Free Consultation — Click Here
Free Consultation

Call Now: 424-320-9444

Orange County Trust Litigation Attorneys

With decades of firsthand experience in trusts, our Orange County trust litigation lawyers are widely considered some of the best attorneys in Southern California. Our top-of-the-line legal team can help trustees, heirs, beneficiaries, spouses, creditors, guardians, and conservators strategize for the best possible outcome in their trust litigation case so they can transition into the next chapter of their lives.

What is Trust Litigation?

Trust litigation refers to legal actions involving disagreements over how a trust is created, interpreted, or administered. In Orange County, trust disputes frequently arise among beneficiaries and trustees in situations involving family-owned businesses, blended families, or changes made to estate plans late in life. These cases may include claims of trustee misconduct, challenges to a trust’s validity, or efforts to remove or replace a trustee. Because trust litigation in Orange County often intersects with both emotional family dynamics and significant financial interests, having a clear understanding of your legal position and local court processes is essential. Whether seeking to resolve a conflict or prevent one, trust litigation plays a central role in protecting estate intentions and beneficiary rights.

Our Orange County Trust Litigators

Our Orange County Trust Litigation Team is known for providing thoughtful, effective guidance in even the most complex and emotionally charged trust and estate disputes. While we work hard to achieve favorable results in court, we’re equally committed to supporting our clients and the Orange County community with care, clarity, and professionalism. Whether resolving family disagreements, addressing trustee misconduct, or navigating a contested estate, we approach every case with diligence and a strong sense of responsibility.

Our Orange County Office

Thanks to our robust network of attorneys spanning all of California, our Orange County clients can receive the legal care they need by calling us to schedule a consultation and visiting our conveniently located office.

Orange County Trust Litigation Attorney Spotlights

Trust contests can take various forms and arise due to a wide range of potential disputes. At RMO, we help clients navigate each of the following scenarios surrounding a trust contest in California or Texas.

Scott E. Rahn
  • Founding Partner
Scott E. Rahn
  • Founding Partner
The thing that has always stood out for me about Orange County is the sense of family, community, and a sincere desire to do right by your neighbor that is the foundation of life in the OC. Those same sentiments can be found in our local trusts and estates community, where the probate judges and most practitioners are laser focused on trying to help people through whatever dysfunction is disrupting their family and the legacies intended for them. Since first landing in Orange County thirty years ago it has been and remains my privilege to be a part of and serve this community.    
Sean D. Muntz
  • Managing Partner
Sean D. Muntz
  • Managing Partner
As is the case with all our trust and probate litigation matters, the best part of handling these matters in Orange County is our clients.  The pleasure of being able to help and bring a measure of relief is immeasurable.  The cases we handle here also are unique and varied.  Of course, most matters have some connection to real estate as the most valuable asset at issue.  But the cases also often involve diverse business interests with interesting, often unique issues to solve.  The judges in the Orange County courthouse are among the best in the business.  They clearly care about and carefully consider the matters before them.  The legal community as a whole, and especially within the trust and probate field, is similarly capable and professional.
Meghan M. Glaspy
  • Managing Partner – Orange County
Meghan M. Glaspy
  • Managing Partner – Orange County
My favorite part of the OC community is just that – it is a small community in and of itself. This is true of the bench, as well as colleagues- whether we’re working on the same side of the case or not. The trust and estate litigation community is a tiny niche already, but in OC it is even more like a small family where you get to know a lot of the players very quickly and for the most part, keeps things relatively collegial. There is also a new wave of younger attorneys banding together to develop an even closer group. This is true of the bench as well- a new wave of judges has started to transition in. This makes for the opportunity to form relationships across the board which ultimately helps facilitate the best and most efficient outcome for our clients.
Stephanie K. Delaney
  • Managing Attorney – Estate Administration
Stephanie K. Delaney
  • Managing Attorney – Estate Administration
Practicing probate law in Orange County is unique due to a mix of local court rules, procedural nuances and regional demographics. Orange county has significant real estate wealth and a large number of high-net-worth individuals. We frequently deal with complex assets like luxury real estate, family-owned businesses, and large and diverse investment portfolios. This often leads to more contested probate and trust matters, especially when there are multiple beneficiaries or blended families involved, which keeps us on our toes and makes practicing in Orange county, fun.
Phillip J. Szachowicz
  • Attorney
Phillip J. Szachowicz
  • Attorney
Despite the Orange County Probate Courts seemingly being inundated with the sheer number of cases set for hearing every day, the judges do an extraordinary job at still giving time and thoughtful attention to each matter. The judge’s herculean efforts on this front aid us in progressing even complex probate matters through a court system that is extremely backlogged.
Gregory J. Frenkiel
  • Attorney
Gregory J. Frenkiel
  • Attorney
The Orange County legal community is close-knit, but also vibrant and highly influential in SoCal. I love the fact that I get to work in such close proximity to the courthouse which gives me added familiarity with local judges and counsel. I take great satisfaction in helping clients in the nearby area, especially having been born and raised in the OC and attended law school at Chapman University in the historic heart of Orange County. 
Mina L. Brar
  • Attorney
Mina L. Brar
  • Attorney
Helping ensure families’ legacies are preserved for generations to come is so fulfilling. The interplay between clients’ deep devotion to family and booming property market present an interesting challenge which makes trust litigation in Orange County enjoyable for me. 

