Real estate transactions are supposed to close smoothly. But disputes arise over title defects, boundary lines, lease breaches, construction defects, earnest money, broker commissions, and fraudulent representations. When negotiations fail and relationships sour, litigation becomes necessary to protect property rights and recover damages. Texas real estate litigation encompasses everything from residential purchase disputes to complex commercial lease battles and multi-million dollar development conflicts.
The stakes in real estate disputes often justify the cost of litigation. Property represents significant wealth, and title defects can cloud ownership for generations. Boundary disputes with neighbors can make properties unsellable. Landlord-tenant conflicts can shut down businesses or cost landlords months of unpaid rent. Whether you own a single home or a commercial portfolio, real estate litigation attorneys provide the courtroom experience and property law knowledge these disputes demand.
What Real Estate Litigation Attorneys Handle
Title Disputes and Quiet Title Actions
Title problems arise from recording errors, forged deeds, missing heirs, unreleased liens, and competing ownership claims. Quiet title actions ask courts to determine rightful ownership and remove clouds from title that prevent sales, refinancing, or development. Trespass to try title suits resolve disputes when multiple parties claim ownership. Attorneys examine title chains, identify defects, and litigate to establish clear ownership.
Boundary and Easement Disputes
Property line disagreements escalate when fences, structures, or landscaping encroach onto neighboring land. Easement disputes arise over access rights, utility corridors, and unclear recorded instruments. Adverse possession claims assert ownership based on long-term open possession. Attorneys work with surveyors and title examiners to establish boundaries and protect or challenge easement rights through negotiation or litigation.
Commercial Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Commercial leases create long-term relationships with substantial financial stakes. Disputes arise over rent payments, maintenance obligations, common area charges, lease renewals, tenant improvements, and termination rights. Landlords pursue eviction and collection when tenants default. Tenants defend against wrongful eviction or claim constructive eviction when landlords fail to maintain premises. Attorneys interpret lease provisions and litigate when negotiation fails.
Purchase and Sale Disputes
Real estate transactions fail over title defects, inspection issues, financing contingencies, and disclosure disputes. Buyers seek specific performance to compel reluctant sellers to close. Sellers pursue earnest money when buyers default. Both parties may claim breach of contract or fraud. Attorneys enforce or defend against these claims and recover damages when deals collapse.
How to Choose a Real Estate Litigation Attorney
Property law foundation. Real estate litigation requires understanding property rights, title concepts, lease interpretation, and Texas-specific doctrines like the homestead exemption. Choose attorneys who combine litigation skills with substantive real estate knowledge.
Local court experience. Real estate cases are filed where the property is located. Attorneys familiar with local courts, judges, and procedures navigate cases more efficiently than those learning a new venue.
Case type match. Commercial lease disputes differ from residential purchase claims, which differ from title litigation. Ensure your attorney has handled cases similar to yours in complexity and subject matter.
Trial willingness. Many real estate disputes settle, but some require trial. Attorneys who regularly try cases obtain better settlements because opponents know they will go to court if necessary.
Texas Real Estate Litigation Attorneys
Guerra Days Law Group
Location: McAllen and Edinburg, Texas (Rio Grande Valley)
Website: https://www.guerradays.com
Phone: 956-618-3200
Guerra Days Law Group handles real estate litigation throughout South Texas, including quiet title actions, boundary disputes, easement conflicts, and commercial lease matters. The firm has decades of experience resolving clouded titles, adverse possession claims, and complex ownership disputes. Attorneys work with title companies, surveyors, and real estate professionals to achieve clear, enforceable resolutions for property owners facing title uncertainty.
Practice Focus:
- Quiet title actions
- Boundary and easement disputes
- Adverse possession claims
- Title defect resolution
- Real estate fraud litigation
Hopkins Centrich PLLC
Location: Houston, Texas
Website: https://hopkinscentrichlaw.com
Phone: 713-547-8500
Hopkins Centrich represents developers, builders, commercial landlords, tenants, and property owners across the spectrum of real estate disputes. The firm handles commercial lease conflicts, contract disputes, zoning challenges, and construction-related litigation. Attorneys emphasize thorough lease drafting to prevent disputes but stand ready to litigate when conflicts cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation.
Practice Focus:
- Commercial landlord-tenant disputes
- Real estate contract litigation
- Development and zoning conflicts
- Construction disputes
- Lease negotiation and enforcement
The Pettit Law Firm P.C.
Location: Dallas, Texas
Website: https://www.pettitfirm.com
Phone: 214-329-0151
This Dallas litigation firm handles complex real estate disputes including quiet title actions, adverse possession defense, and multi-party ownership conflicts. The practice has won jury trials defeating decades-long adverse possession claims, voided fraudulent conveyances, and resolved heir property disputes throughout Texas. Attorneys combine thorough investigation with aggressive courtroom advocacy to protect clients’ property rights.
Practice Focus:
- Quiet title actions
- Adverse possession litigation
- Heir property disputes
- Title fraud and forgery claims
- Complex ownership conflicts
Costs and Fees
Real estate litigation fees vary by case complexity and stakes involved. Simple disputes may resolve for $5,000 to $15,000 in legal fees. Contested quiet title actions typically cost $10,000 to $30,000 through judgment. Complex commercial lease litigation or multi-party title disputes can cost $50,000 to $150,000 or more through trial. Hourly rates for real estate litigation attorneys range from $250 to $500 depending on experience and location. Some attorneys handle certain claims on contingency, particularly fraud cases with clear damages. Initial consultations typically cost $200 to $500 or may be free for significant matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a quiet title action and trespass to try title?
A quiet title action removes clouds on title, such as unreleased liens or uncertain claims, when the plaintiff already has superior title. Trespass to try title is broader, used when two parties both claim ownership and the court must determine who has the superior right. Both can clear title problems, but they serve different purposes and have different procedural requirements.
How long do real estate litigation cases take in Texas?
Simple disputes may resolve in 6 to 12 months. Contested cases with discovery, expert witnesses, and trial preparation typically take 18 to 36 months. Cases involving multiple parties, complex title chains, or appeals can extend longer. Settlement is possible at any stage and often resolves cases faster than trial.
Can I recover attorney’s fees in a real estate dispute?
Texas generally follows the American Rule requiring each party to pay their own fees. However, lease agreements often include attorney’s fee provisions allowing the prevailing party to recover fees. Certain statutory claims and breach of contract actions may also permit fee recovery. Review your contract and discuss fee recovery potential with your attorney.
Last Updated: January 2026
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any attorney or law firm. Information about attorneys and law firms was compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current or accurate. We make no representations or warranties about the qualifications, experience, or quality of any attorney listed. Fee estimates are approximations only and actual costs may vary significantly. Always verify attorney credentials with the State Bar of Texas, confirm current contact information, and conduct your own due diligence before hiring legal counsel. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this directory.