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Pasadena Trust Litigation Attorneys

Our Pasadena trust litigation lawyers are widely respected both in the legal community and by the people we serve. With years of experience handling complex trust and estate disputes, we have built a reputation for delivering exceptional results throughout the San Gabriel Valley and its neighboring communities. Whether you’re a trustee, heir, beneficiary, spouse, creditor, guardian, or conservator, we bring the knowledge and dedication necessary to navigate your unique situation with confidence. Our goal is not only to help you achieve a favorable outcome in your trust litigation case, but also to expedite the process so you can move forward with your life. When you work with us, you gain a committed legal partner focused on delivering the best possible results in Pasadena and beyond. 

What is Trust Litigation?

Our Pasadena Trust Litigation Team is known for delivering thoughtful, effective representation in some of the most complex and emotionally charged trust and estate disputes. While we are dedicated to achieving favorable outcomes in the courtroom, we are equally committed to providing compassionate support to our clients and the greater Pasadena community. Whether resolving family conflicts, addressing trustee misconduct, or navigating a contested estate, we handle every case with the utmost professionalism, care, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Our Pasadena Trust Litigators

Trust litigation involves legal disputes concerning the creation, interpretation, or administration of a trust. In Pasadena, trust disputes often emerge in cases involving family-owned assets, blended families, or late-stage changes to estate plans. Common issues in these cases include allegations of trustee misconduct, challenges to the validity of a trust, and efforts to remove or replace a trustee. Trust litigation in Pasadena is particularly sensitive, as it often involves complex family dynamics and substantial financial interests. Understanding your legal rights and the local court system is crucial for navigating these disputes effectively. Whether you are working to resolve a conflict or prevent one, trust litigation is key to safeguarding the intentions of the estate and protecting the rights of beneficiaries.

Our Pasadena Office

With attorneys conveniently placed throughout California, RMO Lawyers offers easy access to our Pasadena-based team through our nearby office and various contact methods.

Attorney Spotlight

Mathew Wrenshall

Mathew on Practicing Trust Litigation in Pasadena

“Pasadena has a rich history and a tight-knit community feel, which makes practicing trust litigation here especially meaningful. I enjoy working with families who have deep roots in the area, as well as those who are newer to building their legacies. Whether the estate spans generations or was built more recently, I’m honored to help clients protect what matters most and guide them through difficult family dynamics with clarity and care.”

Common Trust Disputes in Pasadena

The support of an experienced attorney is paramount in navigating the complexities of trust litigation cases. The following are some of the most notable case types handled by our Pasadena trust litigation attorneys.

Trust Litigation

Trust litigation often stems from trustee misconduct, conflicting interpretations of the trust document, and concerns about undue influence or invalidity. The team of legal professionals at our Pasadena trust litigation law firm is here to protect your rights and help people secure their rightful inheritance.

Contested Trust Administration

Oftentimes, conflicts over the interpretation of trust terms can quickly complicate the administration process. With our deep experience in trust law, RMO Lawyers can help resolve these disputes in a manner that faithfully reflects the trustor’s true intentions.

Trust Accounting Disputes

Trust accounting must be both detailed and transparent to prevent errors relating to asset distribution and avoid conflicts between trustees and beneficiaries. Our Pasadena-based legal team can assist you by carefully reviewing financial statements, resolving trust-related issues, and helping deliver accurate reports that beneficiaries can rely on.

Trust Petitions

To allow the court to rule on specific aspects of a trust, parties often start by filing a trust petition. This legal tool becomes especially vital in situations involving contested trust terms or allegations of misconduct by a trustee.

Our team of trust litigation attorneys in Pasadena can guide clients through various matters related to trust petitions, whether they are initiating legal action or defending their position. Frequently used trust petitions include Petitions for Instructions, which clarify how a trust should be administered, and Petitions to Approve Acts, which authorize a trustee’s actions before they are taken.

Trust Amendment & Distribution Disputes

Trust amendment and distribution disputes often arise from contested changes to a trust document or differing views on how assets should be allocated. Our seasoned Pasadena trust litigation attorneys are well-equipped to support clients by addressing these issues head-on, providing clear legal guidance, and pursuing equitable outcomes in trust administration.

Trustee Removal, Suspension, Resignation

Disputes in trust proceedings can escalate and result in the suspension or complete removal of a trustee. Whether you’re pursuing or defending such a claim, RMO Lawyers can work closely with you and help you ensure the trust is administered according to the decedent’s expressed wishes.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Trustees carry an important fiduciary responsibility to manage and distribute trust assets in accordance with the trust’s terms and the decedent’s final wishes. However, when a trustee breaches this duty by failing to distribute income properly, keeping beneficiaries in the dark, or making negligent financial decisions, they can cause harm and substantial losses to the beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries have the right to seek legal action in these situations. An RMO breach of fiduciary duty attorney in Pasadena can help you assert those rights, pursue financial restitution, and fight for proper trust administration.

Trust Dementia, Incapacity & Undue Influence Claims

Concerns about mental fitness due to conditions like dementia or coercive behavior can generate doubt regarding the validity of a trust document, potentially causing serious disputes during trust administration. The Pasadena trust litigation team at RMO Lawyers understands the complexities of these cases and is well-versed in pursuing or defending claims of mental incapacity or undue influence.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trust Litigation in Pasadena

The length of a trust dispute can fluctuate for each situation, but it usually lasts anywhere from a few months to several years. It will depend on the complexity of your case. We can discuss typical timelines in Pasadena during your consultation.

