Will & Trust Dispute Attorney in Irvine, CA
Disagreements over a will or trust are common, and they are often hardest when a family is already grieving. Attorney Romelia “DeDe” Soto works with clients personally to resolve estate disputes efficiently, protecting your rights in the Orange County Superior Court while trying to keep the damage to family relationships as small as possible.
Learn more about our will and trust dispute services.
Disputes We Handle for Irvine Families
- Will contests based on undue influence, lack of capacity, fraud or improper signing
- Trust contests, including challenges to amendments made late in life
- Executors or trustees who don’t communicate, don’t account or put their own interests first
- Disputes with family members from a prior marriage
- Claims of financial abuse of an elderly or dependent adult
- Disagreements over what a will or trust actually means
Deadlines Matter
Estate disputes have short deadlines. A will contest after the will is admitted to probate generally must be filed within 120 days. A trust contest generally must be filed within 120 days after the trustee serves the notice required by California Probate Code Section 16061.7. If you think something is wrong, talk to an attorney early, before a deadline passes.
No-Contest Clauses
Many wills and trusts include a no-contest clause that can take away an inheritance from someone who challenges the document. California enforces these clauses only in limited situations, for example when a direct contest is brought without probable cause. We review the clause and the facts with you before any challenge is filed.
How We Approach Estate Disputes
A drawn-out court battle is rarely in anyone’s best interest. We start by understanding the documents, the facts and what you need from the outcome. Many disputes settle through negotiation or mediation, and we negotiate from a position of strength. When a case can’t be resolved, we are prepared to take it to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Will & Trust Disputes in Irvine
Who can contest a will or trust?
Generally, someone with a financial interest in the outcome, such as a beneficiary under the document or an earlier version, or an heir who would inherit if the document were invalid.
How long do I have to contest a will in California?
Generally 120 days after the will is admitted to probate. Different deadlines can apply before probate begins and to trusts, so it is important to get advice early.
Do estate disputes always go to trial?
No. Most are resolved through negotiation or mediation. Preparing as if the case could go to trial often helps reach a fair settlement sooner.
Why Work With The Soto Law Group
Attorney Romelia “DeDe” Soto has more than 20 years of legal experience and works with you personally on your dispute. Our experience drafting and administering wills and trusts helps us spot where a document or a fiduciary went wrong.
Related Services in Irvine
Will & Trust Disputes in Other Locations
- Will & Trust Disputes in Newport Beach
- Will & Trust Disputes in Costa Mesa
- Will & Trust Disputes in Riverside
- Will & Trust Disputes in San Bernardino
- Will & Trust Disputes in Huntington Beach
- Will & Trust Disputes in Laguna Beach
- Will & Trust Disputes in Santa Ana
- Will & Trust Disputes in Anaheim
- Will & Trust Disputes in Orange County
Directions to Our Office From Irvine
Talk With a Will & Trust Dispute Attorney
Call our Newport Beach office at (949) 945-0059 or contact us online to discuss your situation.