Common Trust Disputes in Orange County

Trust disputes can take many forms, and the support of an experienced attorney is crucial for taking the proper legal steps to resolve them. Our trust litigation attorneys in Orange County may offer support in any of the following cases.

Trust Litigation

Trust litigation often arises from issues such as conflicting interpretations of a trust, beneficiary disputes, concerns about the trust’s validity or undue influence, and trustee misconduct, including breaches of fiduciary duty. Regardless of the legal concern, our Orange County trust litigation law firm is here to help you resolve conflicts and honor the trustor’s true wishes.

Contested Trust Administration

Administering a trust can become complicated, particularly when disagreements arise over how its terms should be implemented. Our Orange County legal team is well-versed in interpreting trust language and resolving disputes, making us a valuable resource for ensuring a trust’s administration remains true to the grantor’s intentions.

Trust Accounting Disputes

Accurate trust accounting is essential, without a strategic approach that prioritizes transparency, errors can arise that negatively impact inheritance distributions. Our team can provide top-of-the-line legal support by diligently reviewing financial records, identifying inconsistencies, and ensuring that clear and reliable reports are delivered.

Trust Petitions

Filing a trust petition is often the first move when involving the probate court in a trust-related dispute. Filing a petition is a formal way for beneficiaries or other parties to request guidance from the court when disagreements arise over the language of the trust or the trustee’s conduct.

Our highly qualified team of trust litigation attorneys in Orange County can help clients navigate the petition process, whether they are initiating or responding to legal action. Common filings include Petitions for Instructions, which are used to clarify the terms of trusts, and Petitions to Approve Acts, which seek court approval for actions trustees plan to take.

Trust Amendment & Distribution Disputes

Disputes over trust amendments and distributions often occur when beneficiaries question changes to the original trust document or believe assets are being divided improperly. Our Orange County trust litigation attorneys can help clients maneuver through these legal complexities, resolve conflicts, and ensure that distributions align with the trust’s actual intent.

Trustee Removal, Suspension, Resignation

Certain trust disputes warrant immediate action against a trustee, including potential removal, suspension, or resignation. RMO Lawyers has substantial experience representing clients on both sides of these types of matters to uphold each trust’s integrity and honor the trustor’s wishes.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Trustees are legally obligated to administer a trust in accordance with the deceased’s wishes, as clearly outlined in the trust document. Sometimes, failures do occur, ranging from mismanagement of assets to insufficient communication or undue withholding of financial distributions. 

Beneficiaries have the right to take legal action and hire a breach of fiduciary duty attorney in Orange County to protect their interests and pursue what they are rightfully entitled to. RMO Lawyers can help you identify breaches of fiduciary duty, hold trustees accountable for losses they caused, pursue remedies to restore trust integrity, and recover mismanaged or withheld assets.

Trust Dementia, Incapacity & Undue Influence Claims

Many trust administration disputes stem from concerns around the trustor’s mental capacity at the time a trust was created or amended, particularly in cases involving conditions like dementia or potential undue influence. Our Orange County trust litigation team is skilled at navigating emotionally charged trust-related situations and devising effective legal strategies to support or defend against claims involving incapacity and coercion.

