Van Nuys Estate Litigation Lawyer

Many people feel that an estate plan will bring clarity and certainty to their financial arrangements. However, disputes and conflicts can arise even when a seemingly sound document has been created and signed. Whether it’s a contested will or concern about how an executor is handling assets, many issues can manifest during the management of an agreement. A Van Nuys estate litigation lawyer can help you manage these conflicts with confidence.

Barry Law Group brings a true sense of dedication to the important task of estate litigation. When you call on us to administer your arrangements, you can feel secure knowing that your concerns are heard. We have plenty of estate litigation case experience, so we know how to interpret, decipher, and execute estate plans of various kinds. With this type of legal resource on your side, it’s easier to keep control over your estate and its handling.

Common Causes of Estate Disputes

Estates represent a unique combination of lifelong wealth that has been carefully accumulated and personal wishes made often at the end of one’s life or during other pivotal moments. Because of this unique combination of high financial and emotional stakes, it’s easy for disputes to arise. These can come from several factors, including:

• Disagreements on terms: Sometimes, the language in a trust, will, or other estate planning document can be ambiguous or confusing.
• Conflicts over status: Many disagreements over estates involve who should be chosen to distribute assets or receive them.
• Improper behavior: Some people debate the administration of estate plans by alleging mismanagement over those currently in charge of the plan.
• Challenges to the entire arrangement: It’s also possible that an entire trust or will could be opposed if people believe it was made improperly or not in the person’s best interest.

With a Van Nuys estate litigation attorney from our firm, you can get help managing these important aspects of your estate. If you believe mistakes are being made or unfair challenges are coming from others, our team can help you pursue every legal option to administer this estate fairly and correctly.

What Does the Law Say About Estate Planning?

Estate litigation laws are designed to reflect a delicate balance that exists in the legal system during these crucial matters. While there’s a need to have a way to administer estate agreements effectively, there’s also a need to hear challenges to them, in case terms were violated or outdated.

Key pieces of legislation include California Probate Code Section 8250. This allows interested parties to challenge the legitimacy of a will in certain cases. California Probate Code Section 9600 is also a common topic in estate litigation. This requires executors to act with reasonable care and diligence during asset management, a requirement that is often subjective and requires interpretation through the court system.

How a Van Nuys Estate Planning Litigation Lawyer Can Help

When you hire an estate litigation lawyer from our firm, you can get help with both the legal and emotional challenges of estate planning. These documents are often associated with sensitive matters. You could be dealing with the death of a loved one and their final wishes. It’s also possible you may be handling the financial arrangements related to a cause you hold dear, or a person you are responsible for taking care of.

Our firm can provide you with a variety of support, ranging from answering questions to offering suggestions about how to administer, defend, or even change your estate plan depending on your situation. Our team can help you with legal compliance, paperwork requirements, informing executors of their duties, and even potentially predicting problems with the agreement, so we can take a proactive approach to solving them.

Statistics About Estate Planning

It’s estimated that about 32% of Americans have an estate plan. Given Van Nuys has a population of 108,970 people, that’s a lot of estates to consider, and many conflicts can arise. This is especially true when family ties or large amounts of wealth are involved. Wealth in California is common, as the average income is 24% higher than the national average. With all this on the line, let a lawyer from our firm handle your estate litigation.

FAQs

Where Is an Estate Planning Case Heard in Van Nuys?

Estate planning cases in Van Nuys are typically heard in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, at the Van Nuys Courthouse East. When you have a court case coming up for the administration of an estate plan, it can be much easier to go through when you hire an estate litigation lawyer from our firm to accompany you.

Can an Estate Plan Include Multiple Separate Documents?

Yes, an estate plan can include multiple separate documents. For example, many estate plans can include both wills and trusts. In addition, some people may have multiple trusts or other estate arrangements set up. We can help you litigate and administer all these agreements as needed when you contact our firm.

Why Might an Estate Plan Be Changed?

An estate plan can be changed for several reasons. This could be because of mismanagement on the part of the current executor, updated financial needs or abilities to pay, changes in tax implications, and more. When changes are being made, it’s easier for more to be suggested, so it helps to have a skilled lawyer to keep the agreement intact, aside from required changes.

Can an Estate Plan Have More Than One Executor?

Yes, an estate plan can have more than one executor. If there are multiple tasks to be managed or multiple different areas of wealth to be distributed, it’s common that multiple parties may be involved in the agreement. A lawyer from our firm can help you choose individuals who understand their responsibilities and limits and inform them of the extent of their duty.

Hire an Estate Litigation Lawyer

Barry Law Group brings 70 years of combined legal experience and decades of dedicated service right here in beautiful Van Nuys. Our team takes great pride in delivering a combination of emotional sensitivity and legal guidance that is essential in estate litigation.

Thanks to our focused efforts on managing fair estate plans, we’ve received many positive reviews. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you manage an estate plan, reach out to us for a free consultation.