Los Angeles Trust Litigation Attorney

Disputes often arise after an individual dies and their estate is being administered by the named trustee. This is especially the case when there are substantial amounts of money involved or when family conflict is present. These disputes can arise between beneficiaries, between a trustee or other fiduciary and beneficiaries or from third parties. When a dispute arises concerning probate or trust issues, you need the sound and compassionate services of Los Angeles trust litigation attorney Susan B. Geffen.

Most people think that trust disputes only arise when someone has been disinherited. That is not true. Below are some examples of how and why disputes can occur:

• Disputes between trustees and beneficiaries arising from trust administration, including distribution and accounting issues
• Claims for breach of fiduciary duty based on trust investments, including failure to diversify and lack of suitability
• Disputes relating to business interests owned by trusts, including minority shareholder disputes
• Judicial construction and modification of language in wills and trusts
• Determination of beneficiaries and heirs
• Challenges to the validity of a will, including lack of capacity and undue influence and elder abuse
• Disputes over lifetime transfers
• Representation of charities serving as trustee or named as trust beneficiaries

When these or other disagreements arise during the probate process for your loved one or another party with which you are connected, you need sound legal advice and spirited, experienced representation. Susan Geffen has over 30 years of experience in probate law, and she can be a formidable advocate on your behalf. Contact her office in Los Angles today for a consultation about your disagreement.

Contested Trusts Lawyer

The probate process that involves distributing a loved one’s estate can often be a complex process, and difficulties can arise between the involved parties. The loved one’s will and certain trusts may be contested for a wide variety of reasons. How the will is administered can also cause disputes, especially if some feel their rights or claims are ignored. Will administrators often have their performance challenged. These are complex legal matters that require a knowledgeable and experienced contested trust lawyer like Susan Geffen.

You should also be aware that there are time limitations for pursuing legal actions to dispute probate matters. While it is always better to register any official complaint to the court before probate is opened, interested parties have 120 days under California law to ask the court to review its ruling on the validity of a will. Other probate matters may have other, even shorter, time limits.

Susan is also a talented and skilled negotiator. These skills are extremely valuable during a contested probate, because many cases can be better resolved through mediation and arbitration. If left to the court to decide, your case may not receive the best resolution or highest reward. It is often more advantageous for Susan to engage the other parties’ attorneys in negotiation to resolve probate and trust disputes. She is well-versed in many advantageous negotiation strategies that may prevent your cause from moving into litigation and court resolution.

However, Susan is an experienced and passionate litigator who is completely prepared to pursue your case through litigation if necessary. She will advise you on the best course of action for your particular circumstances and provide the necessary help and representation for each step of the journey.

Probate and Trust Claims in Redondo Beach

Susan Geffen has earned a reputation in Los Angeles as a compassionate, professional and no-nonsense trust litigation attorney. She will never propose actions that are not needed and will always advocate for what is best for your interests. You can be completely confident in her knowledge and experience in probate and trust litigation matters and that she will advocate vigorously for you case. Contact her Los Angeles law office today for a consultation on probate or trust litigation matters in Beverly Hills and Redondo Beach.