Business Details
Probate Litigation & Estate Planning Services in Corpus Christi
Russell Manning Law has dedicated over 30 years to resolving complex probate and estate litigation matters in Corpus Christi, Texas. Our practice focuses on guiding clients through contested wills, elder financial abuse cases, fiduciary disputes, and appellate law with a commitment to protecting family legacies and legal rights. With a background in high-conflict probate cases, we combine deep legal expertise with a client-centered approach to address emotionally charged disputes.Our founder, Russell Manning, brings decades of experience as a certified Civil Trial Law specialist, emphasizing mediation when possible but prepared to litigate aggressively when necessary. We serve clients across South Texas counties, prioritizing transparent communication and tailored strategies to achieve equitable resolutions.
Services
Will Contests
Elder Financial Abuse
Fiduciary Litigation
Estate Planning
Trust Administration
Mediation Services
Appellate Law
Advance Healthcare Directives
Special Needs Trusts
Powers of Attorney
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in probate litigation and estate disputes.
- Our attorney is certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
- We prioritize mediation to resolve disputes while preparing for aggressive litigation when needed.
- We serve clients across Corpus Christi and surrounding South Texas counties.
- Our approach emphasizes client education and protection of family relationships.
Associations and certifications
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Services
Will Contests
Will contests involve challenging the validity of a will due to undue influence, lack of mental capacity, or improper execution. Our firm represents beneficiaries and executors in resolving disputes through mediation or litigation. With decades of experience, we protect clients' interests while navigating complex family dynamics and legal standards.
Elder Financial Abuse
Elder financial abuse cases address the misuse of an elderly person's assets by caregivers, family members, or fiduciaries. We investigate allegations, represent clients in court, and seek remedies to recover misappropriated funds. Our approach balances legal rigor with sensitivity to familial relationships and client well-being.
Fiduciary Litigation
Fiduciary litigation resolves conflicts involving trustees, executors, or agents managing estates or trusts. We advise beneficiaries and fiduciaries on breach of duty claims, asset mismanagement, and compliance with legal obligations. Our practice emphasizes mediation but prepares aggressively for courtroom advocacy when necessary.
Estate Planning
Estate planning creates legal frameworks like wills, trusts, and healthcare directives to manage and distribute assets. We help clients draft customized plans to minimize disputes, protect beneficiaries, and ensure compliance with Texas laws. Our services include Medicaid trusts and special needs planning.
Appellate Law
Appellate law involves challenging or defending court decisions in higher courts. We handle appeals in probate, estate, and fiduciary cases, focusing on legal errors from lower court proceedings. Our experience includes brief writing, oral arguments, and strategy for complex appellate matters.
People
Russell Manning
Attorney at Law
Russell Manning is a certified Civil Trial Law specialist with over 30 years of experience in probate litigation and estate disputes. Admitted to the Texas Bar in 1986, he focuses on will contests, elder financial abuse, and fiduciary litigation, emphasizing client education and mediation while preparing for aggressive advocacy when needed.
Questions
What happens if I die without a will in Texas?
Your property will be distributed according to Texas intestacy laws, typically to your spouse, children, or closest relatives.
How long do I have to file probate after a death?
In Texas, probate must be filed within four years of the testator's death unless exceptions apply.
Can I contest a will in Texas?
Yes, you can contest a will if you believe it was created under undue influence, fraud, or the decedent lacked mental capacity.
What is fiduciary litigation?
Fiduciary litigation involves disputes over the management of estates, trusts, or financial affairs by executors, trustees, or agents.
How can mediation help in estate disputes?
Mediation offers a cost-effective, less adversarial way to resolve conflicts while preserving family relationships.
What constitutes elder financial abuse?
Elder financial abuse includes unauthorized use of an elderly person's funds, property, or assets by caregivers or family members.
