Family disputes over money, control, or the supervision of loved ones are often deeply emotional. Whether the conflict stems from genuine concern or personality conflicts, our probate, trust, and conservatorship team seek to resolve the dispute efficiently, while preserving family ties where possible.
The skilled counselors who will be helping you
Trust and Probate Litigation
When trust or probate disputes arise, they often center around three key parties: the trustee/executor (responsible for carrying out the terms of the trust or will), the assets in the estate (such as real estate, stocks, or funds for a beneficiary’s care), and the beneficiary (entitled to the estate’s benefits). These cases are inherently complex, and our team brings decades of experience navigating probate courts across Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Whether you face issues with breaches of fiduciary duty (like trustees/executors mismanaging assets or withholding information), beneficiary claims (unjust exclusion or lack of transparency), or trustee/executor actions (recovering embezzled assets), we understand the nuances of trust and probate law and work to protect your rights and interests. Early intervention can help mitigate conflicts and preserve family relationships while ensuring your legal rights are upheld.
Conservatorships & Guardianships
When adults can no longer manage their affairs due to aging, illness, or incapacity, a court-supervised conservatorship ensures their protection, whether for healthcare decisions, financial management, or preventing exploitation. For minors who inherit assets or lose parental support, guardianship provides stability by appointing a legal caregiver. Both arrangements require navigating sensitive family dynamics and strict probate court oversight, and we provide legal expertise with compassion for these deeply personal matters, prioritizing the individual's wellbeing.
FAQs
Don’t worry if you’re missing some documents, that is a common issue that we can address together. In fact, beneficiaries often contact us because they are being denied information they are entitled to, so don’t hesitate to reach out if that is your case.
Early contact can prevent escalation, and you don’t need all the evidence before reaching out. Common situations that require a lawyer might include:
- Receiving unclear trust notices
- Suspected trustee misconduct (e.g., missing assets, lack of transparency)
- Being excluded as a beneficiary unexpectedlyAnd many more.
So, if something feels wrong, trust your instincts. We offer confidential consultations to evaluate your concerns and outline options before deadlines expire or assets are compromised.
We’ll review your documents, discuss the specifics of your case, and outline potential strategies. Be ready to answer questions about your goals, concerns, and any immediate issues that need addressing.
Possibly, omitted spouses/children may have rights under California law, so it’s important to consult with an attorney to know your options at every turn.
California state law has multiple deadlines depending on the issue you want to contest, some as short as 120 days. However, regardless of your case, waiting around doesn’t help you, so we recommend seeking legal help as soon as possible to avoid things escalating, or missing your window of opportunity.