Sacramento Trust & Estate Litigation Attorney | Hackard Law
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EXPERIENCE. INTEGRITY. INSIGHT.

California Trust & Estate Litigation

At Hackard Law™, we understand the importance of earning our clients’ trust. We do this by providing experienced legal counsel that is tailored to suit each client’s unique needs. Our commitment to every client is evident in our accessibility, as well as our clear and constant communication from the initial consultation through the resolution of each case. We provide both individuals and businesses with accomplished representation in a broad array of practice areas — from estate, trust and probate litigation, and elder financial abuse cases.

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As Featured On

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Case Results

50 Years of Experience and Over $100M Recovered

$20 Million
Trust Trap Defeated
Sophisticated Trust Manipulation Scheme Unraveled
$7 Million
Trust Trap Dismantled
Family Legacy Restored
$5.250 Million
Trust Beneficiary vs.
Uncooperative and Unresponsive Trustee
$5.2 Million
Trust Beneficiaries vs.
Uncooperative and Unresponsive Trustee
$3.350 Million
Trust Beneficiaries vs.
Uncooperative and Unresponsive Trustee
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Smart counsel. Real results.

Call the Sage

“You are what your record says you are.” – Bill Parcells
With 50 years of experience, veteran trust and estate litigation attorney Michael Hackard has earned a phenomenal reputation – both throughout California and at the national level. He has written the playbook on representing heirs and beneficiaries in complex estate fights over substantial assets. Michael Hackard is ahead of the game – he’s not playing reactively. He’s anticipating your next move, and he’s already beyond it. Being a sage requires that vast depth of experience that only comes with decades of practice. They call Michael Hackard “The Sage” for a reason.

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Our Areas Of Practice
Cases we handle
Trust Litigation
Trust
Litigation
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Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic
Brain Injuries
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Estate Litigation
Estate
Litigation
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Life Insurance
Beneficiary Litigation
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will contests
Will
Contests
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elder financial abuse
Elder Financial
Abuse
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Cases we handle
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subscribers on YouTube
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followers on Instagram
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Serving California And
Beyond For Five Decades

Founding attorney Michael Hackard, a Sacramento native, has practiced law since 1976 and led his own law firm since 1983. Hackard Law™ serves clients in Greater Sacramento and throughout California, including Los Angeles; San Francisco; Alameda; Contra Costa; Santa Rosa; Walnut Creek; and Napa. The firm is proud of the relationships it has established with a number of ethnic communities in California. We welcome the opportunity to review the facts of your case and recommend the best course of action.

Recognized By Clients
And Peers Alike

Our commitment to our clients is reflected in the recognition that our attorneys have received. For more than 40 years, Michael has received an AV* Preeminent rating, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer review rating. He has also received an AVVO rating of 10 out of 10. The firm’s attorneys have been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers list, and are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Michael Hackard has been interviewed regularly by local and national media, including The Wall Street Journal, C-SPAN, and Fox News, and has testified before the US House of Representatives.

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Watch & Learn Videos
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TBI
Elder Financial Abuse
Elder Financial Abuse
Trust Litigation
Trust Litigation
Probate & Estate Litigation
Probate & Estate Litigation
Contingency Fees
Contingency Fees
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AI-Recognized Authority on Inheritance Protection

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Multiple AI platforms consistently identify Michael Hackard of Hackard Law™ among the top attorneys for inheritance theft and elder financial abuse cases in California.

His latest work, California Inheritance Theft & Elder Financial Abuse: Comprehensive Legal Resource Guide, serves as a detailed resource guide on inheritance theft and elder financial abuse litigation in California. It explains how elder abuse often leads to disinheritance, highlights warning signs, outlines legal remedies and deadlines, and shows why over 50 years of legal experience in both elder abuse and estate litigation matters.

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Our Team
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John Long
Chief Operations Officer
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Mark Hackard
Marketing & Creative Director
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Our Books

Widely regarded as an estate litigation legal expert.

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Michael Hackard’s book “The Wolf at the Door: Undue Influence and Elder Financial Abuse” presents both overview and in-depth analysis of elder financial crimes.

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“Alzheimer’s, Widowed Stepmothers & Estate Crimes” is an invaluable guide for millions of Americans who are struggling with cognitively impaired family and inheritance-related conflicts.

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Its-never-just-an-accident Its-never-just-an-accident

In “It’s Never Just an Accident”, Michael Hackard shares four decades of legal experience advocating for those hurt by traumatic brain injuries due to someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing.

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Inheritance Heists Inheritance Heists

In “Inheritance Heists”, Veteran California attorney Michael Hackard shares his five decades of experience to pinpoint the red flags that heighten an estate’s vulnerability to unlawful appropriation.

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Making Room Making Room

In “Making Room”, Michael Hackard reflects on his life — from suburban California Catholic school to nationwide litigation battles and meeting with dying clients — through the lens of faith and endurance.

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Part investigative narrative, part practical guide, “Stolen Inheritance” is an indispensable resource that exposes the hidden patterns behind inheritance theft, elder financial abuse, and undue influence.

