At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we offer trust litigation services across California.
As Southern California’s premier firm focused solely on trust, estate, and probate litigation, we bring more than 150 years of combined courtroom experience to every case.
Our team has guided families through some of the most intricate and emotionally charged trust disputes in California, including matters before the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the same judicial venue that handled the nationally recognized Britney Spears conservatorship.
Clients often tell us that what stands out most is how we make them feel heard and protected throughout the process. As one client shared:
“Amy, Michelle and their team are the best of the best. When it comes to their field, they are the most qualified, diligent, responsive, empathetic as it gets for a law firm. I would not hesitate to send a family member or any person needing their services, and I could not be more confident in their team!”
From Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills to Pacific Palisades, families trust our team to protect legacies and uphold fairness when it matters most. With offices near the historic Bradbury Building in downtown Los Angeles, we serve clients across the region with skill and unwavering commitment.
The Estate Lawyers, APC: Here to Guide. Here to Fight. Here for You.
Understanding Trust Litigation and Its Importance in California
Trust litigation is the legal process used to resolve conflicts involving the administration or validity of a trust. It often becomes necessary when trustees, beneficiaries, or heirs disagree over how a trust is being managed, how assets are distributed, or whether the document itself was created under fair circumstances.
In California, trust litigation is governed by the California Probate Code, primarily within Sections 850 through 859 and 17200 through 17211.
These statutes give the Los Angeles County Superior Court the authority to hear and decide disputes involving the management of estates, interpretation of trust terms, and allegations of misconduct by fiduciaries.
Trust litigation is about honoring the intent of the person who created the trust and protecting those who depend on it. Cases often involve sensitive family dynamics, elder care concerns, and years of built-up tension.
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we approach every case with that understanding. Our attorneys provide steady guidance through the confusion of California’s probate system, making sure that your loved one’s intentions are respected and your rights are fully protected. If you are challenging a trustee’s actions or defending yourself against unfair accusations, we will help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
Our Trust Litigation Services in California
We provide a wide range of trust litigation services, including:
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Trustee removal
- Trustee replacement
- Contested trust amendments
- Contested trust restatements
- Undue influence claims
- Lack of capacity claims
- Accounting disputes
- Demand for trust accountings
- Asset mismanagement
- Asset misappropriation
- Trust interpretation disputes
- Trust construction disputes
- Petitions to compel trustee action
- Petitions to compel trust distribution
- Challenges to trust validity
- Trust Litigation
- Financial Elder Abuse Litigation
- Inheritance Litigation
Trusted by Estate Planning Professionals & Families
When Trusts & Estates Face Disputes
Contact UsWhy Choose The Estate Lawyers, APC
Families across Southern California trust The Estate Lawyers, APC for guidance grounded in experience, compassion, and proven courtroom success. Our firm was built on the belief that protecting a legacy should never be a fight you face alone.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Exclusively Focused on Litigation. We don’t draft estate plans or wills. We litigate disputes and win them. This singular focus allows for sharper strategy and faster results.
- Board-Approved Team. Our attorneys are recognized by the State Bar of California for their experience in Estate, Trust, and Probate Law.
- 150+ Years of Combined Experience. Decades of courtroom knowledge and negotiation skill inform every action we take.
- Compassionate Representation. Every client receives personal attention, honest advice, and empathetic support from start to finish.
- Strong Local Rapport. Our attorneys appear daily in California probate courts, including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties, earning a reputation for credibility and precision.
- Trusted by Clients. Reviews consistently highlight our professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care. As one client wrote, “They made a stressful process manageable and treated us like family.”
Our work extends beyond the courtroom. We regularly participate in community education programs to help families recognize and prevent elder financial abuse. Giving back is a part of who we are.
When you choose The Estate Lawyers, APC, you gain more than legal representation. You gain a dedicated team that stands beside you, ready to protect what matters most.
How to Challenge a Trustee in California
When a trustee fails to uphold their fiduciary duty, beneficiaries have the right to take legal action through the probate court.
Challenging a trustee typically begins when there are signs of mismanagement, self-dealing, lack of transparency, or failure to provide required accountings. These issues can put trust assets and beneficiary interests at risk, making prompt legal action essential.