Our Awards

best law firms badge
inc 500 fastest growing company logo
rmo-lawdragon-2025
super lawyers logo
avvo logo
chambers partner logo
AV Preeminent Lawyer Ratings
la business journal most admired law firms logo

Frequently Asked Questions About Trust Litigation in Orange County

The length of a trust dispute can differ depending on the intricacies of the case; however, trust litigation typically lasts several months to a few years.

Legal fees for trust litigation tend to vary, but RMO LLP provides a convenient initial consultation to transparently discuss costs and potential strategies for your case that may yield the best results possible.

Yes, our attorneys in Orange County have substantial experience helping people come to mutually agreeable solutions through mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). In many cases, mediation can help resolve trust disputes quickly and cost-effectively, saving parties from having to go to trial. If you are considering mediation as a method for solving your dispute, RMO Lawyers can guide you through this process and help you explore all options for resolving the conflict in a way that best protects your interests.

No, RMO Lawyers offers a free consultation for each client’s trust litigation case. Simply complete the form at the bottom of this page or call us to request a consultation. A member of our top-of-the-line RMO Client Relations team will reach out to gather more information about your case and schedule your free consultation.

Why Hire a Trust Litigation Lawyer in Orange County

When confronting a trust dispute in Orange County, it is best to get support from a lawyer who not only understands the legal complexities involved but is also familiar with the local court procedures. Our skilled trust litigation attorneys in Orange County hold extensive knowledge of California probate laws, allowing us to advocate effectively on your behalf.

Orange County Community Connection

Our attorneys maintain strong, active connections within the Orange County legal and civic community. Our team regularly participates in local initiatives, continuing legal education, and collaborative efforts that support the development of trust and estate practice across the region.

We are proud to support organizations that reflect our values and serve Orange County residents. Our attorneys are involved with the Orangewood Foundation and the Samueli Academy, which provide education and support services to foster youth and underserved students. We also support the mission of OC Animal Allies, through board leadership, which advocates for the compassionate treatment and protection of animals throughout the county.

Orange County Thought Leadership and Media Recognition

Our attorneys are regularly featured in trusted publications that serve Orange County’s professional and legal communities. In the Orange County Business Journal and the Daily Journal, they have shared insights on trust administration, probate proceedings, fiduciary responsibilities, and the evolving landscape of estate planning.

Team members have been recognized for their contributions with several local and regional honors, including:

Speaking Engagements and Community Education

Our attorneys are committed to educating and supporting the Orange County legal community through regular speaking engagements. They have presented for the Orange County Bar Association, the Orange County Estate Planning Council, and in public forums like Business Talk with Meghan McNulty, where they have addressed key topics including estate planning approaches, fiduciary roles, and protecting vulnerable adults from financial harm.

Through service, public education, and local involvement, our team continues to help individuals, families, and professionals throughout Orange County navigate the challenges of estate and trust matters while supporting a stronger, more informed community.

Ready to Get Started? We're Here to Help.

Get trusted guidance and resolution in your trust litigation case – contact our Orange County trust lawyers today for a free consultation.

Free Consultation

Client Testimonials

Check out what our clients think about their experience working with our Orange County trust litigation attorneys.

Efficient and Effective Trust Administration in Orange County

“I had an excellent experience working with Meghan Glaspy, Esq. on a tricky trust administration matter in Orange County, where we each represented beneficiaries of a trust. She is a fantastic attorney and helped our clients resolve the matter efficiently and effectively. I highly recommend Meghan and her team.”

— Bryan J.

Professional and Supportive Legal Guidance

“Working with RMO and Sean specifically was an incredible experience. He was extremely professional, and I knew he had my best interests at all times. In the unfortunate circumstance I was in, he was able to guide me and help bring me peace by resolving a complex and sensitive family dispute in Orange County. Thank you and the team for your support!”

— Mine C.

Honest and Professional Representation

“Absolute pleasure to deal with! I highly recommend Scott and RMO. They are direct, honest, and helpful, and they effectively resolved my family’s dispute in Orange County. Honestly, these days, honesty is harder and harder to come by, and it’s much appreciated!”

— Misty A.

Orange County Trust Litigation Case Wins

At our Orange County trust litigation firm, we have a strong history of representing clients in various roles, helping them protect their interests and preserve their legacies.

