Santa Monica Estate Litigation Lawyer

Santa Monica Estate Litigation Attorney

When a loved one passes, the last thing you want to deal with is a dispute that arises between family members regarding the deceased’s estate. Unfortunately, these circumstances do occur, and when they do, they can be stressful and cause uncertainty. To protect your interests and the legacy of the individual who has passed away, you need the legal counsel and representation of a Santa Monica estate litigation lawyer.

When an individual dies and leaves behind an estate in California, it will most likely have to pass through a legal process known as probate. This process can be complex and time-consuming. Quite often, disputes and disagreements arise between parties with interests in the estate. At Hinojosa & Forer LLP, our team of attorneys is dedicated to ensuring our clients are supported when they face any type of estate litigation or conflicts.

What Is Estate Litigation?

When someone dies and leaves behind a will dictating their wishes for the distribution of their estate, the courts will do what they can to ensure these wishes are fulfilled. In some cases, this process can move quickly and with little pushback from the parties involved. However, there are instances where disputes can arise, causing the process to lengthen as legal battles take place in probate court. These legal battles are the basis of estate litigation in California.

Typically, estate litigation will arise when an individual dies and leaves behind no will. However, there are cases where the existence of a legally binding will is not enough to avoid legal disputes or conflicts. The familial dynamics of the individuals involved in the probate process often necessitate the need for estate litigation.

Cases We Can Help With

The estate litigation attorneys at Hinojosa & Forer LLP have represented executors of estates, estate administrators, and beneficiaries of estates in a litany of cases, including:

• Beneficiary claims
• Will contests due to suspicion of fraud, duress, mistakes, undue influence, or lack of intent
• Breaches of fiduciary duties
• Mismanagement of the estate
• Familial conflict
• Trust disputes

If you are dealing with any of the above legal situations while an estate is passing through probate court, it’s time to contact an experienced estate litigation attorney. An experienced attorney can help ensure your rights and interests are protected along with the wishes of your deceased loved one.

Hinojosa & Forer LLP: Estate Litigation Support and Guidance You Can Trust

Estate litigation is a complicated branch of law and should be handled with delicacy and care. The attorneys at Hinojosa & Forer LLP understand this and hope to do everything in our power to secure the outcome our clients hope for while also respecting the wishes of the deceased. Regardless of the nature of your estate litigation, we can help secure the outcome you desire and offer representation you can trust.

Estate Planning Tools to Secure Your Legacy

If you are an individual planning ahead for the future and hoping to protect your estate against certain situations that may warrant litigation, there are several tools at your disposal. At Hinojosa & Forer LLP, our attorneys can help you determine which estate planning tools are necessary for your situation. Each of these tools can protect your estate and ensure your wishes are fulfilled after your death. The two most common estate planning tools include:

• Establishing a Will: Also known as a Last Will and Testament, this legally binding document can outline your wishes after death. This can include dictations on who will receive certain assets, if your estate should be designated for charity, and what your final wishes are. This document must be written, signed, and witnessed by individuals who can attest to its validity.
• Establishing a Trust: The legal process of creating a trust should be done with the assistance of an attorney. This process creates a new legal entity to hold and protect certain designated assets. However, this means the individual who places the assets into the trust will no longer have ownership over them once the transfer is complete.

FAQs

How Much Does a Litigation Lawyer Make in California?

It’s difficult to determine how much a litigation lawyer will make in California because there are a multitude of factors to consider. A litigation lawyer will charge a fee depending on certain elements of a case. These factors include the total complexity and duration of the case and the attorney’s own experience, effort, and skill level.

What Is the Limit on Probate in California?

According to California state law, any estate worth less than $184,500 where the individual owning the estate died after April 1st, 2022, does not have to go through the probate process. This allows for the entire affair to be handled privately. However, if there are assets involved that are of a certain nature, the need for probate court may be warranted.

Do I Need Legal Support When Going Through Probate Court?

Although hiring the services of an attorney is not legally required to navigate through the probate court process or any scenarios of estate litigation, it is highly recommended. An attorney’s assistance and guidance can be paramount to achieving your desired outcome and protecting the wishes of the deceased. Engage an estate litigation lawyer immediately for help.

How Long Does It Take to Settle an Estate in Probate Court?

There is no way of knowing exactly how long it may take for an estate to be settled in probate court in California. There are many factors that can influence how long the process may take. These factors include the nature and value of the assets involved, the exact wishes of the deceased, and if any scenarios warranting estate litigation arise.

Take Action and Contact Our Estate Litigation Lawyers Today

If you are dealing with disputes regarding the estate of a loved one, it’s time to contact the compassionate attorneys at Hinojosa & Forer LLP. With our years of legal experience, we can help you assure you that your rights and interests are protected. We can handle any form of estate litigation and work to uphold the wishes of the deceased. Contact us today to speak with a member of our legal team for help.