Legal fees for trust litigation vary. For transparency and convenience, our team offers an initial consultation to go over estimated costs and discuss the best approach for your unique case.

Yes, through mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), our attorneys in Pasadena can help clients resolve trust disputes more quickly and cost-effectively than going to trial. RMO can help you explore ADR options that fit your specific situation, making it easier to come to a mutually agreeable resolution that still protects your interests.

No, Clients can schedule a free consultation to go over their trust litigation case with RMO Lawyers. To get started, complete the form at the bottom of this page or give us a call. After requesting a consultation, a member of the RMO Client Relations team will contact you to gather more information about your case and schedule a complimentary consultation at your convenience.

Why Hire a Trust Litigation Lawyer in Pasadena

Trust disputes in Pasadena can involve various legal and emotional complexities, making it crucial to select a lawyer who understands the local legal landscape. Our Pasadena-based attorneys have extensive experience in trust litigation and a thorough understanding of California probate codes, ensuring we provide strong, informed representation.

Pasadena Community Involvement

RMO Lawyers is committed to serving our community. We are affiliated with the Pasadena Bar Association (PBA), which supports a myriad of legal professionals in Pasadena through various programs and services aimed at educating and guiding local attorneys.

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Client Testimonials

Check out the positive experiences of other clients who have worked with our Pasadena trust litigation attorneys.

Trusted Trust Litigation Lawyers in Pasadena

“As a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, I often need to refer clients to litigation counsel for contentious matters. RMO Lawyers is one of the first names I give—especially for clients in the Pasadena area. Partners Scott E. Rahn and Mathew M. Wrenshall are exceptional attorneys who consistently deliver top-tier representation. Based on my experience, I highly recommend RMO Lawyers.”

— Ramon L.

Personal, Responsive Representation

“RMO treats you like family. Working with them on a trust dispute in Pasadena didn’t feel like dealing with a typical lawyer—it felt like talking to a trusted friend. He was approachable, responsive, and had real answers to the problems at hand. No case is too big or too small for Scott, and the level of care he brings is unmatched. Highly recommended. A+ experience all around.”

— Dale C.

Compassionate Support During a Difficult Time

“After my mom died unexpectedly, there was unfinished work related to her trust. I was referred to RMO by a lawyer acquaintance, and I’m so thankful. From the very first phone call, I felt heard.”

— Teresa D.

Pasadena Trust Litigation Case Wins

Throughout Pasadena, our trust litigation attorneys are committed to defending clients in diverse trust matters. Regardless of their role, we work diligently to protect our clients’ interests and honor their legacies.

Co-trustee Removed for Breach of Duty
Our attorneys facilitated the removal of a co-trustee daughter whose detrimental thieving actions left her mother unable to meet financial obligations. The judgment recovered the lost assets and covered associated legal costs.​
Contested Last-Minute Trust Change
Our team quickly assembled evidence to contest a trust amendment made under questionable circumstances, thereby ensuring the rightful beneficiary received their intended inheritance.​
Protected Family Business Interests
We represented the successor trustee and helped reclaim a portion of the family business from a resistant beneficiary, ultimately allowing the business's management to remain within the family.​

Who We Represent in Pasadena Trust Litigation Cases

Trust litigation cases often involve multiple stakeholders and complex legal challenges. Our Pasadena trust litigation attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to diverse clientele. If you fall into any of the following categories, we can walk you through your legal rights and guide you toward an appropriate resolution.

Trustees

Our trust litigation attorneys in Pasadena can provide trustees with invaluable guidance to help them fulfill their fiduciary duties. We can assist by helping interpret trust documents, offering legal counsel for administration, and facilitating strategic decision-making. If breach of duty allegations arise, RMO Lawyers can defend trustees and help safeguard the trust’s primary objectives.​

Beneficiaries & Heirs

Unfortunately, beneficiaries and heirs may face challenges concerning trust distributions or inheritance rights, but our Pasadena trust litigation law firm is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting the interests of beneficiaries and heirs, providing legal representation throughout disputes, contesting improper amendments, and demanding a fair distribution of assets.

Spouses

Spouses have specific rights related to probate and trust litigation matters. Our Pasadena trust litigation team can help spouses understand their rights and navigate disputes with the goal of reclaiming the assets they are rightfully owed. We can provide a broad level of support, including counsel for spousal claims and litigation representation.

Creditors

Creditors located in California must follow specific procedures to recover debts. If you feel that your debts have not been properly resolved, our Pasadena trust litigation attorneys can guide creditors through the necessary legal process, ensuring the proper filing of claims and advocating for the recovery of any outstanding debts.

Pasadena Probate Courts

The Pasadena Probate Court, part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court system, oversees legal matters related to the administration of estates and the protection of vulnerable individuals. In general, this court handles legal processes related to the probate of wills, determines legal heirs of a person who 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 Los Angeles – Pasadena Courthouse is located at:

Why Hire RMO Lawyers

RMO Lawyers in Pasadena is an excellent choice for anyone facing trust litigation challenges and in need of trusted legal counsel. Our attorneys combine their years of legal experience with a commitment to empathetic and ethical practice to ensure that our clients feel sufficiently supported throughout their whole legal journey.​

Our entire team is guided by our three core values:

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

These values mean that we center our clients throughout the entire process. By focusing on our clients’ goals and understanding the nuances of their cases, we can develop legal strategies designed to achieve favorable outcomes and provide lasting peace of mind.​

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