At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we represent families and beneficiaries in disputes involving breaches of fiduciary duty in Irvine. With over 150 years of combined courtroom experience, our attorneys know how to hold trustees, executors, and other fiduciaries accountable when they fail to act in good faith.
A fiduciary has a legal duty to act with loyalty, honesty, and care. When that duty is violated, the results can be devastating, such as lost inheritances and mismanaged assets. In Irvine, studies show that 1 in 5 seniors experience financial exploitation, yet the majority of incidents go unreported.
Because fiduciary disputes often involve both high financial stakes and deep emotional consequences, experienced legal advocacy is essential. Our firm provides the strategic guidance and trial-tested representation needed to protect your rights, recover losses, and restore accountability.
What Is Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Why It Matters in Irvine
A fiduciary is someone legally obligated to act in another’s best interest, such as a trustee, executor, conservator, financial advisor, or corporate officer.
When this duty is broken, through self-dealing, mismanagement, or fraud, the results can devastate families, especially in communities like Woodbridge, where estates often include valuable real estate and complicated investments.
California law provides strong remedies for victims of fiduciary misconduct, from financial restitution to removal of the wrongdoer. In Orange County Superior Court, fiduciary breach cases often involve contested trusts, probate disputes, or elder financial abuse, matters that demand highly focused legal representation.
Our Breach of Fiduciary Services in Irvine
We focus on litigation involving:
- Removal of Fiduciary
- Trustee Mismanagement
- Executor Misconduct
- Financial Elder Abuse
- Business Partner Breach
- Conflicts of Interest
- Failure to Disclose or Account
- Misappropriation of Assets
- Negligence in Fiduciary Role
Trusted by Estate Planning Professionals & Families
When Trusts & Estates Face Disputes
Contact UsWhy Choose The Estate Lawyers, APC
Fiduciary disputes are a key focus for our practice, and families in Irvine turn to The Estate Lawyers, APC because we bring focus, strength, and results. Our presence in the heart of Orange County gives us both deep local knowledge and strong relationships within the community.
- Nearly 20 Years of Serving Southern California: Since our founding in 2005, we’ve proudly represented families across Irvine neighborhoods like Woodbridge, Turtle Rock, and Northwood, as well as the broader Orange County community.
- A Team with Over 150 Years of Combined Trial Experience: Every matter is handled by seasoned litigators who understand the nuances of probate disputes in local courts.
- Direct Representation, Not Junior Associates: When you walk into our office near the Irvine Spectrum Center, you meet directly with the attorneys who will advocate for you.
- Strong Rapport with Local Courts and Judges: We regularly appear in the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana, where probate disputes are decided, and we understand the expectations of local judges.
- A Reputation for Compassion: Our team provides steady guidance whether you’re dealing with mismanagement of a trust near Shady Canyon estates or resolving a complicated probate issue for families tied to the University of California, Irvine community.
From the master-planned neighborhoods of Irvine to the greater Orange County region, our mission remains the same: to protect families, preserve assets, and make sure fiduciaries are held accountable.
Understanding Removal of a Fiduciary
In Irvine, trustees, executors, and other fiduciaries are held to some of the highest legal standards. When a fiduciary fails in these duties, the law provides remedies, including their removal.
Courts may remove a fiduciary for a wide range of reasons, such as:
- Self-dealing or placing personal interests above beneficiaries’ interests
- Mismanagement of trust or estate assets
- Failure to provide required accountings or disclose information
- Breach of loyalty, honesty, or impartiality
- Neglecting duties, including failure to distribute assets in a timely manner
- Evidence of financial elder abuse or exploitation
The process of removing a fiduciary typically begins with a petition filed in probate court by a beneficiary, co-trustee, or other interested party. Evidence must be presented to show that the fiduciary has acted improperly or failed in their obligations.
If the court agrees, it has the authority to suspend or remove the fiduciary and appoint a neutral successor to carry out the remaining duties.
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we help clients gather evidence, file petitions, and present compelling arguments in court to make sure unfit fiduciaries are held accountable. Our attorneys are equipped to handle these disputes and protect what matters most to you and your family.
Our Breach of Fiduciary Duty Process in Irvine
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, litigation is our only focus. Since 2005, we’ve helped Irvine families handle fiduciary breach cases from start to finish.
- Case evaluation
We review trust documents, financial records, and witness accounts to identify misconduct and build a clear strategy.
- Filing in court
Most cases in Irvine are filed at the Orange County Superior Court. We act quickly to file petitions, freeze assets, and secure court oversight.
- Discovery and evidence
We pursue bank records, communications, and witness testimony. Our team works with local institutions and professionals to uncover every detail.
- Settlement efforts
When possible, we negotiate fair settlements that protect inheritances and reduce costs. Our track record often pressures the other side to resolve disputes early.
- Trial and remedies
If trial is needed, we seek trustee removal, asset recovery, and damages. We present a focused case aimed at correcting the wrong and preventing future abuse.
Local Resources We Work With in Irvine
Our cases often involve collaboration with institutions in Irvine and Orange County, including:
- Orange County Superior Court, Central Justice Center (Santa Ana)
- University of California, Irvine (estate and endowment matters)
- Hoag Hospital and UCI Medical Center (conservatorships and elder cases)
- Financial institutions along Jamboree Road and MacArthur Boulevard
- Local homeowners’ associations and business boards in Irvine communities
Fight Back With The Estate Lawyers, APC
If you believe a trustee, executor, or fiduciary has betrayed your trust, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Call The Estate Lawyers, APC today or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
The Estate Lawyers, APC: Here to guide, here to fight, here for you.