Estate Litigation Attorney in Kent County

Guiding You Through Rhode Island Estate Disputes

When a loved one dies, you expect the legal process to honor their wishes and treat everyone fairly. If you are suddenly facing a dispute over a will, trust, or estate in Warwick, it can feel like one more shock at an already difficult time. You may be unsure where to turn or what your rights are in Rhode Island.

I help families in Warwick and across Kent County navigate contested estates and related conflicts. As an attorney with more than 25 years in practice, I understand how emotional and complicated these disputes can be. My role is to listen carefully, explain your options, and work with you to protect your interests while respecting the sensitivity of your family situation.

At the Law Office of Steven J. Hart, I treat every estate matter with confidentiality and urgency. You do not have to decide on your own whether to challenge a will, object to an executor’s actions, or accept a proposed distribution. I am here to help you evaluate your choices under Rhode Island law and move forward in a thoughtful way.

Take the first step toward resolving your case with a skilled estate litigation lawyer in Warwick. Reach out or call (888) 701-0919 now to set up your consultation.

Why Choose My Estate Litigation Practice

Estate litigation touches many parts of your life at once. There is grief over the person who has died, financial uncertainty about property and accounts, and often long-standing family dynamics that surface in painful ways. No two families are alike, and no two estates are alike. That is why I take time at the outset to understand your full story before suggesting any approach.

For more than 25 years, I have practiced in estate planning, probate, family law, business law, and other areas. This broad background matters when you are choosing an estate litigation lawyer in Warwick. Many disputes involve blended families, divorce histories, closely held businesses, or creditor issues that cannot be separated from the estate itself. I work to see the whole picture, so your legal strategy matches the reality of your life.

My experience with estate planning and probate helps me analyze the documents at the center of your dispute. I understand how wills and trusts are usually drafted, how they are intended to operate, and where problems often arise. When questions involve a family business, marital property, or debt, my work in business and bankruptcy law helps me identify practical options and potential risks.

Just as important as legal knowledge is the way your matter is handled. Estate disputes involve sensitive financial details and private family history. I maintain strict confidentiality for every client and treat each case as a priority. My goal is to give you a clear understanding of your rights and a realistic path forward, without promising results that no lawyer can guarantee.

Common Estate Disputes In Rhode Island

It can be reassuring to know that the problems you are seeing are recognized and addressed under Rhode Island law. Estate litigation generally refers to legal disputes about how a deceased person’s property is handled, who should receive it, and whether the people in charge of the estate are fulfilling their duties. These disputes often arise during probate but can also involve trusts and beneficiary designations outside of probate.

Some families in the Warwick area encounter conflict when a will does not match what relatives expected, or when there are different versions of a will. Others worry that a vulnerable parent was pressured into changing documents late in life. Questions also come up about how an executor, administrator, or trustee is managing real estate in Rhode Island, bank accounts, retirement assets, or a small local business that was owned by the person who died.

Common estate litigation issues I see include:

• Contested wills based on lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper execution
• Disputes over trusts, including the interpretation of terms or the alleged misuse of trust assets
• Claims that an executor, administrator, or trustee is not providing information or acting in the best interests of beneficiaries
• Disagreements about valuing and dividing real estate, businesses, or other significant property in Rhode Island
• Conflicts among heirs about creditor claims, final expenses, or informal side agreements

Each of these situations involves specific legal standards and procedures. Over many years representing clients in Kent County, I have seen how Rhode Island courts examine these disputes and what kinds of evidence tend to matter. My role is to help you understand whether your concerns rise to the level of a legal claim and what steps might be available.

What To Do If You Face An Estate Dispute

If you believe something is wrong in the way an estate is being handled, you may feel pressure to act quickly or confront relatives directly. At the same time, you may worry that speaking up could make things worse. Taking measured, informed steps early can help protect both your legal position and your relationships where possible.

One of the first things you can do is gather and organize information. This may include a copy of the will or trust if you have it, any prior versions that you or other family members possess, and written communications about the estate. Bank and investment statements, deeds to property in Rhode Island, and business records can all help clarify what is at stake.

