Salt Lake City Trust and Estate Litigation Attorneys
In an ideal world, estate planning allows trustees and personal representatives (executors) to carry out the desires of the decedent, including transfers of cash, real estate, and investments, as well as business succession plans. Many people include charitable intentions when they draft wills and trusts, and pass on specific assets to spouses, children, and other family members.
However, in reality, disputes often arise when trustees, personal representatives, beneficiaries, and heirs are at odds over the disposition of an estate. It is not uncommon for this type of situation to develop when the second parent dies and disagreements between children arise over the money and property left behind. One party may allege that another had undue influence over the decedent or claim that a trustee or personal representative is abusing power or favoring another beneficiary.
In our experience, trust and estate disputes often result from poor planning on the part of the decedent. Perhaps a successful entrepreneur did not provide clear business succession instructions or failed to take into account the tax ramifications of a will or trust document. On the other hand, a personal representative or trustee may be guilty of a breach of fiduciary duty even when the decedent's intent was clearly expressed.
Our law firm understands that regardless of who "wins" in trust and estate litigation, the family as a whole loses if legal fees consume a large percentage of the estate in question. For this reason, we encourage efficient and timely resolutions to trust and estate disputes. We are proudest of the outcome when expenses are kept to a minimum and a trust or estate dispute is resolved fairly.
In addition to administering estates through probate and adeptly handling trust and estate disputes and litigation, our attorneys can help clients establish conservatorships and guardianships.
To initiate or respond to a will contest or any type of trust or estate litigation, contact an attorney at the law offices of Richards Brandt Miller Nelson in Salt Lake City. We also have experience in the litigation of a wide range of disputes that involve the same kinds of assets involved in the settling of an estate, including business litigation, divorce,and real estate matters.
Contact an Estate Litigation Law Firm to Schedule a Consultation
Executors (personal representatives) and beneficiaries who face trust or estate litigation are encouraged to call or e-mail Richards Brandt Miller Nelson to arrange for a consultation with one of our lawyers. We represent parties to will contests throughout the State of Utah.
