Common Trust Litigation Disputes
Trust litigation can result in a variety of potential disputes, from trust theft to misinterpretations of decedent interests. At RMO, we have experience dealing with a range of disagreements and challenges and a proven track record of assisting clients in navigating trust litigation disputes. We handle all of the following disputes and more.
Trust Theft & Misappropriation
Trust theft and misappropriation refer to a trustee or other party’s illegal or unauthorized use of trust assets. We’ll defend families and beneficiaries against trust theft from trustees ensuring their rightful distributions as intended by the deceased without disruptions to the process.
Trust Fraud
Trust fraud disputes can occur when a trustee or executor provides false information, conceals assets, or misrepresents facts related to the trust or estate. Our lawyers will assist in identifying and addressing fraudulent activities to protect the intentions of the trust and interests of the beneficiaries.
Trust Administration
Many complexities can arise in the administration of a trust, often surrounding disagreements regarding the execution of a trust’s desired terms. We have extensive expertise in interpreting trust terms and resolving trust administration disputes to ensure the process remains in alignment with the deceased’s wishes.
Trust Accounting
Managing the accounting involved in trust administration requires a detailed process—otherwise, it can lead to discrepancies in the distribution of funds and concerns about the accuracy of accounting. We’ll support you by meticulously examining financial records, rectifying errors, and ensuring transparent and accurate reporting of trust assets and distributions.
Trust Petitions
A trust petition is typically the first step to bringing the trust into the court system and placing it under the supervision of the probate court. In some circumstances, like disputes over trust terms or concerns surrounding trustees, beneficiaries or interested parties may file petitions related to the trust in search of legal intervention.
We support clients in handling the trust petition process, including steps from initiating legal action to responding effectively to protect client interests. Some common petitions are Petitions for Instructions to provide clarity and direction and Petitions to Approve Acts to urge a trustee to take action.
Trust Amendment & Distribution Disputes
Trust amendment and distribution disputes arise when parties experience conflict surrounding amendments to the original trust document or disagree over asset distribution. We guide clients in navigating complex legal nuances, ensuring equitable trust distribution, and addressing disputes from trust amendments.
Trustee Removal, Suspension, Resignation
In some proceedings, conflicts may arise that require action against a trustee and may even include prompt removal, suspension, termination, or resignation. RMO Lawyers can provide support on both sides of these disputes to protect the integrity of the trust and the deceased’s intentions.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Trustees are responsible for ensuring a trust is administrated under the wishes of the deceased as laid out by the trust. Failures can arise when the trustee mismanages assets, fails to communicate adequately, or fails to distribute income appropriately.
Beneficiaries have a right to file a dispute for the sake of receiving their outlined allocations. Our trust litigation attorneys identify potential breaches, hold trustees accountable, and seek appropriate remedies to rectify the impact on the trust.
Trust Dementia, Incapacity & Undue Influence Claims
In trust administration, disputes can arise due to concerns about mental capacity, dementia, or undue influence on individuals during the creation or modification of a trust. We have expertise in handling these sensitive cases and can offer legal avenues to address claims surrounding mental incapacity and undue influence.
Elder Financial Abuse & Exploitation Claim
Unfortunately, circumstances can arise where parties utilize the trust administration process to exploit elderly individuals for financial gain. Our attorneys are committed to protecting vulnerable individuals throughout the process, which can include pursuing legal action against perpetrators and helping to safeguard a trust’s assets.
When Should I Contact A Trust Litigation Attorney?
The best way to protect yourself is to contact a probate lawyer or trust attorney as soon as you consent to serve as trustee. An experienced trust lawyer can help you ensure you fulfill your legal obligations and avoid taking actions that could subject you to personal liability.
Even if you didn’t retain an attorney when you began serving as trustee, a trust litigation lawyer can help you at any time an issue arises. If you’ve been accused of wrongdoing such as breach of trust, you should contact a trust litigation attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options and, possibly, avoid or at least manage your potential liability.