Experienced Probate and Trust Dispute Resolution

Our firm represent clients in inheritance conflict situations

A loved one’s legacy can ease the pain of loss by reminding heirs of a departed family member’s enduring love. But when questions arise about the validity of testamentary documents or the management of estate assets, uncertainty can arouse animosity and prevent closure. If you, as a beneficiary, believe that a will or trust does not reflect the wishes of the deceased, you have a right to challenge the will or trust in court. Similarly, if you believe an executor, trustee or estate administrator is mismanaging the assets of the estate or a trust, you have the right to challenge.  On the other hand, an executor, trustee or estate administrator is entitled to a vigorous defense against accusations of incompetence or unlawful conduct. Guth & Changaris A Professional Law Corporation provides highly professional representation for aggrieved beneficiaries and accused fiduciaries in estate and trust disputes, with the hope to resolve the matter before going to court.

Challenges to the validity of a will or trust

There are several bases for challenging testamentary documents. These include:

• Lack of capacity — This ground alleges that the testator was not of sound mind at the time the will or trust was executed.
• Undue influence — Documents might be invalid if a person with access to and power over the testator used emotional manipulation to gain special consideration in the will or trust.
• Fraud — This ground alleges the testator was deceived about the contents of the documents at the time of execution.
• Void for vagueness — This ground asserts that the terms of a will or trust are open to conflicting interpretations. A challenger can prevent part or all of the will from being implemented.

Many probate and trust disputes stem from suspicions that a particular individual took advantage of the declining health or dementia of the deceased to add himself or herself into the will to the detriment of the rightful heirs. The court looks very harshly on this type of elder exploitation. However, it is important to note that disappointment is not grounds for an heir to challenge a will or trust. All challenges must be supported by reliable evidence.

Breach of fiduciary duty in estate settlement and trust management

The executor of a will, administrator of an intestate estate or the trustee of a trust is a fiduciary with a legal duty under California law to manage the assets of the trust or estate according to the testator’s wishes and for the benefit of the beneficiaries. The fiduciary must perform at a professional standard so that assets are not lost due to waste, fraud, misallocation or mismanagement. Beneficiaries may challenge both deliberate and negligent misconduct and demand a full accounting. Our firm has experience on both sides of trust and estate controversies.

Don’t expect success if you handle objections yourself

Many people hesitate to hire an attorney because they wish to keep a family dispute within the family. However, the court may treat your suspicions lightly if you raise them without a professional presentation and a firm basis in the law that an attorney can provide. Moreover, a seasoned attorney who has been through such negotiations before is likely to produce a settlement that satisfies all parties and allows the proceedings to conclude at less cost to the estate.

Contact an established trust and estate litigation law firm in California

Conflicts among beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and fiduciaries can be very destructive without experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel. Guth & Changaris A Professional Law Corporation provides such representation for beneficiaries and fiduciaries throughout California. Call today at 530-674-9841 or contact the firm online to schedule a consultation at their Yuba City office.