The process generally involves filing a petition in probate court, presenting evidence of the trustee’s misconduct, and requesting corrective action, such as removal of the trustee, restitution of assets, or an accounting order.
Because California trust law is highly procedural, working with experienced counsel makes sure that deadlines are met and your claims are properly supported.
Who We Serve in California
We represent:
- Beneficiaries and Heirs
Individuals seeking to recover their rightful inheritance, compel accountings, or challenge unfair trust amendments. - Trustees and Fiduciaries
Those accused of mismanagement or needing guidance to handle legal obligations under California’s Probate Code. - Elders and Their Families
Seniors facing financial exploitation, or loved ones fighting to recover assets taken through manipulation or undue influence. - Family Members in Conflict
Siblings, adult children, or stepfamilies dealing with deep divisions over estate distribution or trust control. - Conservators and Caregivers
Responsible parties seeking legal authority to protect a vulnerable adult or to contest an unnecessary conservatorship.
What to Expect During a California Trust Litigation Case
Every trust dispute is different, but most follow a clear set of steps. Here’s what you can generally expect as your case moves through the California probate court system.
- Initial Case Review and Strategy Meeting
- Filing of Petition in Probate Court
- Service of Notice to Interested Parties
- Discovery and Evidence Gathering
- Accounting and Financial Analysis
- Mediation or Settlement Conference
- Pre-Trial Motions and Hearings
- Trial Before the Probate Judge
- Judgment and Enforcement of Orders
- Post-Trial Review and Ongoing Protection
The Estate Lawyers, APC: Your Trusted Partners
Founded in 2005, The Estate Lawyers, APC has become Southern California’s trusted authority in trust, probate, and elder law litigation. Our firm was built on the principle that every family deserves protection, clarity, and justice when legacies are at stake.
We focus exclusively on litigation. That singular commitment means every case is handled by a senior attorney who knows California probate law, its judges, and the strategy needed to win.
Our offices in Irvine and San Diego place us in the heart of Southern California’s legal environment, with convenient access to the probate courts that serve Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
From these locations, we provide dedicated trust and estate litigation services rooted in integrity and compassion for the families we represent.
We believe great lawyering is about more than technical skill. It is about empathy, attention, and the courage to fight for what is right. That is the standard we live by in every courtroom, for every client.
What Our California Clients Say About Us
The greatest measure of our work comes from the families we’ve helped. Every review reflects the trust, gratitude, and relief our clients feel when their case finally finds resolution.
“If you are looking for fast, reliable, and accurate results, look no more. Amy and associates are who you are looking for.”
Sergio Mendoza
“Amy and her staff have exhibited a very high level of professionalism in every aspect of business.”
Jennifer Gómez
“I have personally met Amy Gostanian and Michelle Bartolic. They are among the best legal minds I’ve encountered — caring, compassionate, and dedicated to achieving results.”
Daniel Rodriguez
Local Resources and Courts We Work With
Trust and probate litigation in California demands familiarity with both the courts and their judges. Our attorneys appear regularly before probate divisions across California, making sure that every case is handled with the insight and credibility local courts respect.
Key Probate Courts We Serve:
- Los Angeles County Superior Court – Probate Division
Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 - Orange County Superior Court – Central Justice Center (Probate Division)
700 West Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701 - San Diego Superior Court – Probate Division
1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 - Riverside County Superior Court – Probate Division
4050 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501 - San Bernardino County Superior Court – Probate Division
247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415
Talk to a California Trust Litigation Attorney Today
When family, trust, or inheritance issues become overwhelming, you deserve an advocate who understands both the law and the emotions behind it.
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we stand ready to protect your loved ones, your assets, and your peace of mind.
Our attorneys bring clarity to complicated disputes and strength to every negotiation. Whether your case involves a contested trust, a breach of fiduciary duty, or protecting a vulnerable elder, we will guide you through each step with honesty, precision, and compassion.
The sooner you reach out, the more options you have. Schedule a confidential consultation with one of our senior litigators today. We’ll listen, explain your rights, and outline a plan that fits your goals, not just your case.
The Estate Lawyers, APC: Here to Guide. Here to Fight. Here for You.