William T Miller

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Straight Talk on Probate Matters

Andrews Kurth counsels executors, administrators and beneficiaries in all areas of probate and trust administration. We facilitate having wills admitted to probate, and appointment of executors and administrators. We facilitate in the preparation of estate tax returns. We will help settle and close the estate of a decedent and facilitate the distribution to beneficiaries thereof.

Known for our representation in the unprecedented Howard Hughes estate, our lawyers assist individuals and families to prevent probate challenges, as well as manage contentious issues that may emerge. We represent trustees, advise on the administration of trusts and facilitate in the reformation of trusts.

Backed by a litigation team experienced in all contested probate court proceedings, estate tax disputes, and complex conflicts among beneficiaries, executors and trustees, Andrews Kurth counsels on probate, trusts and their administration including:
* Amending irrevocable trusts
* Children’s and irrevocable trusts and their administration
* Trustee appointments
* Funding of trusts
* Estate tax returns, gift tax returns, IRS audits and disputes
* Contested wills
* Appointments of executors and letters testamentary
* Estate and trust wind-ups
* Declarations of heirship

Andrews Kurth lawyers guide clients through the all stages of probate and trust administration, including on the numerous tax liabilities and problems with beneficiaries and special assets that can arise. We counsel on ways to avoid probate, contests and, when applicable, we suggest alternatives to the probate process.

Probate, Wills and Trust Litigation

Andrews Kurth probate litigation attorneys routinely represent executors, administrators and trustees in all aspects of administration disputes, fiduciary issues and settlement of complex estates and trusts. Andrews Kurth probate litigators represent beneficiaries relating to their interests in estates and trusts, including complex tax issues.

From our representation of the many complex cases in the Howard Hughes estate to the handling of pro bono matters, our lawyers manage cases from the most complex to the most simple. Andrews Kurth lawyers have established a reputation for protecting our clients’ interests. Andrews Kurth is also experienced in alternative dispute resolution related to trust and estate matters.

Wills, Trust and Estate Management

Andrews Kurth advises clients on the management and conservation of assets, tax issues and administrative procedures.

Guardianship Litigation

We have extensive experience representing guardians and wards, as well as interested family members and friends. We address difficult issues related to incapacity, temporary guardianships and involuntary commitments.

Comprehensive Probate Experience

Whether litigating will disputes, representing administrators, protecting beneficiaries or counseling trustees, we actively help our clients. Our broad experience includes:
* Administration of estates and trusts
* Assisting trustees of guardianship management trusts
* Breach of fiduciary duty disputes and lawsuits
* Federal estate and gift tax returns
* Generation-skipping transfer taxes
* Interpretation of testamentary documents
* Judicial modifications of trusts
* Lack of testamentary capacity
* Post-mortem tax planning
* Pre/post-nuptial agreements and wills
* Preparation and analysis of trustee’s accounting
* Pursuing or preventing termination of trusts
* Resignation or removal of trustees
* Undue influence allegations
* Validity of wills or codicils
* Will contests
* Will forgery claims and cases

Comprehensive Probate Resources

Frequently, probate issues intersect with other legal issues and disciplines such as tax, real estate, corporate/securities and insurance. When that happens, our probate lawyers have the resources of our other lawyers who focus on them to help represent our clients fully.

Fellow - American College of Trust & Estate Counsel

William T Miller
Andrews Kurth LLP
600 Travis St #4200
Houston TX 77002
Tel: 713 220-4488
Fax: 713 220-4285

Practices
* Business Tax
* Exempt Organizations
* Personal Tax Planning
* Probate
* Probate, Wills and Trust Litigation
* Tax

Bill's practice is focused on tax, wills, estates, trusts and probate litigation, as well as insurance coverage bad faith litigation. Bill has served as a mediator in over 100 mediations and has served as an arbitrator through the American Arbitration Association and the appointment by settlement documents.