The Hartnett Law Firm - Dallas, TX

Elite Probate and Trust Litigation Leadership in Dallas, Texas

When high-value estates, family trusts, or testamentary decisions are contested, families and beneficiaries require litigators who possess deep mastery of Texas probate courtrooms. Founded in 1982 by probate trial attorney James J. Hartnett, Sr. alongside his sons, The Hartnett Law Firm is widely regarded as one of Texas's preeminent trust and estate litigation practices. Operating from their offices at 2920 North Pearl Street in downtown Dallas, the firm brings three generations of legal wisdom to contentious inheritance matters statewide. Unlike firms that merely draft documents, The Hartnett Law Firm devotes its collective focus to litigating complex estate and trust disputes. Whether clients need a lawyer to defend a contested will or remove a self-dealing fiduciary, this family-owned boutique provides formidable courtroom representation.

Fierce Courtroom Representation in Will Contests and Estate Disputes

Inheritance conflicts frequently erupt under distressing circumstances involving sudden testamentary alterations or familial discord. Functioning as leading probate lawyers and wills lawyers, the firm's litigators possess extensive experience prosecuting and defending will contests. They handle complex claims involving lack of capacity, undue influence, and will constructions. Because firm partner Will Hartnett served over two decades in the Texas House of Representatives, where he chaired the Judiciary Committee and helped shape modern probate statutes, the firm's grasp of the Texas Estates Code is virtually unmatched.

Core Probate and Trust Litigation Services

• High-stakes will contests, testamentary capacity challenges, and undue influence claims
• Trust litigation, judicial trust modification, and trust terminations
• Trustee removal actions, surcharge petitions, and forensic accounting disputes
• Breach of fiduciary duty lawsuits against executors, trustees, and attorneys-in-fact
• Contested adult and minor guardianships and mental competency determinations
• Common-law marriage disputes, heirship determinations, and probate appeals

Trust Contests, Trustee Removal, and Fiduciary Accountability

Trusts are established to manage wealth responsibly, but fiduciaries who prioritize personal interests betray their duty. Serving as premier trusts lawyers and business litigation lawyers, The Hartnett Law Firm holds rogue trustees and executors accountable. The firm investigates complex trust accountings, demands complete financial disclosures, and seeks injunctive relief to freeze trust assets when misappropriation is suspected. When appropriate, the firm also defends trustees facing unfounded attacks from hostile beneficiaries.

Contested Guardianship Proceedings and Incapacity Disputes

Protecting vulnerable elderly relatives or disabled family members is among the most sensitive legal proceedings in Texas. Operating alongside skilled estate planning lawyers, the firm represents families in contested guardianship disputes where disagreements arise over a proposed ward's capacity or the choice of guardian. The attorneys work diligently to ensure that elderly individuals are safeguarded from financial exploitation while protecting their personal dignity.

Innovative Fee Arrangements and Trial Excellence

Recognized with an AV Preeminent rating in Martindale-Hubbell and Tier 1 rankings in Best Law Firms, The Hartnett Law Firm combines prestige with accessible representation. The firm uniquely offers contingency fee arrangements on qualified estate litigation cases, enabling beneficiaries to challenge unlawful wrongdoing without oppressive out-of-pocket costs. If you must hire an attorney with courtroom trial mastery, or you need to find a lawyer who will fiercely protect your rightful legacy, The Hartnett Law Firm delivers the highest caliber of probate advocacy in Texas.