When The Administration Of An Estate Leads To Litigation
A will is intended to reflect the intentions of the decedent — but these intentions may be unclear at times. A trustee is expected to abide by the terms established in the trust and to further the wishes of the trust settler, but trustees sometimes act inappropriately. In other situations, an ailing or elderly person may be manipulated by a family member, a neighbor or a health care worker into changing a will. As a result, a will may be contested or allegations of undue influence may arise.
At the Law Offices of H. Michael Soroy, we provide experienced legal representation for people seeking to challenge the probate of a will or the administration of an estate. We also represent the administrators of estates and trustees, defending their actions. We understand the complex nature of these cases, and we have the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively resolve these disputes.
From offices in Los Angeles, we serve clients throughout Southern California. We invite you to give us a call today to set an initial consultation with one of our attorneys.
Undue Influence, Fiduciary Responsibility And Financial Mismanagement
Our estate planning attorneys counsel and represent clients in litigation involving the following:
- Wills and trust disputes
- Allegations of improper or undue influence
- Probate litigation
- Trustee matters
- Allegations of the financial mismanagement of a trust
- Disputes over terms concerning a will or trust
Legal disputes related to the probate of a will or the administration of a trust can quickly erode the assets of a trust or estate. We provide pragmatic, practical legal representation to resolve these matters in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Wills — The Final Wishes Of The Deceased
A will is meant to represent the final wishes of a decedent, but determining the validity of a will may be difficult. A potential heir may contest the will for many reasons, arguing the decedent was subject to undue influence or duress when they drafted the will or were no longer of sound mind. An heir may argue that the will submitted for probate was not the last will and testament, or that the executor is misconstruing the decedent’s intent.
Trusts — Understanding Fiduciary Responsibility
A potential beneficiary of a trust may argue the trustee is not protecting the trust assets for the benefit of the beneficiaries. Beneficiaries may allege that the trustee is taking too much money in fees from the trust, or that the trustee had undue influence over the trust settlor.
Contact Our Probate And Trust Litigation Attorneys Today
In either type of situation, these cases can proceed via negotiation or via litigation in probate court. Our lawyers have the experience necessary to effectively resolve these disputes. To arrange a confidential consultation regarding potential probate or trust litigation, call our firm at 310-694-5527 or fill out our online form.