Business Details
38 Years
experience
Experienced Texas Probate & Estate Lawyers
Crane Law Firm is a dedicated team of Texas probate lawyers with over 40 collective years of experience resolving estate matters. We specialize in handling complex probate disputes, will contests, fiduciary breaches, and guardianship cases, serving clients from California to New Jersey with estates ranging from modest to multimillion-dollar portfolios. Our attorneys are frequently appointed by courts as administrators, guardians, or trustees in contentious cases, reflecting our reputation for integrity and expertise. We prioritize client needs through personalized guidance, alternative fee arrangements, and a deep understanding of Texas estate law. Our practice combines decades of litigation experience with a commitment to compassionate support during emotionally challenging times.We empower families to navigate legal complexities surrounding death, mental incapacity, and inheritance disputes while ensuring compliance with procedural requirements. Our teams credentials include Life Fellowship in the Texas Bar Foundation and active leadership roles in local bar associations. Client testimonials highlight our responsiveness, thoroughness, and ability to simplify intricate legal processes. We serve as both advocates and educators, helping clients preserve rights under wills, administer estates, and protect incapacitated loved ones. Our Austin-based practice remains focused on delivering peace of mind through meticulous legal representation tailored to each familys unique circumstances.
Services
Will Disputes
Estate Administration
Fiduciary Breaches
Guardianships
Probate Litigation
Estate Planning
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of combined experience in Texas probate litigation
- Our attorneys serve as court-appointed administrators in complex estate disputes
- We offer alternative fee arrangements for estate planning and litigation
- Client testimonials highlight our responsiveness and thorough understanding of probate law
- Our team maintains active leadership roles in Austin Bar Association's Probate Section
Associations and certifications
- Texas Bar Foundation (Life Fellow)
What people say
Exceptional advice
Efficient and helpful
Knowledgeable and responsive
Deserves 5 stars
Went above and beyond
Services
Will Disputes
We represent beneficiaries and executors in will validity challenges based on mental incapacity, undue influence, or improper execution. Our attorneys analyze contested provisions, interpret ambiguous language, and advocate for equitable resolutions through litigation or mediation. With deep knowledge of Texas probate courts, we protect clients' inheritance rights while minimizing family conflicts.
Estate Administration
Guiding executors through asset inventory, debt settlement, and property distribution according to will terms or intestacy laws. We handle complex issues like community property determinations, reimbursement claims, and beneficiary disputes while ensuring compliance with Texas estate tax requirements and court deadlines for smooth estate closure.
Fiduciary Breaches
Investigating and litigating fiduciary misconduct cases involving executors, trustees, or agents who violate duty of loyalty or competency. We recover mismanaged assets, challenge self-dealing transactions, and enforce accountability through court proceedings while representing both beneficiaries and fiduciaries in dispute resolution.
Guardianships
Establishing and managing court-supervised guardianships for incapacitated adults, including financial management and healthcare decision-making authority. We assist families with petition preparation, capacity evaluations, and ongoing compliance with Texas guardianship reporting requirements to protect vulnerable individuals' interests.
People
John A. Crane
Founding Attorney
Practicing Texas probate law since 1988, John has handled thousands of estate matters as both advocate and court-appointed administrator. A Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, he combines litigation expertise with compassionate client guidance through complex probate processes.
Mitchell Crane
Probate Litigation Attorney
Specializing in fiduciary disputes and guardianship cases, Mitchell brings technical legal knowledge and local Austin perspective to estate conflicts. As current Chairman of the Austin Bar Association's Probate Section, he stays at the forefront of Texas probate law developments.
Questions
What happens if family members disagree about estate distribution?
We specialize in resolving inheritance disputes through litigation or alternative dispute resolution while protecting your legal rights under Texas law.
How do I determine if a will is legally valid?
Our attorneys evaluate will validity based on Texas statutory requirements, mental capacity evidence, and potential undue influence claims.
What are fiduciary obligations in estate matters?
Fiduciaries must prioritize beneficiaries' interests through loyalty, competency, and full disclosure in all estate-related transactions.
Can I challenge a will after my loved one's death?
Yes, but only on specific grounds like lack of mental capacity, improper execution, or undue influence - we can assess your case's merits.
How does guardianship work in Texas?
We help establish legal guardianships for incapacitated individuals, ensuring court-compliant management of their financial and personal affairs.
