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San Diego Trust Litigation Attorneys

Our San Diego trust litigation lawyers are some of the most well-respected, reliable attorneys in Southern California. Our San Diego clients rely on us to develop dependable legal strategies for trustees, heirs, beneficiaries, spouses, creditors, guardians, and conservators that increase their chances of achieving the best results possible, helping them move on with their lives sooner.

What is Trust Litigation?

Trust litigation refers to legal disputes involving the administration, interpretation, or validity of a trust. These cases often arise when beneficiaries, trustees, or other interested parties disagree over how a trust is being managed, whether the trustee is fulfilling their duties, or if the trust was created under questionable circumstances such as undue influence or lack of capacity. In San Diego, trust litigation is commonly seen in cases involving high-value estates, blended families, or aging trustees and beneficiaries. Whether you’re contesting the terms of a trust, seeking the removal of a trustee, or defending against claims, navigating trust litigation in San Diego requires a clear understanding of both California trust law and local court procedures.

Our San Diego Trust Litigators

Our San Diego Trust Litigation Team is known for delivering thoughtful, strategic representation in some of the region’s most sensitive and complex trust disputes. While we’re committed to achieving strong results in the courtroom, we’re equally dedicated to serving our clients and the greater San Diego community with integrity, clarity, and care. Whether navigating family conflicts, trustee issues, or contested estate matters, we approach every case with professionalism and a deep sense of responsibility.

Our San Diego Office

With an impressive network of attorneys throughout all of California, RMO LLP makes it easy for our San Diego clients to contact us or visit our nearby office.

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San Diego 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
As every San Diegan knows, San Diego is a special place, and our trusts and estates community exemplifies its mixture of collegiality and quiet sophistication. The cases are complex, but the people – clients, counsel, courts, and referral partners alike – tend to be collaborative, respectful, and results-oriented. There’s a shared sense of community and purpose that aligns with our core values at RMO: to protect and guide families through some of the most difficult chapters of their lives with precision and empathy. I’ve found that in San Diego, our work makes a visible difference not just in the outcomes we’re able to provide our clients, but in how our clients experience the process, and that’s incredibly meaningful.
Uzzell S. Branson IV
  • Senior Attorney – San Diego
Uzzell S. Branson IV
  • Senior Attorney – San Diego
Attorneys who practice in San Diego stay in San Diego. They may expand into other counties, but they always stay in San Diego. That’s because not only is the legal community small, but it focuses on streamlining procedures and collaborating on issues that we see on a regular basis. The San Diego bar works very hard to make resources available to non-lawyers such as the PASD Probate Handbook and volunteering information and ideas to colleagues on the local listserve in a way that I haven’t seen in other counties. Locals recognize people who are helpful, and that encourages everybody to be proactive and straightforward. Lawyers who cause unnecessary conflict or work are heavily pressured to be reasonable, and the small size of the community makes that pressure hard to resist. We have most of the resources of a large city, with most of the benefits that come from a close-knit community in a small town. That makes San Diego a wonderful place to work.

Common Trust Disputes in San Diego

The trust dispute examples below are frequently encountered in Southern California and are typically handled by our San Diego trust litigation attorneys.

Trust Litigation

Trust litigation typically involves disputes over the meaning of the trust document, conflicts between multiple beneficiaries, trustee misconduct, or concerns such as undue influence that may invalidate the trust. Our San Diego trust litigation law firm can help you navigate these issues and fight for what you’re owed.

Contested Trust Administration

Trust administration can quickly become complicated, especially when disagreements arise over how to interpret and execute the trust’s provisions. Our team of legal professionals has substantial experience clarifying these terms and guiding the administration process so it honors the wishes of the trustor, the person who created the trust.

Trust Accounting Disputes

When trust accounting isn’t executed with precision and transparency, it can lead to financial discrepancies and mistrust, especially among the trust’s beneficiaries. Our legal team in San Diego can help you stay on track by thoroughly reviewing financial records and ensuring that every transaction is appropriately accounted for in reports.

Trust Petitions

A trust petition is typically how the probate court is first introduced to a trust dispute. When issues arise, such as conflicts over the interpretation of the trust document or trustee decisions, beneficiaries or other interested parties can file petitions to formally request legal guidance.

