Estate Litigation Attorney in Jacksonville

What Estate Litigation Covers

Estate litigation is the formal legal process for resolving disputes that arise during probate or trust administration. These disputes can involve nearly any stage of settling an estate, from questions about whether a will is valid to disagreements about how a trustee managed assets.

Common triggers include:

• Will contests challenging a will’s validity based on alleged undue influence or lack of testamentary capacity
• Breach of fiduciary duty claims against a personal representative or trustee who mismanaged estate assets
• Trust litigation over the interpretation of trust terms or a trustee’s decisions
• Distribution disputes among heirs and beneficiaries who disagree about how assets should be divided

Facing any of these situations? Contact us to discuss your options.

Grounds for Contesting a Will in Florida

Florida law recognizes four grounds for challenging a will’s validity: lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, and improper execution. Testamentary capacity means the person making the will must have understood what they owned, who their natural heirs were, and what the will itself did. Undue influence refers to situations where someone exerted pressure that overcame the testator’s free will.

Timing matters. Under Florida Statute 733.212, an interested person generally has three months from being formally served with the notice of administration to file a formal objection to the will’s validity. Missing that window can bar the claim. You must also have legal standing, meaning you’re a named beneficiary, an heir who would inherit under intestacy, or another party with a recognized interest in the estate.

Where Jacksonville Estate Disputes Are Filed

Probate and estate litigation matters in Jacksonville are handled by the Probate Department of the Duval County Clerk of Courts, which operates as part of Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit. This department oversees estate administration, trust proceedings, and guardianship matters, all governed by the Florida Probate Code.

Knowing the local procedural landscape matters. Filing deadlines, required notices, and the expectations of the Fourth Judicial Circuit can all affect the outcome of a dispute. Our team knows how these proceedings move through Duval County and can help you avoid procedural missteps that could harm your position.

How Lansing Roy, P.A. Handles Estate & Trust Disputes

Our firm already works with Jacksonville clients on asset protection, estate planning, and probate assistance. That background means we understand how estate disputes connect to the broader financial and administrative picture of an estate, not just the courtroom side. When a personal representative is accused of mismanaging estate funds, for example, the analysis often requires understanding both the legal duties involved and the financial records underlying the claim.

We pursue cost-effective resolutions that protect our clients’ rights throughout the process. Some disputes settle through negotiation or mediation well before trial. Others require filing in the Duval County Probate Department and litigating the matter fully. We assess each situation individually and advise on a path that fits the facts, the relationships involved, and the assets at stake.

Get a Free Consultation on Your Estate Dispute

Estate and trust disputes are time-sensitive. Whether you’re contesting a will, responding to a claim against an estate you’re administering, or raising concerns about a fiduciary’s conduct, the right legal guidance early in the process can make a significant difference. Our estate litigation attorneys serve Jacksonville and the surrounding area and can meet with you to evaluate your situation at no charge.

Lansing Roy, P.A. offers a free consultation to review your matter, answer your questions, and discuss realistic options. Call (904) 574-5499 to speak with our team.