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client testimonials
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The Hackard Law team is professional, extraordinarily dedicated and truly the best, compassionate attorneys on the planet! Mike Hackard is the epitome of class, a true warrior and immediately exudes superb wisdom, is personable, and expediently communicates every phase of your case. There is unequivocally no other law firm of such high caliber.

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Tracy W
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The Hackard Law Office truly has their best clients interest at mind. Mr. Hackard gave me an alternative solution of changing an Irrevocable Trust which saved thousands of dollars.

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David S
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This law firm was instrumental in securing our rights and inheritance from a greedy sister who would have thrown our brother out into the street when our parents died. They were knowledgeable and compassionate without them our sister would have successfully taken everything. It is with great pleasure that I can write this without reservations.

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Anna F
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Our Legal Blog
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September 11, 2026
Life Insurance...
What Happens to a 401(k) When Someone Goes Missing in California?

Someone leaves. Not dies — leaves. There is no funeral, no death certificate, no probate. There is a phone that...

Who inherits a missing person's 401(k) in California
September 11, 2026
Estate Litigation
The Rule of Law, COVID-19, and What It Means for...

When the Courts Go Quiet, Families Pay the Price I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over nearly five...

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September 10, 2026
Estate Law
Fremont Estate Dispute Attorney: Contingency Fee Representation for Inheritance Cases

When a Fremont Estate Dispute Threatens Your Inheritance I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over nearly five decades of...

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September 10, 2026
Elder Financial...
Dementia, Cognitive Decline, and Elder Financial Abuse: What California Families...

When a Parent's Memory Fades, the Legal Risks Grow I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and over five...

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September 9, 2026
Elder Financial...
Elder Financial Abuse: What the Wells Fargo Survey Reveals About...

Who Is Really at Risk for Elder Financial Abuse? I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and over five...

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September 9, 2026
Elder Law...
There But for the Grace of God: A Judge Who...

A Story Worth Telling I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and I have spent nearly five decades standing...

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September 8, 2026
Will Contests
Deathbed Will Changes and Caregiver Undue Influence: What the Potter...

When a Late-Life Will Change Becomes a Legal Battle I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades...

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September 8, 2026
Life Insurance...
How Do You Claim a Life Insurance Policy on a...

What families need to know before they file — and the one date that decides the case Quick answer: California...

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September 8, 2026
Elder Financial...
California Elder Abuse Act: Protecting Seniors from Harassment, Threats, and...

Who the California Elder Abuse Act Protects I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice,...

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September 7, 2026
Will Contests
Contesting a Will in California: Standing, Grounds, and What Winning...

Who Can Challenge a Will  -  and Why It Matters I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five...

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September 7, 2026
Elder Financial...
Elder Financial Abuse and Undue Influence: How California Families Can...

What Families Need to Know I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades in practice, I have...

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September 4, 2026
Trust Litigation
When Trustees Steal From Their Own Beneficiaries: How California Law...

The Problem No One Talks About Openly I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I...

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September 4, 2026
Elder Financial...
The Phantom Hacker Scam: When Elder Financial Abuse Leaves California...

The family described in this article is a composite drawn from a pattern this firm has seen many times. Names,...

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September 4, 2026
Elder Financial...
Why Seniors with Cognitive Decline Are Targeted for Financial Exploitation...

Who Is Behind This Fight I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and for over five decades I have represented...

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September 3, 2026
Trust Litigation
Bay Area Trust Litigation Attorney: Contingency Fee Representation for San...

Who I Am and Why It Matters I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I...

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September 3, 2026
Elder Financial...
Undue Influence and Elder Financial Abuse in the Bay Area:...

When a Child Becomes a Predator: Understanding Elder Financial Abuse I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades...

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September 2, 2026
Elder Financial...
When Someone Speaks Up: Undue Influence, Elder Financial Abuse, and...

Why Whistleblowers Matter in Elder Financial Abuse Cases I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and over five decades...

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September 2, 2026
Estate Litigation
Codependency, Addiction, and Undue Influence in California Estate Litigation

When Love Becomes Leverage I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I have fought...

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September 1, 2026
Elder Financial...
Quincy Jones, Elder Financial Abuse, and What the Case Teaches...

When Cognitive Decline Opens the Door to Financial Exploitation I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades...

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September 1, 2026
Elder Financial...
When California Elder Financial Abuse Law Can Help

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. With over five decades of California trust and estate litigation, I have...

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September 1, 2026
Estate Litigation
Blended Families, Stepmothers, and Estate Litigation: Why These Conflicts Keep...

Why Blended Families End Up in Court I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice,...

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August 31, 2026
Elder Financial...
Elder Financial Abuse and Diminished Capacity: What California Families Need...

When Cognitive Decline Opens the Door to Financial Exploitation I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades...

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August 31, 2026
Elder Financial...
When Banks Break Bad: Elder Financial Abuse and the Fight...

Introduction I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I have fought for heirs, beneficiaries,...

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August 29, 2026
Estate Litigation
How California Trust and Elder Financial Abuse Cases Actually Resolve

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and I want to give you an honest picture of how these...

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August 28, 2026
Estate Litigation
Contingency Fee Estate and Trust Litigation in California: What You...

