Hensley & Krueger Secures $3.5 Million Dollar Recovery in Complex Texas Hill Country Trust Dispute

Texas Hill Country – In a significant victory involving generational family land and complex trust structures, attorney Cory Krueger of Hensley & Krueger successfully recovered millions of dollars in value for three siblings who were at risk of losing the majority of their family’s legacy property.

The case centered on valuable Hill Country acreage that had remained in the same family for at least four generations. To preserve the land within the bloodline, the family patriarch had established a sophisticated network of partnerships and trusts, appointing his son as trustee.

However, years later, the trustee—who was also the father of the firm’s clients—transferred the trust-owned property to himself individually through a series of transactions. Upon his death, his will left 70% of his estate to his surviving spouse and only 30% to his three children.

Because the Hill Country land had been transferred into the father’s personal name prior to his death, it was treated as part of his estate—effectively disinheriting the children from the majority of the family’s most valuable asset.

The siblings, who had been consistently told throughout their lives that the land would remain in the family and ultimately pass to them, were blindsided.

After initially encountering resistance and limited transparency from the estate, the siblings retained Hensley & Krueger to investigate.

Through an extensive and detailed forensic legal investigation, the firm obtained and analyzed the underlying trust and partnership documents, as well as the relevant real property records. The investigation revealed that the trustee had wrongfully transferred trust assets to himself in breach of his fiduciary duties.

Armed with this evidence, the firm filed suit against the estate, asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty and seeking a declaratory judgment that the property transfers were void.

The case ultimately resolved at mediation, resulting in a substantial recovery for the siblings. The settlement restored approximately $3.5 million in additional value to the clients—value that would have otherwise been lost absent the firm’s intervention.

“This case underscores the importance of enforcing fiduciary obligations and ensuring that complex estate planning structures are honored as intended,” said Krueger. “We were able to uncover the truth and help our clients reclaim what their family had worked generations to preserve.”

The outcome highlights both the risks associated with misuse of trust authority and the critical role of thorough legal investigation in protecting beneficiaries’ rights.  

When a will is contested, it can easily lead to an emotionally charged and lengthy legal battle. 

At Hensley & Krueger, PLLC, our lawyers know you’re going through a difficult time, so we work to protect your best interests and handle your case as efficiently as possible. We work to ensure your loved one’s wishes are upheld. Call 713-352-7407 today or email our firm to get started.

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