Helpful steps before and after you contact an attorney include:

• Collect copies of estate documents and any letters or emails about the will, trust, or assets
• Write down a timeline of key events, including when documents were signed and any major changes in your loved one’s health or relationships
• Avoid signing waivers, releases, or informal agreements about the estate until you understand your rights
• Be cautious about heated conversations with other family members that could escalate conflict or be misunderstood later
• Schedule a consultation to review your concerns under Rhode Island law and discuss potential options

In many estate disputes, there are time limits to object to a will, challenge actions taken in probate, or seek court review of a fiduciary’s conduct. These timeframes depend on the type of claim and the stage of the case. Speaking with a lawyer promptly can help you avoid missing deadlines while also giving you space to think through whether litigation, negotiation, or another approach makes sense.

How A Local Warwick Lawyer Helps

Estate disputes are governed by Rhode Island law, and procedures vary from state to state. Within Rhode Island, contested probate and related matters are typically handled in the probate court with jurisdiction over the town or city where the decedent lived. If your loved one lived in or owned property in Warwick, your case may involve the probate court serving this part of Kent County.

As an estate litigation attorney in Warwick, I am familiar with local filing requirements, common scheduling practices, and expectations in these courts. This local knowledge helps when preparing objections, motions, and other documents, and when planning for hearings where judges will hear arguments about contested wills, fiduciary conduct, or disputed assets. While no lawyer can control how a court will rule, understanding the usual procedures helps you prepare for what to expect.

Being nearby is also practical. It is often easier to meet in person to review original documents, discuss strategy, and prepare for hearings or settlement discussions. Many estates in this part of Rhode Island involve homes, rental properties, or small businesses, and a local perspective can be useful when evaluating value, market conditions, or practical options for sale or transfer.

Because estate disputes are deeply personal, I place a strong emphasis on communication. I work to keep you informed about developments, explain the choices in front of you, and help you weigh the legal and personal implications of settlement versus continued litigation. My goal is to provide grounded advice that respects both the financial stakes and the impact on your family.

Rhode Island Estate Litigation Process Overview

When you are in the middle of an estate dispute, the legal process can feel abstract and confusing. Understanding the general stages of a case can make the situation more manageable, even though every matter has its own details. While I cannot predict the outcome of any specific case, I can explain how Rhode Island courts typically move through contested estate issues.

In many situations, a dispute begins when someone files an objection or other pleading in the probate court, such as an objection to the allowance of a will or a motion concerning an executor’s actions. The court usually sets deadlines for responses and may schedule conferences to clarify the issues. During this time, both sides may gather documents and information relevant to the questions in dispute.

Some cases then move into more formal discovery, where parties exchange records, submit written questions, or take depositions. Others focus on negotiation or mediation, especially when the primary concern is not only legal rights but also preserving some level of family relationship. I work with clients to identify what is most important to them and to consider when settlement may be preferable to a prolonged fight.

If settlement is not possible, the court may hold hearings or, in some situations, a trial where evidence is presented, and witnesses testify. The specific path and timing depend on the issues, the court’s schedule, and the conduct of everyone involved. Throughout each stage, I strive to explain what is happening, help you prepare, and discuss the practical implications of each option so you can make informed choices.

Get the help you need from an experienced estate litigation lawyer in Kent County. Fill out our online form without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Challenge A Will In Rhode Island

You may be able to challenge a will in Rhode Island if you have legal standing and valid grounds, such as a lack of capacity or undue influence. Whether that applies to you depends on your relationship to the decedent, the document itself, and the facts. I can review your situation in detail.

How Long Do I Have To Contest An Estate

Rhode Island law sets specific time limits for objecting to a will or challenging actions in probate. These deadlines depend on factors such as when the will was filed and what type of claim you are bringing. It is important to speak with a lawyer promptly so that potential rights are not lost.

Will Going To Court Ruin My Family Relationships

Estate litigation can affect family relationships, but every family is different. Some disputes are resolved through negotiated agreements that reduce tension, while others remain difficult regardless of legal action. I discuss both legal and personal considerations with clients so they can decide how to proceed in light of their own priorities.

How Do You Charge For Estate Litigation

Legal fees for estate litigation vary based on the nature and complexity of the case. I discuss fee structures and anticipated costs at the beginning of our work together so you know what to expect. During a consultation, we can talk about your circumstances and what billing arrangement may be appropriate.

What Should I Bring To Our First Meeting

For a first meeting, it is helpful to bring any wills or trusts you have, probate court papers, financial statements, and a written summary of key events. These materials give important context. I will review what you bring, ask questions, and then outline possible next steps based on Rhode Island law.

For dedicated legal assistance, connect with our qualified estate litigation attorney in Kent County. Contact (888) 701-0919 to arrange your consultation right away.