Beverly Hills Trust Litigation Lawyer

A trust is an agreement and legal entity used to protect assets in an estate. The trust is put in the care of a third party, called the trustee, who is then responsible for following the terms of that trust. When there are disagreements about how the trust is administered or the guidelines of the trust, this can result in litigation. A Beverly Hills trust litigation lawyer is a crucial ally during this process, whether you are filing trust disputes or defending against them.

Find a Dedicated Beverly Hills Trust Litigation Attorney at Barry Law Group

Trusts are very useful tools, as they can allow an estate to bypass probate court. This can speed up the process for heirs and beneficiaries and minimize the costs of the process. Unfortunately, trust litigation can create new costs and time-consuming cases. Managing these cases with an experienced and dedicated attorney at Barry Law Group can ease some of the frustrations and potentially resolve the case more efficiently.

At Barry Law Group, our team has spent the past 35 years representing individuals and families in our community, including decades of work in trust administration and Beverly Hills estate litigation. Our goal is to provide exceptional, transparent, and strategic legal representation that is tailored to your personal needs and goals. We know how difficult it is to manage trust administration after the loss of a loved one, and that disputes can increase that frustration. We want to help.

What Are Examples of Trust Litigation in Beverly Hills?

Trust litigation can occur from many different types of legal disputes, and even well-constructed trusts can face issues. There are many reasons for trust litigation, like:

• Trust contests. The validity of a trust can be disputed in some cases, and this can lead to litigation. Validity claims might be based on issues like undue influence, where someone claims a person forced or coerced the creator of the trust to write the trust a certain way. The claim may also state that the trust creator, or the grantor, was not in their right mind when they created the trust, meaning they did not have testamentary capacity.
• Trust administration issues. Disputes can occur because heirs or beneficiaries believe the trust was not administered properly. The litigation may dispute how the trustee interpreted the grantor’s trust terms, or how assets were distributed to different parties.
• Breach of fiduciary duty. The trustee owes a fiduciary duty to the assets in the trust and to the beneficiaries of those assets. This means the trustee is responsible for managing the assets appropriately and always acting in the interests of the beneficiaries, never their own interests. If the assets are mismanaged, such as being commingled or used for personal gain, the beneficiaries can file against the trustee, and this can result in litigation.
• Fraud. The trustee can also face accusations of fraud when managing the trust. This is an especially serious trust litigation case. Whether you are a beneficiary filing this case or a trustee being accused, you need an experienced attorney to protect your interests.
• Creditor claims. Like the probate process, creditors can make claims against the estate for debts owed by the deceased. Disputes involving these claims can lead to litigation.

In Beverly Hills, trust litigation is especially common because of the high-value estates that are handled in trust administration. Eighty-seven percent of homes in the city are valued at $1 million or higher, and the median income was $132,977 each year. When these kinds of estates are administered through trusts, it is especially likely that heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, and other parties will disagree on how the estate is handled.

FAQs

How Much Do Trust Litigation Attorneys Charge?

Most trust attorneys charge an hourly rate or a flat fee, but the exact amount depends on numerous factors. An attorney with more experience in trust litigation may have higher hourly rates, but may also resolve the case more quickly due to their experience. If your litigation case is more complicated, fees are often higher, since the case will likely take longer and require more resources. Always discuss fees with your attorney before you hire them.

What Does a Trust Litigation Lawyer Do?

A trust litigation lawyer can help you navigate disputes involving a trust, whether you are filing to contest a trust or are dealing with a dispute raised by another party. Your attorney helps you investigate the issue, uncover evidence, and determine the right strategy for your case. These attorneys have substantial experience in trusts, negotiation or litigation of trust contents, and trust and estate laws. You are more likely to secure a better outcome with an attorney.

How Expensive Is It to Contest a Trust?

It can be costly to contest a trust, as you have to consider the court costs, the attorney fees, and other professional costs. In both California Superior Courts and the Los Angeles Superior Courts, there is a fee between $200 and $435 for filing a petition for or in opposition to the internal affairs of a trust. The longer a case takes, the more costly it is likely to be. However, contesting it may help protect your future financial interests.

Do You Need to Hire a Trust Litigation Lawyer in California?

Although you aren’t required to hire a trust litigation lawyer in California, you should. Trust litigation is incredibly complicated and often very hard to do. An experienced attorney understands the legal requirements of these cases and can help you assess if you or the contesting party has the grounds for the case.

Your attorney represents you in negotiations and in court litigation, protecting your rights and your interests. You are more likely to reach a successful outcome with a lawyer.

Reach Out to Barry Law Group for Trust Litigation Representation in Beverly Hills

You have a limited period of time to file a contest of a trust, so it’s important to act quickly. At Barry Law Group, we can help you work to resolve your trust litigation case in negotiations or in court. We advocate for your interests with our years of experience and fierce dedication to your case. Our firm has experience with the Los Angeles Superior Court, including the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, which handles probate court cases closest to Beverly Hills. Contact us today.