Our team of experienced legal professionals, including each trust litigation attorney in San Diego, is ready to assist clients throughout this process, from filing a petition to defending their interests. Some common examples of trust petitions include Petitions for Instructions to resolve uncertainties and Petitions to Approve Acts, which involve a trustee seeking judicial approval to proceed with specific actions.

Trust Amendment & Distribution Disputes

Conflicts related to trust amendments and asset distribution can emerge if beneficiaries dispute changes to the trust or have reason to believe assets are not being shared properly. Our team of San Diego trust litigation attorneys helps clients understand their rights, resolve legal disputes, and promote a fair and lawful distribution of trust property.

Trustee Removal, Suspension, Resignation

When serious conflicts involving trustees emerge, legal steps such as suspension, termination, or resignation may be taken. RMO Lawyers has the ability to support beneficiaries or trustees in resolving these disputes, helping them safeguard the trust’s true objectives.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Administering a trust demands a high standard of care—trustees are expected to follow the decedent’s instructions faithfully. When trustees deviate from their duties, whether they are misusing trust assets, delaying distributions, or failing to provide beneficiaries with updates, disputes are likely to arise. 

Beneficiaries should be aware that they have recourse. Every breach of fiduciary duty attorney in San Diego who works for RMO Lawyers has the ability to evaluate potential violations and take swift legal action to correct them. Our team can also help beneficiaries receive their intended inheritance in the most efficient and equitable manner possible.

Trust Dementia, Incapacity & Undue Influence Claims

Trust-related conflicts frequently surface when there are doubts about the mental clarity of the trustor, especially in cases involving cognitive decline or suspected manipulation. Our San Diego trust litigation team routinely handles disputes rooted in mental incapacity and undue influence. We can provide compassionate yet assertive legal guidance that can make it easier to protect your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trust Litigation in San Diego

The length of a trust dispute varies on a case-by-case basis, based on how complex the matter is. Nevertheless, a trust litigation case typically lasts several months to a few years.

Legal fees for trust litigation vary based on the demands of the case, but RMO Lawyers can provide a complimentary initial consultation to discuss costs and iron out the best approach for your particular case.

Yes, our attorneys in San Diego are great resources for mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Oftentimes, mediation can help resolve trust disputes quickly and cost-effectively, resulting in a mutually agreeable resolution without the need for trial. Suppose you are contemplating mediation as a method for resolving your dispute. In that case, RMO can provide guidance and walk you through the various options for resolving the dispute in a way that prioritizes your interests.

No, clients can receive a free consultation for their trust litigation case from RMO Lawyers if they complete the form at the bottom of this page or give us a call to request a consultation. After contacting us, a member of the RMO Client Relations team will reach out to gather more information about your case and schedule your complimentary consultation.

Why Hire a Trust Litigation Lawyer in San Diego

You can make navigating a trust dispute in San Diego easier by seeking the guidance of an attorney who’s well-versed in both probate litigation and the local court system. Our San Diego trust litigation law firm combines years of legal experience with local insight, enabling us to protect our clients’ interests under California law effectively.

San Diego Thought Leadership and Community Recognition

Our attorneys actively contribute to the professional and legal community throughout San Diego. As members of the San Diego County Bar Association and Probate Attorneys of San Diego, they remain engaged in advancing legal understanding and best practices in the administration of trusts and estates.

Publications and Media Features

Our team participates in conversations that matter to San Diego families, fiduciaries, and professionals. Whether through contributions to professional forums or community broadcasts, we provide practical guidance on trust litigation, probate disputes, and protecting the interests of vulnerable individuals.

Recognition and Awards

Members of our team have been recognized locally for their leadership and impact with distinctions including:

Speaking Engagements and Community Education

Our attorneys frequently share insights with local audiences to promote awareness and understanding of estate and trust matters. Recent speaking engagements include:

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

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Client Testimonials

Read how our clients feel after their experience working with our San Diego trust litigation attorneys.