Removed a Co-trustee for Misconduct
Our attorneys facilitated the removal of a co-trustee daughter whose detrimental thieving actions left her mother unable to meet financial obligations. We successfully removed a thieving co-trustee daughter whose actions left her mother financially destitute and unable to pay bills. The court's judgment facilitated the recovery of the stolen assets, along with attorney fees and other legal expenses.​The judgment recovered the lost assets and covered associated legal costs.​
Invalidated a Last-Minute Trust Amendment
We swiftly gathered compelling evidence to contest a "deathbed" trust amendment that was intended to disinherit our client. The perpetrator conceded, resulting in our client receiving their rightful seven-figure inheritance as the trustor initially requested.
Preserved a Family Business’s Legacy
While representing the successor family trustee, we secured a stake in the family business from a disgruntled beneficiary on extremely favorable terms, which gave the family control over their family business for generations to come.

Who We Represent in Orange County Trust Litigation Cases

Legal matters, such as probate estate litigation and trust litigation, can involve multiple parties, including trustees, beneficiaries, heirs, executors, spouses, creditors, and conservators. The Orange County trust litigation attorneys at RMO LLP can offer comprehensive support from every angle for the following types of clients, helping them understand their legal rights and work toward appropriate resolutions.

Trustees

Our trust litigation attorneys provide comprehensive guidance to trustees as they navigate their fiduciary responsibilities, and if issues arise in the process. We can offer advice and insight that helps trustees carry out trust duties and minimize the risk of litigation. RMO LLP can also provide legal counsel for trust administration and offer strategic advice for informed decision-making. If disputes or breach of duty claims arise, our team will be prepared to defend trustees and fight to uphold the integrity of the trust.

Beneficiaries & Heirs

Beneficiaries and heirs often face challenges that target their access to trust distributions or inheritance rights. Our Orange County trust litigation law firm is committed to protecting the interests of identified beneficiaries and legal heirs, offering representation in disputes, contesting questionable amendments, and working toward rightful asset distribution so that they can secure access to their rightful inheritance.

Spouses

Spouses are entitled to distinct rights related to probate and trust litigation. Our Orange County trust litigation team can help spouses understand these rights and navigate trust disputes to increase their chances of reclaiming what is rightfully theirs. We provide legal counsel for spousal claims, representation in litigation, and more to ensure that their rights are protected.

Creditors

In California, creditors have to adhere to specific procedures in the probate process to recover debts. Our trust litigation attorneys in Orange County are readily available to support creditors in pursuing rightful claims by guiding them through the appropriate legal avenues that can help them attain what they are owed.

Orange County Probate Courts

The Probate Division of the Orange County Superior Court oversees legal matters related to the administration of estates and the protection of vulnerable individuals. In general, this court handles matters such as the probate of wills, determines the line of succession for legal heirs when a person dies intestate without a will, establishes conservatorships for incapacitated adults and minors, and supervises certain types of mental health conservatorships under California law.

In addition to traditional estate matters, the court also addresses disputes related to trusts, fiduciary responsibilities, and other ancillary issues that may arise during the estate administration process.​ These matters often include estate and trust litigation, claims of fiduciary misconduct, contested conservatorships and guardianships, and other actions involving estate personal representatives.

The Superior Court of California, County of Orange – Probate/Mental Health Unit is located at:

Why Hire RMO Lawyers

RMO Lawyers offers clients in Orange County access to trust litigation attorneys who are deeply experienced in resolving complex trust disputes. Clients rely on us not only for our legal acumen but for our team’s integrity and empathy. We ensure our clients’ goals are strategically pursued in the courtroom while working diligently to protect their best interests.

Our three core values guide every aspect of our practice:

  • Lead with Integrity
  • Precision-Driven Results
  • Stronger Together

We prioritize our clients by taking the time to discuss and thoroughly understand their unique situations, family dynamics, and other specific details of their case. Then, we can develop effective, customized strategies that provide peace of mind and bring results sooner.

As Seen On

Inside_Edition_logo logo
Bloomberg_logo logo
BBC logo
NPR logo
Today_logo logo
newsweek
CNN logo

Free Consultation

A member of the RMO Client Relations team will reach out to gather additional information concerning the parties to your case and schedule your consultation.

    Communication Disclaimer

    Please note that communications by you to RMO LLP or any of its lawyers through this website do not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm. Do not send any privileged or confidential information to the firm through this website or otherwise until instructed in writing from us to do so.