Probate Litigation Attorney in Kent County

Support For Families Facing Contested Estates in Warwick and Beyond

If you are dealing with a dispute over a will, trust, or estate after the loss of a loved one, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. As a probate litigation attorney serving families in Kent County, I help clients navigate these difficult conflicts while protecting their legal rights. You do not have to sort through complex Rhode Island probate rules or painful family disagreements on your own.

At Law Office of Steven J. Hart, I draw on more than 25 years of practice in estate planning, probate, family law, and business law to guide clients through contested estate matters. I listen carefully to understand your concerns, then tailor my approach to the specific facts and relationships involved in your case. My goal is to give you clarity, help you make informed decisions, and work toward a fair and lawful resolution.

Every family and every estate is different. I offer confidential, one on one representation so you know who is handling your matter and what is happening at each stage of the process.

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

Focused Representation For Contested Estates and Probate Disputes

Probate litigation arises when there is disagreement about what should happen with a person’s property after death. These disputes often involve questions about whether a will is valid, whether someone exerted undue influence, or whether an executor or administrator handled the estate properly. My work includes representing beneficiaries, heirs, fiduciaries, and others with legal interests in an estate tied to this part of Rhode Island.

Because I have long experience in estate planning, family law, and business law, I recognize how these areas often intersect in contested probate matters. A will contest may grow out of an earlier divorce, a second marriage, or an informal transfer of a family business. A dispute over a trust may involve beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance that affect the overall fairness of the distribution. I look at the whole picture so that strategy in the probate litigation supports your broader financial and family goals.

My office is located in Warwick, and I routinely work with clients whose cases involve property, families, or prior planning connected to Kent County. Whether you are questioning a recent change to a will or defending yourself against accusations related to estate administration, I take the time to understand your position and explain your options under Rhode Island law.

Common Probate Litigation Issues I Handle

People often contact me when something about an estate does not seem right, but they are not sure whether it is a legal issue, a family misunderstanding, or both. By reviewing documents and hearing your perspective, I can help you understand whether probate litigation may be appropriate and what that might involve.

Examples of probate disputes I handle include:

• Will contests where someone believes a will is invalid because of lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or failure to follow required formalities.
• Trust disputes involving questions about how a trust should be interpreted, whether the trustee is acting within the terms of the trust, or whether changes were made under pressure.
• Executor and administrator disputes where beneficiaries accuse a fiduciary of mismanaging assets, failing to provide information, or favoring certain heirs over others.
• Accounting and distribution issues when beneficiaries want a full and accurate accounting of estate transactions or disagree with how property is being divided.
• Disputes over non probate transfers such as joint accounts, beneficiary designations, and transfer on death arrangements that affect what is left in the estate.

These conflicts can arise among siblings, between a surviving spouse and children from a prior relationship, or between more distant relatives. In estates in Warwick and nearby communities, many families have long histories together, which can make disagreements feel especially personal. I work to identify the legal issues within the family story so you can decide how to move forward.

What To Do When A Probate Dispute Arises

The period after a death is already stressful, and when disagreements surface about the estate, it can be tempting to avoid the topic entirely. However, decisions and deadlines in the probate process can affect your rights. Taking a few practical steps early can protect you, even if you are not yet sure whether formal litigation is necessary.

Helpful steps to take if you see a probate conflict developing:

• Gather key documents such as any wills, trust instruments, prior estate plans, powers of attorney, and recent account statements. If the person who passed away lived in or owned property in Kent County, collect any paperwork relating to that property as well.
• Keep written communications including letters, emails, and text messages about the estate, promises, or changes to planning. These can help clarify what was said and when.
• Pay attention to court notices and deadlines from the probate court handling the estate. Notices often include time limits for raising objections or asserting rights, and missing them can limit your options.
• Avoid rushed agreements about dividing property, signing waivers, or accepting informal arrangements before you know how they affect your legal position.
• Speak with a lawyer who handles probate disputes before the situation escalates. A conversation can help you understand whether you have grounds to challenge or defend actions in the estate and what the next step might be.

When you contact me, I treat our discussion as confidential and focused on your concerns. We can review what has already happened, what documents exist, and any notice you received from a probate court in Rhode Island. From there, I explain options so you can decide whether to pursue a formal claim, attempt to resolve matters informally, or take other steps to safeguard your interests.

How I Approach Contested Probate Cases In Rhode Island

Contested probate matters are not only legal disputes. They also involve grief, long standing family dynamics, and significant financial stakes. My approach is to combine careful legal analysis with practical, step by step guidance that respects both the law and the human side of these conflicts.

Listening To Your Story and Reviewing The Facts

In an initial consultation, I start by listening. I want to understand your relationship to the person who died, what you expected to happen with the estate, and what has occurred so far. We review any wills, trusts, and court documents you can provide, and I identify issues such as possible capacity concerns, potential undue influence, or questions about how the executor is handling assets. I then outline how Rhode Island law may apply and what options exist.

Building A Strategy and Moving Your Case Forward

If you decide to move forward, I typically follow a process that may include investigation, communication with other interested parties, and efforts to resolve disputes before or during court proceedings. Depending on the case, this might involve requests for information, negotiation, or participation in mediation if appropriate. When matters proceed in court, I prepare you for what to expect at each stage and work to present your position clearly and firmly.

Because of my background in estate planning, family law, and business law, I am attentive to issues that can arise outside the immediate probate file, such as how a divorce decree, prenuptial agreement, or ownership interest in a closely held business might affect the dispute. My goal is not just to address the immediate conflict, but also to help you understand how different legal pieces fit together.

