Estate Litigation

Defending Legacy with Strategy

Disputes over estates require sensitivity, strength, and sharp legal thinking. We approach each matter with precision—resolving conflict, protecting entitlements, and ensuring your interests are powerfully represented.

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Beneficiary Disputes

Beneficiary Disputes arise when individuals who inherit or expect to inherit assets disagree about distribution, interpretation of estate documents, or the actions of those administering the estate. Disagreements between beneficiaries can complicate estate administration and fracture family relationships. We help navigate these sensitive situations, including:

Interpreting ambiguous will or trust provisions

Resolving disputes over asset valuation and distribution

Mediating conflicts between beneficiaries and executors/trustees

Addressing concerns about unequal or unfair distributions
Our approach to Beneficiary Disputes focuses on finding equitable solutions while preserving family relationships where possible. We are skilled at interpreting ambiguous will or trust provisions and resolving disputes over asset valuation and distribution, always striving to honour the testator's true intentions. We combine legal advocacy with dispute resolution techniques to help parties find common ground. When agreements can't be reached, we provide strong advocacy to protect our clients' rights.

Estate Administration Concerns

Estate administration concerns involve issues that arise during the process of managing and distributing a deceased person's assets, including delays, improper handling of assets, accounting issues, or conflicts among interested parties. Proper estate administration is crucial to honoring the deceased's wishes and protecting beneficiaries' interests. We address various issues that can arise during this process, such as:

Resolving delays in estate distribution

Challenging improper accounting or mismanagement of estate assets

Addressing concerns about executor fees or compensation

Navigating complex asset valuation and liquidation issues
Our experience in both estate planning and litigation provides valuable insights into the estate administration process. We work to ensure transparency and accountability, whether representing executors in fulfilling their duties or beneficiaries concerned about the handling of an estate. Our goal is to facilitate smooth, efficient estate administration while protecting our clients' rights and interests throughout the process.

Will Contests

Will Contests are legal challenges to the validity or terms of a will, arising from concerns about testamentary capacity, undue influence, proper execution, or the true intentions of those who have passed. Our Team provides expert representation in these complex matters, including:

Assessing and challenging testamentary capacity

Addressing claims of undue influence

Investigating suspicious circumstances surrounding will creation or changes

Contesting the formal validity of a will
Will Contests often involve sensitive family dynamics and complex legal issues. Our approach combines thorough investigation with strategic legal action. We work diligently to gather evidence, consult with medical experts when necessary, and build a compelling case to support your position. Our approach is particularly valuable in cases involving questions of testamentary capacity or allegations of undue influence, suspicious circumstances where we can draw on our extensive legal experience to build compelling cases.

Whether you are seeking to uphold a will or challenge its validity, we provide strategic representation focused on protecting your interests and working diligently to see that the testator's true intentions are respected.

Executor and Trustee Disputes

Executor and Trustee Disputes involve conflicts regarding the administration of estates or trusts, often concerning issues of mismanagement, breach of duties, conflicts of interest, or improper asset handling. Conflicts involving executors or trustees can significantly impact the administration of an estate or trust. We assist in resolving disputes related to:

Addressing executor or trustee misconduct

Pursuing or defending against claims of breach of fiduciary duty

Seeking removal or replacement of executors or trustees

Resolving conflicts of interest in estate or trust administration
Our Team works to ensure executors and trustees fulfill their legal obligations while protecting beneficiaries' rights. We strive for efficient resolutions, often through negotiation or mediation, but are prepared to litigate when necessary to uphold fiduciary responsibilities and protect our clients' interests.

Maintenance and Support Applications

Maintenance and Support Applications are legal claims made against an estate by individuals who were financially dependent on the deceased but may not have been adequately provided for in the will or estate plan. In some cases, individuals may seek financial support from an estate if they were dependent on the deceased. We represent clients in applications for proper maintenance and support, including:

Pursuing dependent relief claims

Addressing claims for support from adult children or other dependents

Defending estates against unjustified support claims
These applications require a nuanced understanding of both family law and estate law. Our Team carefully assesses each situation, considering factors such as the applicant's financial needs, the size of the estate, and the deceased's obligations. We strive to achieve fair outcomes that balance the needs of dependents with the intentions expressed in the will and the rights of other beneficiaries.