Disputes over a loved one’s estate are often painful. You may believe the will or trust does not reflect your relative’s true wishes. Sometimes the document is changed under suspicious circumstances, or a trustee fails to honor their fiduciary duties. These conflicts create tension within families and may threaten to diminish what should have been your rightful inheritance.
A Santa Clara County will & trust contest lawyer could assist in these situations. Our estate litigation attorneys at Hackard Law have represented beneficiaries and heirs in disputes involving contested wills, suspicious trusts, and breaches of fiduciary duty. We recognize the stress that these cases can cause, and we are committed to protecting your interests in contested trusts and wills. To help you pursue justice without upfront legal fees, we handle estate and trust litigation on a contingency fee basis.
State law permits challenges to wills and trusts under specific conditions. Common grounds include lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. A contest may also arise if there are multiple versions of a document or if changes appear shortly before a person’s death.
These disputes are not just legal matters; they are deeply personal. Contesting a will or trust involves questioning whether your loved one’s final wishes were respected. Having a Santa Clara County will and trust attorney review the evidence, interview witnesses, and present your case in probate court could help you pursue a fair outcome.
Even when a trust is valid, disputes often arise due to trustee misconduct. Trustees owe fiduciary duties of loyalty, care, and impartiality. If they prioritize their own interests, mismanage assets, or fail to account properly, beneficiaries have the right to seek their removal or recover losses caused by their actions.
Our will and trust contest attorneys in Santa Clara regularly pursue claims involving:
We understand how actions by trustees or others can impact families, and we seek appropriate remedies when wrongdoing occurs.
Our attorneys represent beneficiaries and heirs in Santa Clara County will and trust disputes. We could review the will or trust, related medical and financial records, and communications to identify valid grounds for a challenge and build a thorough record for the court.
An attorney could prepare and file petitions in probate court, request accountings, seek protective orders to safeguard assets when needed, and handle discovery and hearings. A probate attorney may also participate in negotiations or prepare the case for trial.
From the first call through resolution, we keep you informed, meet important deadlines, and work toward outcomes that respect your loved one’s intent and help protect your inheritance.
State law places strict limits on when you may contest a will or trust. Wills and trust disputes have specific deadlines, and delays may limit your ability to take action. Because these timelines are short, it is important to pursue your case quickly to preserve your rights.
Estate conflicts are stressful, but you do not have to endure them alone. A Santa Clara County will & trust contest lawyer at Hackard Law could help you take timely steps, address misconduct, and protect your inheritance. If you suspect wrongdoing in the administration of a will or trust, consider seeking legal guidance.
Contact us now to discuss your situation. Our team is available to listen and review the details of the will or trust in question.
(916) 775-8542