Looking for a trust litigation attorney providing services in the Redondo Beach area? 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 Redondo 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 Redondo Beachy. Contact her office today for a confidential consultation about your probate issues.

Contested Trusts Lawyer in Redondo 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 Redondo 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 Redondo 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. Contact her law office in the Redondo Beach area today for a consultation on probate or trust litigation matters.

Los Angeles Estate Planning Attorney

Trusts & Wills

Susan B. Geffen has helped hundreds of families with their estate planning. Is a Living Trust just for the wealthy? No. If you own a home, have children, wish to leave your assets to whomever you choose, then you should consider having a living trust prepared for you.

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Judge's desk with a gavel

Probate

Susan B. Geffen can help you with your probate matter, and provide you with the expert guidance throughout the process.

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Conservatorship law

Conservatorships

Many of Susan’s clients ask her about Conservatorships. It is a serious process and it takes a very knowledgeable and experience attorney to evaluate whether or not a conservatorship is realistic and/or necessary.

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Lady Justice

Trust Litigation

Disputes often arise after an individual dies and their estate is being administered by the named trustee. This is especially so when when there are substantial amounts of money involved or when family conflict is present.

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Elder Law Attorney in Hermosa Beach

If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.

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Elder Law Attorney in Manhattan Beach

If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.

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Elder Law Attorney in Palos Verdes

If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.

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Elder Law Attorney in Beverly Hills

If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.

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Elder Law Attorney in Los Angeles

Elder Law Attorney in El Segundo

If you are concerned about Medi-Cal recovery, Susan has been successful in helping many elderly adults with the complicated and critical process of Medi-Cal Planning and Asset Protection.

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Elder Law Attorney (Lawyer for Old People) Susan B. Geffen

Contact Susan

Call Susan today (800) 285-2659 or send her a message by filling out the form below.

    Testimonial

    As an attorney who often is in the position of hiring co-counsel, I am able to quickly evaluate other lawyers to determine if I want to engage them. This time, I needed to find a lawyer for a personal matter. After speaking with several attorneys in this area, I decided to see if I could meet with Susan Geffen. I was able to set up an appointment and meet with her right away and she was outstanding! My meeting with Susan was more productive than all the previous meetings combined and Susan gave practical yet caring advice and then laid out all the options in a clear manner. Not only does she have a solid grasp of the laws and regulations in this area but her legal knowledge is supplemented by her in-depth understanding of the emotional and practical aspects of implementing a plan, which is often overlooked or not properly considered. Most importantly, Susan was the only attorney I spoke with who did not propose additional work that I believe was unnecessary to accomplish our goals.

    Anp P.