Westwood Trust Litigation Lawyer

Trust Litigation Attorney in Westwood, CA

Losing a loved one is never easy. It can be a period of heightened emotions, with family members escalating minor arguments over how their assets are managed into legal action. A Westwood trust litigation lawyer can assist you when matters require legal intervention. They can help whether you are a frustrated beneficiary, a wrongfully accused trustee, or any other involved party.

About Hinojosa & Forer LLP

Hinojosa & Forer LLP has spent years representing the people of Westwood, Pacific Palisades, and neighborhoods throughout the Los Angeles area in trust litigation cases. Our team of attorneys has over a century of combined legal experience handling hundreds of trust litigation matters. All four of our partnered lawyers are respected in the legal community, with each being named a Super Lawyer for their work in estate law.

Trust Litigation Cases in California

Trusts are a common estate planning tool used nationwide. A study conducted in 2025 found that 24% of Americans have a will, which is a decline from 33% in 2022. 13% of Americans have a living trust, resulting in many families having to navigate trust law each year.

Trust litigation cases occur in California when the otherwise private trust administration process requires legal action. The parties involved in a trust include the trustor who created the document, the trustee who is responsible for carrying out the trustor’s wishes, and the beneficiaries who receive assets from the trust.

Grounds for Trust Litigation

Trust litigation cases can be initiated for a variety of reasons. The most common grounds for legal action are the trust’s legitimacy and the trustee’s behavior.

Trustors must have their faculties when creating a trust, and must change documents of their own volition. Creation circumstances that may invalidate the trust include:

• Trustor lacked capacity due to dementia or another cognitive condition
• Trust was forged to benefit one party
• The trustor was dependent on a caregiver during the creation
• Mistakes in the trust’s text
• Trust was a result of someone unduly influencing the trustor to create it
• Trust was made through threats, intimidation, or any form of coercion
• Parts of the trust were based on fraudulent information

If the trust is valid, the other frequent reason for trust litigation is issues between a beneficiary and the trustee. This can involve the trustee mismanaging funds, misappropriating assets, failing to distribute property as detailed in the trust, or favoring one beneficiary over another.

Hire a Trust Litigation Lawyer

Trust litigation cases can be complex and confusing legal proceedings. While you may represent yourself, the sensitive nature of combining law and family makes it recommended that you hire a trust litigation lawyer to help with your case. Your Westwood trust litigation attorney can be at your side at every stage of the process. A few services that Hinojosa & Forer LLP can provide include:

• Exploring options. During your initial consultation, we can discuss your case and strategies for moving forward. Every trust litigation matter requires a unique strategy. Your attorney can review the details of your case and advise on what approach may be strongest.
• Prepare paperwork. Your trust litigation firm can draft all necessary paperwork and file appropriately.
• Negotiating with other parties. Many trust litigation cases are resolved through settlement. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and strive for a favorable outcome.
• Representing you in court. Court appearances can be stressful events, particularly while going through grief. We can represent you at all hearings at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown and in discussions both in and out of the courtroom.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between Trust Administration and Trust Litigation Lawyers?

While they may sound the same, trust administration and trust litigation lawyers focus on two distinct areas of estate law. Trust administration attorneys assist trustees in managing the trust’s assets and carrying out the trustor’s wishes.

Trust litigation attorneys represent any interested party when disputes can no longer be resolved without legal action. Our team at Hinojosa & Forer LLP has extensive experience handling all areas of trust law.

Can a Trust Be Sued in California?

No. In California, a trust cannot be sued as a separate entity, it can only be sued through the trustee acting on behalf of the trust. Consult a Westwood trust litigation attorney to discuss your specifics.

How Long Does a Trust Litigation Case Take in California?

The total timeline for a trust litigation case in California depends on a wide range of variables, such as the level of contention between parties, the complexity of the trust itself, and the stage at which it is resolved. Scenarios with only one point of disagreement and early settlement may take less time than matters that require extensive evidence review..

Learn Today How a Westwood Trust Litigation Lawyer Can Help

At Hinojosa & Forer LLP, we recognize how difficult trust litigation cases can be. Our team utilizes decades of combined legal experience and skills handling similar matters to guide you through this trying time.

Reach out today to schedule your initial consultation. In this meeting, we can learn what led to litigation, discuss the challenges you face, and provide strategies for an outcome that works for you. You may also visit our Los Angeles offices, located on Colby Avenue, a few blocks northwest of the I-405 and I-10 junction, and south of Santa Monica Boulevard.