Trusts and Estates Litigation

Trusts and Estates Litigation

Health and mental care professionals caution that the passing of a loved one is among the most traumatic events any of us will face.  Unfortunately, this trauma is often exacerbated by inter-family disputes over personal belongings, real estate, securities and other assets.  Legal issues can take many forms:  who inherits which assets; how to account for, value and inventory those assets; contesting the validity or meaning of a will; a surviving spouse’s special rights in relation to other heirs; whether executors are properly managing estates; and even who is and who is not a family member entitled to inherit.  Unsurprisingly, beyond the legal questions, trusts and estate disputes have the potential to pit surviving family members against each other.  Our attorneys understand both the legal realities and the human emotions.  We are ready to assist spouses, heirs, executors and other fiduciaries navigate through turbulent waters.  Our attorneys focus on attempting to avoid lawsuits by mediating and negotiating but, failing that, are equipped and experienced in zealously prosecuting on behalf of, and defending, our clients in the specialized Surrogate’s Court dedicated to trusts and estate disputes.