Trust and Estate Litigation

The administration of trusts and estates can be complex and disputes frequently arise. Often, these disputes are among family members and can stretch family relationships to their breaking point. I have the experience to efficiently guide you through trust and estate disputes, keeping in mind both your monetary and non-monetary goals.

After a family member dies or becomes incapacitated, issues related to property ownership, creditor rights, and/or beneficiaries’ interests can arise and delay the settling of an estate. In addition, if a will, trust, or other estate planning document is not clear or contains inconsistent terms, disputes among the named beneficiaries could arise. Finally, executors and trustees have specific fiduciary duties, are held to strict standards of accountability, and are often caught in the middle of managing beneficiaries’ needs and honoring the intent expressed in a will or trust instrument. When a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, litigation may become necessary.

Whether you are an executor, trustee, beneficiary, creditor, or other interested party, I will endeavor to help you understand your rights, duties, obligations, and options — keeping in mind the family dynamics that so often accompany these types of disputes. Every situation is unique and I will work with you to find a solution.

I have experience handling a wide variety of disputes, including:

  • Interpretations of a Will or Trust
  • Breaches of Fiduciary Duties
  • Will Contests
  • Trust Modifications and Reformations
  • Trust and Estate Distributions
  • Creditor Claims Against Estates
  • Guardianships
  • Community Property Characterizations
  • Family Settlement Agreements
  • Trustee Removal and Succession


To schedule your consultation, please call (713) 588-9550 or email me at trisha@trishaenglishlaw.com.