Pacific Palisades Estate Litigation Lawyer

Pacific Palisades Estate Litigation Attorney

The passing of a loved one can be a very emotional and complex time in your life. There are many things to think about when handling your loved one’s affairs. The last place you want to find yourself is in court over disputes over their estate. Hire a Pacific Palisades estate litigation lawyer if you find yourself facing disputes regarding an estate, trust, probate or conservatorship.

At Hinojosa & Forer LLP, we provide experience and support to clients in Pacific Palisades and the surrounding area during estate litigation disputes. Our office is a long-standing boutique firm in California, and we have helped many clients in situations similar to yours. You can trust us to assist you in resolving your current estate litigation case.

What Is Estate Litigation?

Estate litigation involves legal disputes over a deceased person’s estate. Courts can resolve conflicts to ensure fair inheritance in accordance with the decedent’s wishes or the law. Common disputes include:

• Challenging the validity of wills
• Interpretation of trust documents
• Questioning the actions of executors or trustees
• Disagreements regarding the distribution of assets among beneficiaries.

Estate litigation occurs when court intervention is required to settle disputes. The Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Probate Division on N. Hill Street generally handles estate litigations for Pacific Palisades. A recent survey showed that approximately 58% of people have experienced family disputes over estate assets that required court litigation. It is crucial to work with a skilled Pacific Palisades estate litigation attorney, as even a minor mistake can completely derail a case.

The Estate Litigation Process in California

If you find yourself in a dispute over an estate or questioning how a trust has been managed, it is important to work with an attorney, as estate litigation is a complex legal process. There are several steps that must be followed:

1. Consultation with an experienced estate litigation attorney. They can review the case with you and offer guidance on your rights and legal options.
2. Next, your estate litigation attorney can file a petition with the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s Probate Division. The petition must include the claims being made and the relief sought at trial.
3. After the petition has been filed, the other party has the opportunity to respond. They may answer your petition or file their own petition with their own claims.
4. After both sides have pleaded their case, there may be a discovery period during which investigations into both parties’ claims are completed. During this time, documents may be requested for review, depositions may be done, and a general exchange of information regarding the case may occur.
5. Some cases may reach a settlement at this point. Approximately 95% of all pending lawsuits reach a pre-trial settlement. Settlement agreements involve negotiations between the parties and, in most cases, are handled by the attorneys involved.
6. If a settlement is not reached, the case then goes to trial. During the trial, both sides can present their evidence that was gathered during the discovery period in court. A decision may then be made based on the legal claims made by both parties.

Estate litigation can be complex and emotional. It is important to have a skilled attorney on your side to protect your rights and ensure the correct laws are applied.

Why Choose Us?

Hinojosa & Forer LLP has a long-standing reputation for assisting clients throughout California facing estate disputes. We are experienced in cases regarding trust, estate, and conservatorship administration and litigation. We can help you successfully resolve your dispute efficiently and effectively.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer to Settle an Estate?

The cost to hire an estate litigation attorney can vary. Many lawyers charge an hourly rate, while  some estate litigation attorneys may charge a contingency fee, or an agreed-upon percentage of the amount recovered for a client. It is important to ask your attorney about their fee schedule during your initial consultation.

What Is the Difference Between an Attorney, a Lawyer, and a Litigator?

A lawyer is a general term for someone who has a law degree. An attorney is a lawyer who has also passed the bar exam and is licensed to practice law. A litigator is an attorney who focuses on assisting their clients through litigation or legal dispute resolution. A litigator can therefore be an attorney or a lawyer. When seeking legal assistance, it is important to find someone who fits your specific needs.

How Do You Settle an Estate with a Difficult Sibling?

If you find yourself in a contentious dispute with a difficult sibling over an estate, it is important to hire an estate litigation lawyer. They can ensure that your family member’s estate is handled in accordance with the law and that your rights and interests are protected. If you and your sibling are divided on what to do with an estate, liquidating assets is one option. This involves selling assets and dividing the proceeds between the heirs.

Are Estate Lawyers Worth It?

Cases involving estates can be complicated and can create hard feelings among heirs. Having an estate lawyer is always worth it when it comes to protecting your assets. Currently, 66% of Americans have no will and are leaving their loved ones at the mercy of the probate court. An estate lawyer can ensure you peace of mind, knowing that you are protecting your loved ones.

Hire an Estate Litigation Lawyer

If you have recently suffered the loss of a loved one and are now finding yourself in a contentious dispute over their estate, you need the help of an experienced litigator. A Pacific Palisades estate litigation attorney can assist in your case by offering guidance, petition writing, negotiations, and representation at trial.

The attorneys at Hinojosa & Forer LLP are seasoned and established in estate litigation laws. We represent clients in the Pacific Palisades and throughout California from our office located on Colby Avenue in Los Angeles. Contact us today to get started.