- October 10, 2025
Court of Appeal Revives Trust Dispute, Green-lights Reformation Claim
By Natalie E. Ortiz Reversing a San Diego probate judge in a trust dispute, the California Court of Appeal held…Read Article - October 7, 2025
Read This Before You Disinherit a Beneficiary: Part 1
By Natalie E. Ortiz Disinheriting someone from an estate is a big decision, one that requires careful consideration and precise…Read Article - September 22, 2025
Contested Powers of Attorney: Rolling Back Damage and Tracing Transfers
By Natalie Ortiz In California estate and trust litigation, powers of attorney (POAs) are often central to disputes involving financial elder…Read Article - September 17, 2025
Undue Influence Case Fades Away at U.S. Supreme Court, But Lessons Endure
The legal saga surrounding the estate of Dr. Laura Dean Head—a respected professor at San Francisco State University—is a powerful…Read Article - September 15, 2025
Undue Influence or Lack of Capacity: Which Theory Fits Your Facts?
By Natalie Ortiz In California estate and trust litigation, attorneys often face a choice and must carefully evaluate whether to…Read Article - August 25, 2025
What to Bring to Your First Estate Litigation Consultation
Considerations for a Productive and Informed Assessment of Your Dispute When a dispute arises over a trust, will, or estate,…Read Article - August 5, 2025
What Happens When a Prince of Darkness Dies? Estate Litigation Lessons from Ozzy Osbourne’s Legacy
Estate Litigation Risks Rise with Celebrity Status, Blended Families, and Massive Wealth When a cultural icon like Ozzy Osbourne passes…Read Article - July 23, 2025
Disinheritance Case Settled: Children of Celebrated Movie Director Cut from Estate via Alleged Undue Influence
The since-settled estate litigation involving Oscar-nominated director Norman Jewison, whose estate was valued at more than $30 million, demonstrates the importance…Read Article - July 16, 2025
When Family Trusts Fracture: Lessons from Disinheritance of Stepchildren
In a case that underscores the emotional and legal complexities of blended families and estate planning, the Idaho Supreme Court…Read Article - June 20, 2025
Can trustees in CA use trust funds to defend themselves?
Short answer: sometimes — but only when the defense clearly benefits the underlying trust- not the amendments that favor one…Read Article
