If you are looking for an experienced trust litigation lawyer that provides services in the Manhattan Beach area, turn to attorney Susan B. Geffen. After an individual dies and their estate has entered the probate process, disputes can often arise. This happens most often when there are substantial amounts of money involved or when the family is already in conflict. These disputes about probate matters can arise between beneficiaries, between a trustee or other fiduciary and beneficiaries or from third parties, such as debtors. When a dispute arises concerning probate or trust issues, you need the seasoned and experienced services of Manhattan Beach trust litigation attorney Susan B. Geffen.
When disagreements arise during probate, loved ones or other parties can quickly become adversarial, and the discussions can be spirited. This is when you need sound legal advice and experienced representation by a trust litigation attorney. Susan Geffen has over 30 years of experience in probate and trust litigation matters, and she can be a formidable advocate to represent your interests in Manhattan Beach. Contact her office today for a confidential consultation about your probate issues.
Contested Trusts Lawyer in Manhattan Beach
Probate is the legal process of closing out a person’s final affairs, and it can involve paying debts and distributing assets from the person’s estate to named beneficiaries, as well as other sensitive matters. Because this is often a complex process, disputes and difficulties can arise between the parties involved. The validity of the will and certain trusts may be contested for any number of reasons. How the will is administered can also cause disputes, especially if some feel their rights or claims are being overlooked. These are complex legal matters that require an experienced and skilled contested trusts lawyer like Susan Geffen.
Some of the most common disputes that arise during probate can include:
- An unexpected exclusion from being a named beneficiary (disinheritance)
- Disputes about trust administration, including distribution and accounting issues
- Claims for breach of fiduciary duty
- Disputes relating to business interests owned by trusts
- Judicial construction and modification of language in wills and trusts
- Determination of beneficiaries and legal heirs
- Challenges to the validity of a will
- Claims of lack of capacity and undue influence and elder abuse in formulating the will
- Charities serving as trustee or being named as beneficiaries
- Dispute of claimed debts
- Disputes over previously unknown debts
California probate law establishes 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 to petition the court to review its ruling on a will or trust’s validity. Other probate matters can often have shorter time limits.
Probate Disputes and Trust Litigation in Manhattan Beach
Susan B. Geffen is a skilled and experienced negotiator who can sometimes work to resolve a contested probate matter through mediation and arbitration. This often results in a much more advantageous outcome than leaving matters up to the probate court. She knows many negotiation strategies that can be beneficial to resolve your case before being forced into litigation and a court resolution.
Susan Geffen has earned a reputation in Manhattan Beach as a compassionate and professional California trust litigation attorney. She will never propose actions that are not necessary, and will always recommend what is best for you and your family. You can trust that she will bring all her knowledge and experience in probate and trust litigation matters to bear on your case. She will be a vigorous advocate for you, either in negotiations or before the court in litigation. If you live in Manhattan Beach, contact her law office today for a consultation on probate or trust litigation matters.