Sherman Oaks Trust Litigation Lawyer

Trust litigation can be an incredibly complicated process, but with the help of a Sherman Oaks trust litigation lawyer, you can pursue your desired outcomes with the insight and knowledge you need to sort out trust mismanagement.

Why Choose Barry Law Group?

With years of combined experience in trust litigation law under our belt, the team at Barry Law Group can help you get clarification and assist you with protecting your trust. Whether you are a beneficiary, a trustee, or an outside party, you have the right to raise any concerns you may have about the handling of a trust. Our boutique firm has plenty of positive reviews to prove that we believe in doing everything we can to help you sort your case out, including estate litigation and probate administration.

An Overview of Trust Litigation Terminology in California

Before you hire a trust litigation lawyer, you may benefit from understanding the following terminology: 

• Trust estate: This term applies to everything that makes up the trust, such as stocks and bonds, money, property, jewelry, or any other assets.
• Trustee: This is the party that has been selected to manage the trust estate, as well as act on behalf of said trust.
• Beneficiary: The beneficiary is an individual who is entitled to at least part of the trust.
• Settlor: This describes the party responsible for creating the trust. They may also be referred to as the trustor or grantor.

What Can Trigger a Trust Litigation Case?

Trust litigation occurs when a beneficiary files a claim against a trustee or vice versa. Another way it can happen is by a trustee or beneficiary filing against a third party. Trust litigation involves handling a trust suspected of mismanagement through the proper legal channels. Trust mismanagement can happen in a variety of ways, including the following:

• Trustee misconduct: While we would like to believe that the trust will be handled with the utmost honor and respect, this is not always the case. Trustee misconduct may include the mismanagement of trust assets, failing to follow the terms outlined by the trust, self-dealing, or breaching fiduciary duty.
• Undue influence: Undue influence applies to cases where a settlor may have been forced to create a trust while under pressure or duress, which could make it subject to litigation. This is an unlawful way of setting up a trust, and must be remedied through trust litigation.
• Disputes over the trust document: Ambiguities or unclear language in the trust document can lead to disagreements and confusion regarding the settlor’s intent. This can result in discord among the beneficiaries or between them and the trustee.
• Beneficiary disputes: While the trust may outline specific expectations, beneficiaries still may find themselves in disagreement about how the trust should be managed or distributed. They may also challenge the actions of the trustee.
• Improper investments: Trustees are given a lot of responsibility by the settlor of the trust. If the trustee makes poor investment decisions that could result in harm to the trust, beneficiaries are legally permitted to pursue litigation.
• Financial elder abuse: According to one study, financial elder abuse results in the loss of roughly $28.3 billion each year. Trusts are one of the areas that may be targeted in cases of financial elder abuse, as a trustee or another individual could take advantage of a vulnerable elder.

What Are the Potential Outcomes?

When you spend time and money on a trust litigation case, you want to know what you’re working towards. Understanding the trust litigation process can help set realistic expectations for outcomes and timelines. There are several different things that can happen when you pursue trust litigation. If a trustee is proven to be irresponsible or corrupt, their title may be revoked and they may be replaced by a court-appointed official.

Another possible outcome is that the trust will be modified or even terminated. This will depend on a whole host of variables unique to each case, but it can be beneficial to be aware of this potential even if your case does not result in said termination.

The final outcome is that the trust will be clarified. Confusion can sow discord, but by bringing clarity to the trust document and, therefore, its management expectations, all of those involved, including beneficiaries and trustees, will be able to uphold the expectations and requirements declared by the trust’s settlor.

Why Should I Hire a Trust Litigation Lawyer?

You may want to hire a trust litigation lawyer if you have any reason to suspect that your trust is being mismanaged. If the need should arise, your lawyer can help you sort your case out at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles. You deserve to feel peaceful about your trust and all of those involved, so if you suspect anything is not as it should be, Barry Law Group can help.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Trust Litigation Lawyer in California?

Each trust litigation case is unique, but the overall cost of hiring a trust litigation lawyer tends to be influenced by your case’s duration and level of complexity, as well as who you choose to represent you. At Barry Law Group, we work hard to help you achieve your goals, making your expenditures feel worthwhile in the end.

Do I Need to Hire a Sherman Oaks Trust Litigation Attorney?

While you are not legally required to hire a trust litigation attorney in Sherman Oaks, CA, many individuals have found that it can make a case easier to handle while still achieving desired outcomes. Strengthen your case today and bring clarity to a confusing situation by hiring Barry Law Group, and let us help you navigate your case.

How Long Will My Trust Litigation Case Take to Resolve?

The amount of time required to resolve a trust litigation case is often unique to the case itself. It can be impacted by its level of complexity, as well as outside factors, such as the schedules of the other parties involved. Hiring a trust litigation lawyer can help protect you from unnecessary setbacks.

Can I Seek Reimbursement for Lost Funds in a Trust Litigation Case?

If you have discovered that your trust has lost funds because of how it was handled by a trustee, you can also seek the reimbursement of any lost funds connected to the trust. If the trustee mismanaged the funds or used them for self-gain, you have the right to request reimbursement.

Get Representation and Guidance From Barry Law Group Today

While trust litigation may seem overly complex, you do not need to handle it alone. Contact Barry Law Group today to schedule a consultation.