- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
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.
Source:
1. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?Cite=11
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
Kyla S. Bennett
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kyla practices in a range of areas, including real estate, land use, and civil litigation.
