Clients appreciate my ability to empathize during a highly emotional time in their lives. I understand that it’s never just about money for them. It’s also about making sure their loved one’s final wishes are properly fulfilled. I focus on getting to the bottom of complex issues and finding creative solutions that will achieve the end results my clients deserve.
Jeff Watters focuses on trusts and estates litigation and administration matters for clients throughout Texas. His litigation practice is largely devoted to resolving fiduciary duty claims arising from the administration of trusts and estates, a unique and challenging area of law where significant dollar amounts are typically at stake and no two cases are ever alike. He also takes lead on a variety of traditional estate litigation matters, including will contests, will interpretation suits and accounting disputes.
In addition, Jeff serves as an advisor to executors and trustees on the entire range of estate-related issues, including guidance on the legal and ethical components of administration, making timely filings with the court, maximizing tax efficiency, and handling modification proceedings when necessary.
Jeff has significant experience in other complex litigation matters as well. He has successfully defended numerous taxpayers in federal estate, gift and income tax litigation and controversies, including disputes and litigation with the Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service.
Representative Experience
Tax Litigation
Estate of Anne Y. Petter – successful Ninth Circuit affirmance of Tax Court decision for taxpayer in case of first impression involving gift/sale of LLC units to family and charity using a dollar value formula based on values as “finally determined for federal gift tax purposes.” (Petter v. Comm’r, 653 F.3d 1012 (9th Cir. 2011))
Fiduciary Litigation
Estate of Jake Kamin – summary judgment obtained on behalf of The Jake and Nina Kamin Foundation regarding construction of the provisions of Mr. Kamin’s will (In the Estate of Jake Kamin, Deceased, Probate Court No. 2 of Harris County Texas, Cause No. 399,104-401