Episode 14 - Real Estate Disputes Driving Major Probate Problems

In this episode of the Texas Probate Real Estate Podcast, host Jeremy Kritt, a licensed Texas real estate broker specializing in probate property sales, talks with probate litigator Caitlin Haney Johnson of The Haney Law Firm in Austin, Texas.They discuss what happens when families face probate disputes that directly impact real estate decisions. Caitlin shares real cases involving children who isolate elderly parents, run up debt, block access to other relatives, and change wills to gain control of property. She explains how these situations lead to litigation over capacity, undue influence, fraud, and the validity of late‑life estate documents. Jeremy and Caitlin also explore why real estate is often the most contested asset in an estate and how blended families, co‑ownership disagreements, and partitions create long‑lasting conflict.Caitlin highlights how DIY legal filings generated through tools like ChatGPT have increased misunderstandings, court delays, and unnecessary litigation. She explains how these self‑written motions often contain incorrect assumptions and excessive volume, forcing judges and attorneys to spend time and estate money sorting through them. This episode gives families a clearer understanding of how probate litigation unfolds, why professional guidance matters, and how early planning can prevent costly disputes.Guest Details:Caitlin Haney Johnson | Probate & Fiduciary Litigation Caitlin is a probate and probate litigation attorney with The Haney Law Firm in Austin, Texas. She assists clients with complex probate matters, estate planning, probate administration, and a wide range of fiduciary litigation involving executors and trustees. Caitlin’s litigation experience also includes business disputes in both Texas state courts and the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. Website: www.thehaneylawfirm.com