe the personal representative is not handling the estate correctly. You might worry that assets are being sold too quickly, that information is not being shared, or that important debts and expenses are not being paid in the right order. These concerns can be especially stressful if you are relying on your inheritance to pay your own bills or plan for the future.

In Florida probate matters, deadlines and court procedures can be strict. The specific time you have to object often depends on when you receive certain notices and what stage the estate is in. If you have doubts about a will or the way an estate is being managed, it is usually better to seek legal advice early, so you understand what options may be available before important dates pass.

How We Approach Will Litigation for Families Here

Every will dispute is different, but our process at Edwards & Edwards, P.A. is designed to give you structure and clarity from the beginning. We start with a conversation about your relationship to the person who passed away, what the current will or estate documents say, and what specific events led to your concerns. This first step helps us understand both the legal issues and the family context.

From there, we typically review key documents such as the will, any prior wills, trust documents, financial records, and court filings that relate to the probate case. Because our attorneys work across multiple practice areas, we can also evaluate related matters, such as how real estate is titled, whether there are business interests involved, or if other issues might affect the estate. Our goal is to build a clear picture of the estate as a whole, not just one disputed paragraph in a document.

Once we have a fuller understanding of the facts, we discuss potential paths with you. Those might include negotiating with other family members, raising objections in the probate court, or pursuing more formal litigation when needed. We talk through practical considerations, including cost, time, and how different strategies may affect relationships or future planning. You remain at the center of these decisions, and we work to explain each option in straightforward terms.

Throughout the case, we focus on communication. Our team keeps you informed about hearings, deadlines, and new developments, and we encourage questions. We know that will litigation can feel overwhelming, so we work to anticipate how each step may impact you financially and emotionally. Strategic foresight is important in these cases, and we take care to plan for how today’s decisions may affect tomorrow’s opportunities, including future estate planning and rebuilding family trust where possible.

What To Do If You Suspect a Problem With a Will

If you are starting to worry about the validity of a will or the way an estate is being handled, taking thoughtful steps now can protect your rights and reduce conflict later. Even if you are not ready to file anything in court, there are practical actions you can take while you consider your options.

Helpful steps if you are concerned about a will include:

• Gather key documents such as copies of the will, any earlier wills you know about, trust documents, and letters or emails that mention estate plans.
• Keep records of communications with the personal representative and other family members, including dates of important conversations and what was discussed.
• Avoid signing releases or settlements related to the estate before you understand what rights you might be giving up.
• Pay attention to court notices and mailing dates, since your ability to object may depend on when you received certain documents.
• Reach out for legal guidance as early as you can, especially if you see tensions rising or deadlines approaching.

We understand that you may feel hesitant to involve an attorney, particularly if you are worried about making family conflict worse. Our role is not to inflame disputes, but to help you understand where you stand and what approaches might be available, including negotiation or mediation where appropriate. When you contact our office, we work to schedule consultations promptly, and in urgent situations, we can often arrange same-day or after-hours appointments. That way, you can get informed advice before making decisions that could affect your financial future.

Will Litigation in the Jacksonville Area

When an estate involves property or a decedent who lived in Jacksonville, probate matters are often handled in the probate division of the Circuit Court in Duval County. If your loved one owned property in nearby counties, proceedings might also take place in those courts. Knowing which court is involved and how that court typically handles hearings, filings, and notices can affect the timing and strategy of a will dispute.

Our attorneys regularly guide clients through probate and related litigation in this region, including estates that pass through the Duval County court system. We help clients understand what to expect from required filings, how hearings are usually scheduled, and what practical issues arise when beneficiaries or personal representatives live outside the area. This local perspective can be particularly important if you are trying to manage a Florida estate from another state.

Because court procedures and scheduling practices can influence how quickly a case moves, we take those local factors into account when discussing your options. We talk with you about likely timelines, which may vary based on the court’s docket, the complexity of the estate, and the willingness of the parties to cooperate. Our familiarity with the probate process here allows us to give grounded guidance on what steps may come next and how to prepare for them.

Protecting Your Relationships and Your Future

One of the hardest parts of will litigation is the fear that asserting your rights will permanently damage your relationships. Many clients come to us feeling guilty for even considering a will contest, especially when siblings, stepfamily members, or long-time caregivers are involved. It is common to feel pulled between honoring your loved one’s memory and addressing serious concerns about fairness.

At Edwards & Edwards, P.A., we take these concerns seriously when we discuss strategy with you. We explore tools beyond traditional courtroom battles, such as negotiation and mediation, that may allow you to address problems while reducing the chance of long-term rifts. In some cases, a clear explanation of the legal issues and a structured conversation among family members can lead to resolutions that feel more balanced for everyone involved.

We also keep an eye on your broader financial future. A will dispute is rarely just about one asset or one provision. It can shape your ability to pay for education, retirement, or care for your own children. Our holistic approach means we discuss how different outcomes might affect your long-term stability and what steps you can take to protect yourself, regardless of how the case ultimately resolves.

Above all, we want you to feel heard and supported. Our team works to restore your confidence at a time when events may have left you feeling powerless. By combining legal guidance with thoughtful communication, we aim to help you move forward with greater clarity about both your rights and your relationships.

Act fast to connect with an experienced will litigation lawyer. Use our online form to begin right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I Can Challenge a Will in Florida?

