Probate Appeals Attorney - Corpus Christi, Texas

Texas Probate Appeals Attorney R.F. Michael Snodgrass understands the civil appellate process and the strict rules that apply to appealing your case. It is important you contact us as early as possible if you believe your case may end up on appeal.

When a probate court issues a decision that you believe is legally incorrect, you may have the right to appeal. Snodgrass Law Firm helps clients in Corpus Christi and across Texas navigate probate appeals, ensuring that wills, estate distributions, and executor decisions are properly reviewed by the appellate courts.

What Is a Probate Appeal?

A probate appeal is a review of a probate court’s decision by a higher court. Unlike trial-level probate cases, appellate courts do not consider new evidence. Instead, they examine whether the lower court applied the law correctly and followed proper procedures.

Common probate matters that can be appealed include:

  • Will contests – disputing the validity of a will due to capacity, undue influence, or fraud

  • Executor or personal representative disputes – challenging mismanagement of the estate or improper distributions

  • Guardianship or conservatorship decisions – appealing orders related to guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults

  • Estate accounting and distribution errors – when beneficiaries believe assets were improperly allocated

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Probate Appeal

Probate appeals are highly technical. Success requires:

  1. Identifying appealable errors – Not all mistakes made by a probate court are grounds for appeal.

  2. Preparing the appellate record – Includes petitions, court orders, transcripts, and exhibits from the trial-level probate case.

  3. Drafting persuasive briefs – Your lawyer must clearly explain legal errors and why the appellate court should reverse or modify the decision.

  4. Oral arguments (if requested) – Skilled presentation can make the difference in complex estate disputes.

Without an experienced appellate attorney, a probate appeal is difficult to win, even if the trial court’s decision was clearly unfair.

How the Probate Appeal Process Works in Texas

  1. Notice of Appeal – Must be filed within strict deadlines, usually 30 days after the trial court’s final order.

  2. Record Preparation – Gathering all relevant probate documents, transcripts, and filings.

  3. Appellate Briefs – Written arguments from both sides explaining the legal basis for upholding or reversing the probate decision.

  4. Oral Arguments (Optional) – The appellate court may hear attorneys present key points.

  5. Decision – The appellate court may affirm, reverse, modify, or remand the case for further proceedings in the trial court.

Examples of Probate Appeals We Handle

  • A beneficiary appealing a will admitted to probate they believe was executed under undue influence

  • An executor challenging a probate court order regarding asset distribution

  • Family members disputing guardianship or conservatorship decisions

  • Cases where the probate court misapplied Texas estate law or procedural rules

Each probate appeal is unique, and legal expertise is essential to navigate deadlines, filings, and appellate procedures.

Why Choose Snodgrass Law Firm for Your Probate Appeal

At Snodgrass Law Firm, we provide strategic appellate guidance for probate matters. Our team:

  • Reviews your probate record for potential errors

  • Prepares strong, persuasive appellate briefs

  • Represents you in oral arguments if needed

  • Communicates clearly at every stage of the appeal

We focus on protecting your rights as a beneficiary, executor, or interested party and ensuring the probate process is fair and legally correct.

For more information on contested probate appeals, see our article “Appealing a Contested Probate Case in Texas.”

Schedule a Consultation Today

Probate appeals can have significant financial and personal consequences. Don’t navigate the appellate process alone. Contact Snodgrass Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and discuss your probate appeal options. We serve clients in Corpus Christi and across Texas, helping families and estates secure fair outcomes in the appellate courts.

📞 Call now or request a consultation online to speak to a Texas Probate Appeals Lawyer.

If you have an issue you believe may end up on appeal or are ready to appeal your contested probate case in Texas, please email us at info@snodlaw.com or call or text us at 361-239-8332.

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