June 2023 | Case Clips
Probate Court Sets Aside Deed of Property worth estimated $800,000 – $1.1 million
A Harris County Probate Court granted a motion for summary judgment in favor of Amber Gonzales setting aside a deed of a 106-acre tract of real property. This ruling follows a jury verdict setting aside a will signed on the same date.
“It is rare that a court sets aside a deed based on capacity via a summary judgment, so this ruling is a big victory for our client” said Keith Taylor, senior associate at Crain, Caton & James. Mr. Taylor argued the motion for summary judgment. Mr. Taylor and Darlene Smith successfully tried the case to the jury setting aside the will for lack of capacity.
The case numbers for the above actions were 480,402 and 480-402-401 in Harris County Probate Court 1.
About our Attorneys
Keith Taylor practice primarily includes probate, trust and guardianship litigation and real estate. Keith’s experience includes all aspects probate administration and litigation. Keith has successfully represented trustees, executors, beneficiaries, and individuals in complex litigation matters including will contests, beneficiary claims, trust disputes, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty claims.
Darlene Payne Smith focuses her practice on individuals who have experienced a loss or are facing the issue of a loved one who is becoming incapacitated or suffered a traumatic injury that rendered them incapacitated and individuals and trust companies who serve as fiduciaries. Darlene fights to uphold the wishes of those who have established valid estate plans and she defends fiduciaries wrongfully accused. She also seeks justice against fiduciaries who have wronged their beneficiaries. Darlene represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in trial and appellate courts of those counties, and across the State of Texas, in matters relating to probate, guardianship, trust litigation and administration.
About Crain Caton & James
Crain Caton & James, P.C. provides first-class legal services with integrity and exceptional value to its clients in Houston and around the world. The Firm’s 110-year history in downtown Houston gives it strong ties to Houston and a deep commitment to giving back to the community. Founded in 1912, the Firm now has a wide range of practice areas, including Banking, Corporate, Real Estate, Probate and Estate Planning, Environmental, Employment, Intellectual Property, Family Law, Fiduciary Litigation, Commercial Litigation & Appeals, and more. Recently, the Firm was named by the Houston Chronicle as a finalist in the Best of the Best Law Firms in the areas of commercial litigation, corporate law, family law, real estate, and trusts & estates.