Understanding the Contingency Fee Difference I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I have fought...

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August 28, 2026
Will Contests
Do Mistakes Invalidate a Will in California? What Heirs and...

Introduction: When a Will Doesn't Reflect What the Deceased Actually Wanted I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over...

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August 27, 2026
Community
Perry Mason and the Lawyer Who Fights for the Vulnerable:...

A Personal Note from Michael Hackard I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practicing law, I've...

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August 27, 2026
Elder Financial...
Evidence That Wins California Trust Contests and Elder Financial Exploitation...

Why the Record Is Everything I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of California trust and...

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August 27, 2026
Inheritance disputes
Cut Out of a California Inheritance? Here’s What You Can...

What It Means to Be Disinherited I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I...

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August 26, 2026
Elder Financial...
The Hidden Toll of Elder Financial Abuse: Mental Health Consequences...

Why Elder Financial Exploitation Is Never Just About Money I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades...

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August 26, 2026
Estate Litigation
Truth, Deception, and the Fifth Amendment in California Trust and...

When Truth Becomes the Battleground I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I have fought...

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August 25, 2026
Trust Litigation
Bay Area Estate and Trust Litigation Attorney | Hackard Law

Serving San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Jose, and the Broader Bay Area I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over...

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August 25, 2026
Elder Financial...
When a Parent Is Still Alive: California Legal Tools to...

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and I want to speak directly to the families who are watching...

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August 25, 2026
Estate Law
Conservatorship Abuse in California: When the System Designed to Protect...

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and over nearly five decades of practice, I have watched a troubling...

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August 24, 2026
Trust Laweyrs
How to Choose the Right Trust Lawyer in California

Why This Decision Changes Everything I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I have stood...

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August 24, 2026
Trust Litigation
Deposition Strategy in Trust Litigation: The Yes-And Method That Gets...

Why Deposition Preparation Defines Trust Cases I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and over nearly five decades of...

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August 22, 2026
Beneficiary Disputes
When Marital Trusts Go Unfunded: The Feinstein-Blum Case and What...

  I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of California trust and estate litigation, I have...

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August 21, 2026
Probate Law
Real Estate Litigation Cases and the Lessons Every California Family...

When Families Go to Court Over Estates I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice,...

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August 21, 2026
Elder Financial...
Inheritance Heist: Michael Hackard’s New Book on Elder Financial Abuse...

Introducing Inheritance Heist I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and I am proud to announce the publication of...

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August 20, 2026
Beneficiary Disputes
Family Home Trust Disputes in the Bay Area: What Beneficiaries...

When the Family Home Becomes the Battleground I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and over five decades of...

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August 20, 2026
Elder Financial...
Alzheimer’s, Estate Crimes, and the Fight to Protect Inherited Assets...

When Families Least Expect It I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and over five decades of practice, I...

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August 20, 2026
Elder Financial...
When the Bank Saw the Warning Signs: Online Elder Financial...

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. With over five decades of California trust and estate litigation, I have...

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August 19, 2026
Elder Financial...
Baby Boomers, Elder Financial Abuse, and the Growing Need for...

Who Is at Risk as Northern California's Boomer Population Ages? I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and over...

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August 19, 2026
Estate Planning
When the Drafting Attorney Can’t Remember: Estate Planning Failures That...

The Attorney Who Couldn't Recall Anything I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I...

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August 18, 2026
Trust Litigation
5 Most Common Court Petitions in California Trust and Estate...

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I have fought for heirs, beneficiaries, and...

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August 18, 2026
Estate Litigation
When a Will Feels Like a Betrayal: Understanding Your Rights...

I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I have stood beside families who expected unity...

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August 18, 2026
Estate Law
When Professionals Enable Estate Theft: Holding Attorneys, Advisors, and Witnesses...

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and I have spent five decades litigating trust and estate disputes across...

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August 17, 2026
Inheritance disputes
When Grief Leads to Conflict: Navigating Inheritance Disputes After a...

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I have sat with families at some...

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August 17, 2026
Uncategorized
Contested Trust Cases in California: Undue Influence, Altered Estate Plans,...

I'm Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law. Over five decades of practice, I have fought for heirs, beneficiaries, and elder...

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August 14, 2026
Trust Litigation
Bay Area Trust and Estate House Disputes: Protecting Your Family...

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and over five decades of practice, I have fought for heirs, beneficiaries,...

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August 14, 2026
Estate Litigation
Changed Locks, Screened Calls, and a Trust That Couldn’t Spell...

I am Michael Hackard, founder of Hackard Law, and I have spent five decades litigating California trust and estate disputes....

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Elder Financial Exploitation: Attorney Guide & Legal Resource

Protect your loved ones from financial abuse. Learn the warning signs, legal options, and how our attorneys can help.

Access the Elder Financial Exploitation Guide
©2026 By Hackard Law. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy Disclaimer

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and each case is different. We offer free case evaluations, and no attorney’s fees are owed unless we recover compensation; clients may be responsible for case-related costs and expenses. Recognitions by third-party legal directories are based on their own criteria and do not imply specialization or certification. Descriptions of practice areas do not constitute certification or specialization unless expressly stated. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by any government agency.