In general, you may be able to challenge a will in Florida if you have a direct interest in the estate, such as being a beneficiary under the will, a beneficiary under a prior will, or someone who would inherit if there were no will. The specific question is whether the outcome of the probate case affects your legal rights. If it does, you may have what is called standing to object.

Determining standing can be more complex when there are multiple wills, blended families, or non-family beneficiaries. Our attorneys review your relationship to the person who passed away, the relevant documents, and the way Florida probate law treats your situation. We then explain whether you appear to have grounds and standing to move forward. Because each case is different, it is usually helpful to speak with us directly about your circumstances before making assumptions about what you can or cannot do.

How Long Do I Have To Contest a Will After Someone Dies?

The time to contest a will in Florida often depends on when formal probate papers are served and what type of notice you receive. In many cases, you have a limited period of time after being served with a notice of administration to file objections, and that window can be relatively short. The court’s schedule and the stage of the probate process can also affect which options are available.

Because these deadlines are tied to specific documents and dates, it is important to act promptly if you have concerns. When you contact our office, we ask to review any paperwork you have received from the court or the personal representative. We then explain what timeframes appear to apply in your case and what steps might be needed to preserve your rights. Waiting too long can reduce or eliminate some options, so early advice is often critical.

What If I Am the Personal Representative, and Family Members Are Threatening To Sue?

If you are serving as the personal representative and relatives are accusing you of mishandling the estate, you may feel under attack despite trying to follow the rules. In that situation, it can be important to get independent advice about your duties and the actions you have taken so far. An attorney can help you understand what the court expects, what records you should keep, and how to respond to objections.

At Edwards & Edwards, P.A., we work with personal representatives who want to fulfill their obligations while reducing unnecessary conflict. We review your steps to date, look at the accountings and notices that have been provided, and identify areas where additional documentation or clarification could help. We also discuss ways to communicate with beneficiaries that may lower tension, while still protecting the estate and your own interests. If a dispute does escalate into formal litigation, we can represent you in defending your actions and working toward a resolution that is consistent with your responsibilities under Florida law.

Will Filing a Will Contest Destroy My Relationship With My Family?

Filing a will contest can certainly strain relationships, but it does not automatically mean that ties will be permanently broken. Much depends on how the dispute is handled, how information is shared, and whether there are opportunities for thoughtful negotiation along the way. In some families, clear communication and a structured process can actually reduce long-standing tensions by bringing facts into the open.

We talk candidly with clients about the potential relational impact of each option. Our approach often includes exploring whether there is room for discussion or mediation before taking more adversarial steps. When litigation is necessary, we still look for ways to maintain respect and reduce unnecessary escalation. While no attorney can control how others will react, we work to align your legal strategy with your values, so you can move forward knowing that you considered both your rights and your relationships.

What Should I Bring To My First Meeting About a Will Dispute?

The more information you can provide at an initial meeting, the more precise our guidance can be. Helpful documents often include the current will, any earlier wills or trust documents you have, probate filings from the court, and letters or emails that mention estate plans or changes. If you have received formal notices from the court or the personal representative, bringing those documents is especially important.

It is also useful to bring a simple timeline of key events, such as when your loved one’s health declined, when major changes to the will were made, and when the probate case was opened. If you do not have all of this information, do not let that stop you from reaching out. We can usually help you identify what can be obtained later and what facts are most important to focus on first.

How Do Legal Fees Work in a Will Litigation Case?

Legal fees in will litigation can vary based on the complexity of the estate, the number of parties involved, and whether the dispute is resolved through negotiation or proceeds to extensive court proceedings. Some matters may involve hourly billing or other arrangements that reflect the nature of the case and the value at issue. Florida law also includes situations where fees can be requested from the estate, but whether that is possible depends on specific circumstances.

During an initial consultation, we discuss fee structures openly and explain how they may apply in your situation. Our goal is to help you understand both the potential benefits and the financial implications of pursuing or defending a claim. We encourage questions about cost, and we work with clients to choose approaches that are proportional to the size and complexity of the estate whenever possible.

Can Your Team Help If I Live Out of State and the Estate Is Here?

Yes, we regularly work with clients who live outside Florida while an estate is being probated here. Modern communication tools and electronic filing systems often make it possible to handle many aspects of a case without the client needing to travel frequently. That said, there may be situations where court appearances or in-person meetings are helpful, and we discuss those possibilities with you in advance.

Our familiarity with probate procedures in this region allows us to coordinate effectively with clients who are managing estate issues from a distance. We focus on clear communication, providing updates about filings, hearings, and settlement discussions in ways that fit your schedule and time zone. If you are an out-of-state beneficiary or personal representative, we can help you understand what responsibilities can be handled remotely and what practical arrangements might need to be made here.

Talk With Our Team About Your Will Dispute

If you are facing questions about a will, a personal representative’s actions, or growing tension among family members, you do not have to navigate those challenges alone. Speaking with our team can help you understand your rights, the options available, and how a will litigation lawyer Jacksonville residents rely on can guide you through the next steps. Even one focused conversation can provide clarity at a time that may feel uncertain.

At Edwards & Edwards, P.A., we bring significant experience, a holistic perspective, and a family-centered approach to every will dispute we handle. We work to schedule consultations in a way that respects your time and your urgency, including after-hours or same-day meetings when possible. Our goal is to reduce your stress, explain your choices clearly, and support you as you decide how to move forward.

To discuss your situation with a will litigation lawyer in Jacksonville from our team, call (904) 454-4881 today.