Estate Litigation

Disputes over inheritance can often tear apart families during already difficult times of grief. You might suspect something went wrong with your loved one's will or trust but struggle to identify exactly what happened. Undue influence occurs when someone tries to...

When a loved one passes away, you assume that you’ll be included in the will. For instance, perhaps it is your parent who has passed away. Over the years, you’ve always assumed that you would inherit certain tangible assets, financial assets and much else. However, as...

The loss of a loved one is a traumatic experience, but the situation can quickly turn even worse if you find out that your loved one’s estate plan isn’t what you thought it was. While this could be for valid reasons, there’s also a chance that undue influence could be...

We recently discussed potential problems with undue influence. This occurs when someone is manipulated into altering their estate plan, and it can sometimes lead to estate litigation. For instance, an elderly person experiencing cognitive decline may be lied to or...

When your parent originally wrote their estate plan, they included you in the will. You know this because you had discussions with them about what to expect. You believed that you would inherit a portion of their estate, along with your siblings or other...

A testator (someone who drafts a will) can name co-executors to administer their estate. They can do this to divide labor, access professional skills, have someone they trust in an administrative position or avoid feelings of favoritism. While an estate can...

The legal process of disputing a deceased person’s estate can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging for any family. California families may find themselves entangled in estate disputes that involve issues such as contested wills, disagreements over inheritances...

Estate planning is intended to provide clarity and peace of mind, ensuring that your wishes are carried out after your passing. But sometimes, even the best-laid plans can lead to disputes among family members. When disagreements arise over a will, trust or the...

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time, to say the very least. Unfortunately, disagreements over assets can add further strain, sometimes resulting in long-lasting family rifts. When you know that an estate dispute that divides your family would disappoint...

Inheriting a loved one's estate should be a time of remembrance, not resentment. Unfortunately, disagreements over assets and the interpretation of wills can arise, turning the probate process into a complex family dispute. If you're facing a contested estate in...