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Estate Litigation

If you’re a trustee, executor, or beneficiary, estate law can be full of confusing terms. Here are a few key definitions from California’s Probate Code you might encounter:

  • Trust: A trust is created intentionally or by court order and managed like an express trust.
  • Will: A will includes changes (codicils) and documents that name executors or revoke other wills.
  • Beneficiary: Someone who receives property—whether by will, trust, or as an heir.
  • Fiduciary: A person responsible for managing assets, like a trustee or executor.
  • Instrument: A legal document (will, trust, deed) that gives property to someone.
  • Property: Anything you can own—real estate, money, personal items.
  • Transferee: A person receiving property from a trust or will.
  • Transferor: The person giving property through a will or trust.
  • Interested Person: Anyone with a legal stake in an estate, such as an heir or creditor.

Our Estate Litigation Services

We frequently help clients contest wills and trusts. Timing is crucial—challenges must be filed within 120 days of receiving notice. That window may extend 60 more days if you request a copy of the trust after notice.

Common reasons to contest include:

  • Fraud, forgery, or undue influence
  • Mental incapacity at the time the will/trust was made
  • A revoked or outdated will
  • False accusations against trustees

Whether you're protecting your inheritance or defending your actions as a trustee, we’re here to help.

We Also Handle

  • Estate & Trust Disputes: Representing beneficiaries or fiduciaries in litigation
  • Appeals: Skilled in overturning or defending probate decisions
  • Mediation: Resolving family and estate conflicts out of court
  • Inheritance Interference: Legal action when you’re wrongly cut out
  • Beneficiary Rights: Helping beneficiaries actively participate in litigation
  • Will/Trust Validity: Challenging or defending estate documents

Talk to our Attorneys Today

Our concierge services are designed to provide you with the support and legal focus needed to navigate complex legal challenges. Speak with our team today.