Representing clients in legal disputes arising from contested trusts and wills
When a loved one passes away, emotions often run high. This can be particularly true when there are significant assets that are to be distributed among various family members. In some cases, distant family members with little contact in other scenarios may become embroiled in a dispute over shares of an inheritance or over specific family heirlooms in which they have a sentimental interest. Even normally close familial relations such as siblings or close cousins may disagree over the administration of an estate or whether they are receiving their rightful share of a decedent’s assets.
The law1 governing contested wills, trusts, and probate litigation can be very complicated and varies from state to state. As a result, it is important for people involved in these disputes to retain an attorney who has experience practicing in this area of law.
With over 100 years of combined experience, the attorneys of the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess can help you ensure that your legal rights are protected and that your case is resolved as favorably as possible.
CALL OUR OFFICE TODAY AT 206-621-1110 OR 253-572-1000 TO SCHEDULE A FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR ATTORNEYS.
Handling all matters related to contested wills, trusts, & probate litigation
When a person passes away, their estate can be distributed in a variety of ways. If an individual did not have a valid will, the state laws governing intestate succession control how and to whom the property is distributed. On the other hand, if a person did have a will, the will would go through a process known as “probate” in which a court would determine the validity of the will and distribute the assets accordingly. The probate process also gives interested parties the opportunity to raise any objections to the terms of the will or challenge the validity of the will itself. Finally, the existence of a trust allows individuals to avoid the probate process by creating a legal relationship between a trustee who holds the assets of the trust for the benefit of one or several beneficiaries.
In this last scenario, legal disputes can arise between any party with an interest in the trust assets, including beneficiaries, trustees, and creditors.
There are many types of disputes that can arise in the context of wills and trusts. We are equipped to represent individuals with disputes related to any aspect of estate administration, including the following:
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Beneficiary disputes
- Claims of undue influence
- Lack of capacity
- Trust validity
- Claims made by adopted heirs
- Estate management disputes
- Contested heirs
- Fraud
- Executor mismanagement
Contact the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess today to schedule a consultation
The outcome of a will, trust contest or probate litigation can have a significant impact on your financial situation and your relationship with members of your immediate or extended family. Consequently, anyone involved in this type of dispute in the Seattle or Tacoma area should retain an attorney with a track record of success in contested trust, will, or probate litigation.
TO SCHEDULE A FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, CALL OUR OFFICE NOW AT 253-572-1000 OR 206-621-1110.