Los Angeles Probate Litigation Attorney

Defending Your Interests During Complex Probate Litigation Matters

After someone dies, all of their belongings will go through the process known as “probate,” unless specific assets have been included in a privately-owned trust.

Unfortunately, because the probate process is public, you may encounter many legal challenges to the last wishes of the deceased (also known as the decedent) – and your rights as a beneficiary, executor, or trustee may be at stake as a result. This is referred to as probate litigation.

Reach out to our Los Angeles probation litigation attorney for a free phone consultation by calling (310) 526-3433, or contact us online now.

Whether you’re the beneficiary of a will or the administrator of a trust, it can be daunting to face a challenge during probate. Let our experienced Los Angeles probation litigation lawyer at the Law Office of Mitchell A. Port help you craft a winning strategy and provide the skilled representation that you need.

By standing up against claims and petitions that could impact your family, we’ll aim to preserve your loved one’s legacy and defend your own interests, too.

Understanding the Probate Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the probate process can be daunting, especially during emotionally challenging times. At the Law Office of Mitchell A. Port, we believe that knowledge is power. That's why we've put together a comprehensive guide to help you understand what to expect during probate litigation.

Here’s a brief overview of the typical steps involved in the probate process:

1. Filing the Will: The process begins with filing the deceased's will with the probate court to validate its authenticity.
2. Appointment of Executor: The court appoints an executor or personal representative to manage the estate according to the will's instructions.
3. Inventory of Assets: The executor must compile a detailed inventory of the deceased’s assets, including property, bank accounts, and personal belongings.
4. Paying Debts and Taxes: Before distributing any assets, the executor must settle outstanding debts and taxes owed by the estate.
5. Distribution of Assets: Once all debts are settled, the remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries as outlined in the will.

Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side can make a significant difference in ensuring that each of these steps is handled efficiently and effectively. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized support throughout the probate process, helping you understand your rights and options every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your probate litigation needs.

What Are the Most Common Probate Disputes?

Whenever there’s a legal conflict about the administration or the distribution of a decedent’s assets, this can be categorized as probate litigation. Depending on how the initial will and trust documents were written, there could be legal ambiguities in the decedent’s estate plan.

In other cases, it could simply be a matter of contesting beneficiaries and family members who have a history of conflict. Whatever the reason for bringing probate litigation, it can be a costly and frustrating process without the right legal counsel.

Our Los Angeles probation litigation attorney would be happy to represent you in the following California probate litigation matters:

• Claims for distribution by a potential beneficiary
• Challenges to estates, including wills and trusts
• Breach of fiduciary duty by a trustee
• Contested fees for lawyers, accountants, and other estate agents
• Disputed inheritances or properties
• Third-party claims about delinquent assets or debts