Burbank Estate Litigation Lawyer

Estate planning does not end when agreements are drafted and documents are signed. In many cases, disputes arise after a will or trust is put into effect, or right at the onset of the agreement’s administration. It’s common for trustees and beneficiaries, especially family members, to have disagreements about how assets should be distributed. A Burbank estate litigation lawyer can be an ideal solution for resolving conflicts, so your wishes are properly carried out.

Here at Barry Law Group, we have a detailed understanding of estate litigation laws and nearly 40 years of experience faithfully serving the people of Burbank. We have a passion for helping individuals and families in this area manage their estates and reduce disagreements regarding the administration of key legal arrangements. We can litigate and administer wills, trusts, and more aspects of an estate to help you feel more secure about the future of your belongings and family.

What Is Estate Planning Litigation?

Estate planning litigation involves legal disputes, typically in court, regarding arrangements related to property division. These processes occur after the documents are already in place. A Burbank estate litigation attorney can help you verify that the terms are honored, understood, and carried out to your precise, documented specifications.

Common issues in estate planning litigation can include will contests, claims of undue influence, disputes over terms, and allegations of mismanagement of those currently listed as trustees or executors. In many cases, parties may even try to question the validity of these documents themselves.

Without a skilled administrator to litigate according to these agreements, they’re nothing more than pieces of paper. However, when you hire an estate litigation lawyer from our firm, we can help to carry out the instructions on these documents and represent your interests through them.

What Do the Laws Say About Estate Disputes?

Estate litigation cases rely on key legislation that California has established for matters like these. One example is California Probate Code Section 8250. This allows interested parties to challenge the validity of a will in certain circumstances. This could include a lack of capacity, fraud, or undue influence.

Another important statute to consider is California Probate Code Section 17200. This allows parties to petition the court regarding the administration of a trust. Common issues include removing a trustee, compelling distributions, or getting clarity on ambiguous terms.

No matter why you need an estate litigation lawyer, our team is here for you. Some people come to us because they expect a document that they created to be followed on strict terms. Others may want to challenge aspects of agreements they believe are incorrect or no longer valid. Our team can help you analyze agreements and administer them fairly.

Situations Where Estate Litigation Can Prove Highly Valuable

One of the most common issues that can necessitate litigation includes the administration of wills. When a person passes away, emotional tensions can be at their highest. With family members and close friends already dealing with sorrow, an estate litigation lawyer is an ideal resource to manage conflicts and offer clarity.

Trusts for a young or at-risk person are another common estate planning topic. Trust management is often vital for getting resources to young people or those with issues like health challenges who need them. Proper administration of estate agreements for these terms isn’t just a matter of reducing conflicts, but rather a matter of supporting a person’s financial future.

Statistics About Estate Planning and Litigation

About a third of Americans have an estate plan, but even a well-made plan must be litigated properly. Burbank is an area of economic success and affluence, and residents want their wealth managed according to their wishes. The city has a median household income of $97,082 and an average home price of $1.2 million. To carefully administer the distribution of money, property, and other assets, it’s crucial to have a skilled lawyer.

FAQs

Do You Need Both a Will and a Trust?

Whether you need both a will and a trust depends highly on your preferences. Some people only need a will because they are focused on the distribution plan for their assets once they pass. Others use trusts to create payment and financing arrangements for individuals in their lives or causes they support. We can help litigate either of these agreements or both if you have them.

Where Is an Estate Planning Case Heard in Burbank?

An estate planning case in Burbank is typically heard at the Los Angeles Superior Court. If you have a case coming up or are planning to set terms for the litigation of your arrangements in the future, we can help. Our team can accompany you or any trustees or executors you designate to all court hearings.

Can an Estate Plan Be Changed?

Yes, in most cases, an estate plan can be changed. This is most easily done when you choose to set terms to be administered based on updated factors. For example, a person may change the terms of trust payments to match the recipient’s income, so as not to exceed certain thresholds. Some documents, however, can be made irrevocable, which makes them difficult to change.

How Long Does It Take to Administer an Estate Plan?

The time it takes to administer an estate plan can vary depending on several factors. These include the size of the estate, the number and complexity of documents within the plan, cooperation from those involved, and any questions or additional evidence requested by the court. Our lawyers can provide a time estimate when we administer your plan.

Hire an Estate Litigation Lawyer

The process of managing an estate is a complex issue for many reasons. It can impact a person’s future well-being while encompassing the life wishes of another. For some, it’s about taking care of their surviving loved ones. For others, it’s about honoring the departed’s final testament.

Here at Barry Law Group, we bring 70 years of combined legal experience and a reputation that’s backed by plenty of positive reviews. We understand how to handle the sensitive, pivotal matters of estate administration and litigation with the seriousness these situations command. Contact us today to start with a free consultation and learn how we can manage your estate plan.