Local Insight For Probate Disputes Connected To Kent County

Rhode Island has its own probate system, and understanding how that system works can make a difference in how you approach a contested estate. When a person who lived in this part of the state passes away, their estate is generally opened in the appropriate municipal probate court, and more complex disputes may involve proceedings in the Rhode Island Superior Court. The location of real estate, including any home or property in Kent County, can also influence how certain issues are handled.

From my office in Warwick, I work with clients whose cases involve estates and property tied to Kent County and surrounding communities. Familiarity with local procedures, filing practices, and scheduling patterns helps me set realistic expectations about timing and the kinds of hearings that may occur. For example, courts commonly set specific timeframes for objections and for hearings on contested matters, and these schedules can affect strategy and settlement discussions.

For clients, this local grounding means you have someone who understands both the legal rules and the practical environment in which your dispute will proceed. I can meet with you in person when that is convenient, or we can talk by phone or video if that works better for your situation. Either way, you have a consistent point of contact who knows how contested probate matters typically move through the Rhode Island courts.

Why Families Turn To The Law Office Of Steven J. Hart For Probate Litigation

When families face a contested estate, they often want an attorney who will take the time to understand their situation and explain the law in clear terms. They also want to know that the person guiding them has handled difficult legal problems before. Over the past 25 years, I have worked with clients on estate planning, probate, family disputes, business issues, and other matters that often intersect in probate litigation.

At Law Office of Steven J. Hart, you work directly with one attorney rather than being passed among multiple lawyers. I maintain strict confidentiality regarding your family history, financial information, and concerns. Clients often share sensitive details about relationships and events leading up to a will change or dispute, and I treat that information with care.

My approach is steady and respectful. I am prepared to advocate firmly when your rights need to be protected, while also recognizing that you may have ongoing relationships with other people involved in the estate. I strive to give you a realistic understanding of possible paths forward in your contested matter and to help you choose the route that best supports your long term goals.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I challenge a will for a family member who lived Kent County?

In many situations, you may be able to challenge a will if you have a legal interest in the estate of someone who lived in or owned property in Kent County. Under Rhode Island law, people such as beneficiaries named in a current or prior will, heirs who would inherit if there were no will, or others with certain property interests may have standing to contest. The specific court that handles the challenge typically depends on where the estate is opened and where the decedent lived. During a consultation, I review your relationship to the person who died, the existing documents, and any court filings to assess whether you may have grounds and standing to bring a will contest. From there, I explain the procedures and timelines that are likely to apply.

How do I know if I have grounds for probate litigation?

There are several common legal grounds that may support probate litigation, although every case depends on its own facts and documents. These grounds can include concerns that the person who signed the will or trust lacked capacity at the time, that someone exerted undue influence or pressure, that the document was not executed correctly, or that an executor or trustee is not fulfilling their duties. Often, clients come to me with a sense that something feels wrong, such as a sudden last minute change to a will or a lack of transparency about estate finances. I review the available information, ask questions about what happened in the months leading up to the death, and then discuss whether those facts may fit recognized legal grounds for action.

What should I bring to our first meeting about a probate dispute?

For a first meeting, it helps if you bring copies of any wills, trusts, codicils, or estate planning documents you have, along with any notices or orders you have received from a Rhode Island probate court. Account statements, deeds, and beneficiary designations can also be useful, especially if they relate to property or accounts in this part of the state. If you have emails, letters, or text messages that relate to promises, changes in planning, or conflicts leading up to the dispute, those can provide important context. Do not worry if your records feel incomplete. Part of my role is to help identify what documents we need and how to obtain them if they are not already in your possession.

Will going to court make my family conflict worse?

Many people worry that bringing a claim or defending against one in probate court will permanently damage family relationships. In some cases, any legal action can increase tension, especially when emotions are already high. However, avoiding court entirely can also allow misunderstandings or serious legal problems to continue unchecked. When we discuss your situation, we talk about the likely impact of different approaches, including informal negotiations, mediation, or court hearings. My goal is to help you weigh the legal benefits of asserting your rights against the potential effects on your family, then choose the path that best fits your values and priorities.

How long can a contested probate case take in Rhode Island?

The length of a contested probate case can vary. Factors that influence timing include how complex the estate is, how many people are involved, what issues are being disputed, and how crowded the court’s schedule is. Some disputes may resolve in a matter of months through negotiation or limited court involvement. Others, especially those involving extensive discovery or multiple legal issues, may take significantly longer. When I review your case, I can give you a general sense of the stages that may occur and the kinds of timeframes that are common for similar matters, while noting that actual timing depends on events and decisions as the case progresses.

What does it cost to hire you for probate litigation?

The cost of handling a contested probate matter depends on several factors, including the complexity of the issues, the number of people involved, and how far the dispute proceeds in the court system. During an initial consultation, I discuss the likely scope of work, potential strategies, and the billing structure that would apply if you choose to work with my office. My aim is to be as clear as possible about how fees are calculated and when costs may arise, so you can make an informed decision about moving forward. I encourage clients to ask questions about costs at any time, and I strive to keep them updated as a case develops.

Do I need a probate litigation lawyer if I am the executor?

If you are serving as an executor or administrator and a dispute arises, it is often wise to talk with a probate litigation lawyer. Fiduciaries have legal duties to the estate and to beneficiaries, and misunderstandings or missteps can expose them to criticism or potential liability. In Rhode Island, court rules and filing requirements can be detailed, and managing them while trying to respond to competing demands from family members can be challenging. I work with executors and administrators to help them understand their responsibilities, respond appropriately to concerns, and navigate contested issues in a way that aligns with their obligations to the estate and the court.

To talk with an attorney about your probate dispute, call (888) 701-0919.