Attentive, Thorough, and Client-Focused

“Uzzel Branson and the team at RMO Lawyers took the time to answer all of my questions and made sure I fully understood every part of the process. Despite their busy schedules, they reviewed my documents and gave thoughtful feedback. When they couldn’t assist directly, they connected me with someone who could. That kind of care and professionalism made all the difference.”

— Teela R.

Steady Guidance Through a Difficult San Diego Probate

“My San Diego probate case was long and complicated, with major family conflicts and multiple lawyers involved. I hired RMO and worked with Stephanie K. Delaney, who was a steady, calming presence through it all. She was easy to reach, always available when things got out of hand, and incredibly helpful with explaining complex documents. She even helped resolve issues with opposing counsel so we could finally close probate. I’m so grateful for her help and support.”

— Barbara Z.

Trusted Support in a Difficult Family Matter

“RMO was great in walking us through our San Diego case when a family member took advantage of our dad and stole the family estate. They helped us understand what was happening and how to respond. I highly recommend them.”

— Honoree L.

San Diego Trust Litigation Case Wins

Our San Diego-based trust litigation team has always been dedicated to safeguarding clients who are involved in trust disputes. We provide dependable legal counsel to uphold their rights and legacies.

Co-trustee Removed for Financial Misconduct
Our team successfully removed a thieving co-trustee daughter whose actions had financially harmed her mother and jeopardized her ability to pay her bills. The court's judgment led to the recovery of stolen assets and the reimbursement of legal fees.​
Invalidated Questionable Trust Amendment
By securing and presenting decisive evidence, our team invalidated a last-minute trust amendment aimed at disinheriting our client, thereby restoring their substantial inheritance as the trustor intended
Secured Generational Business for Heirs
We defended the successor trustee's position and successfully negotiated the return of a business stake from a challenging beneficiary, thus preserving control of the family business for future generations.

Who We Represent in San Diego Trust Litigation Cases

Probate estate litigation, trust disputes, and similar legal matters can be complex and multifaceted. Our team of San Diego trust litigation attorneys provides dedicated support at every stage for the following types of clients, ensuring they understand their legal rights and have the necessary resources to achieve the most favorable outcomes possible.

Trustees

By hiring a trust litigation attorney in San Diego from RMO Lawyers, trustees can get high-quality help managing their complex responsibilities. We can assist trustees in interpreting trust provisions, provide legal counsel for administration, and offer guidance that fuels strategic decisions. Should disputes or breach of duty claims occur, we are equipped to defend trustees and maintain the integrity of trusts.

Beneficiaries & Heirs

In California, many beneficiaries and heirs experience issues with trust distributions or inheritance rights that lead to legal disputes. Our San Diego trust litigation law firm is committed to safeguarding their interests, representing them in legal conflicts, challenging unjust amendments, and ensuring equitable distribution of assets.

Spouses

Spouses possess unique rights in cases of trust litigation in California. Our San Diego trust litigation team can guide spouses through understanding these rights and resolving trust disputes, increasing the chances of securing the inheritance they are rightfully owed. Our team offers comprehensive support, including legal counsel for spousal claims and litigation representation.

Creditors

Creditors in California are required to navigate specific procedures to pursue outstanding debts. If you feel that your claim has not been adequately addressed, our trust litigation attorneys in San Diego can help creditors assert their claims effectively and efficiently. RMO LLP is a valuable resource for creditors seeking to ensure compliance with legal requirements and recover what is owed to them.

San Diego Probate Courts

The Probate Division of the San Diego County Superior Court oversees legal matters related to estate administration and the protection of vulnerable individuals. In general, the court handles matters such as the probate of wills, determines 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 administration of the estate. These matters may include estate and trust litigation, fiduciary misconduct claims, contested conservatorships and guardianships, and other actions that involve personal representatives of estates.

The Superior Court of California, County of San Diego – Probate Division is located at:

Why Hire RMO Lawyers

RMO Lawyers stands out within the San Diego legal landscape for our dedicated approach to trust litigation. Our talented attorneys are committed to guiding clients through disputes with professionalism and compassion at the forefront of their minds. We always aim to uphold our clients’ best interests.​

We have three guiding principles:

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

We invest a substantial amount of time learning about each client’s unique circumstances. With this knowledge, we can craft tailored strategies that address their specific needs and concerns.​

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