At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we focus exclusively on litigation, and trust petitions are a core part of what we do. With more than 150 years of combined trial experience, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting beneficiaries and holding trustees accountable in Irvine and throughout Orange County.
When trustees fail to provide accountings, delay distributions, or mismanage trust assets, beneficiaries may need to petition the court for relief.
Trust petitions in Irvine often involve disputes over accountings, trustee removals, or modifications to the trust itself. Judges have wide authority in these matters, and the consequences can be significant. Trustees may be ordered to deliver full financial accountings, repay misused funds, or be removed entirely.
High-value estates in Irvine communities like Shady Canyon have shown just how contentious these disputes can become. Our firm is experienced in handling these high-stakes cases, making sure that beneficiaries’ rights are protected and trust terms are enforced.
Understanding Trust Petitions and Why They Matters in Irvine
A trust petition is a court filing that asks the judge to intervene when trustees fail in their duties. Beneficiaries may file petitions to:
- Compel a trustee to provide an accounting
- Modify or interpret unclear trust terms
- Remove a trustee for misconduct
- Direct a trustee to make distributions
- Approve or challenge trustee actions
Probate judges regularly decide matters involving family trusts tied to local assets, from investment accounts to Irvine real estate. With Orange County’s senior population now exceeding 457,000 residents aged 65+, trust petitions are becoming more common as families seek court oversight to protect legacies.
Our Trust Petition Services in Irvine
We offer the following trust petition services:
- Filing trust petitions in probate court
- Trustee removal petitions
- Petitions to compel trustee accountings
- Petitions for trust modification or termination
- Petitions to compel trust distributions
- Petitions for instructions to the trustee
- Petitions to surcharge trustees for misconduct
- Petitions to appoint successor trustees
- Petitions involving breach of fiduciary duty
- Petitions to resolve beneficiary disputes
Trusted by Estate Planning Professionals & Families
When Trusts & Estates Face Disputes
Contact UsWhy Choose Us for Your Trust Petitions
Families in Irvine choose The Estate Lawyers, APC because of our exclusive focus on litigation and our consistent results.
- Founded in 2005, nearly 20 years serving Southern California
- Board-approved professionals with over 150 years of combined trial experience
- No junior associates, every case is handled by senior litigators
- Strong record in trustee removals and trust petition hearings
- Local knowledge of the Orange County Probate Division and judges
- Trusted referrals from other law firms and professionals
Our Trust Petition Process in Irvine
Filing a trust petition is often the only way to hold a trustee accountable. At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we guide clients through each stage with precision and focus.
1. Case review
We start by analyzing the trust document, financial records, and trustee actions. If the trustee has refused to provide information, we prepare a petition under Probate Code §17200.
2. Filing in court
Petitions are filed in the Probate Division of the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana. Probate judges there regularly hear trust disputes, from accountings to trustee removals.
3. Hearings and evidence
The court may order the trustee to produce a full accounting or appear at hearings. We work with local CPA firms in Irvine that focus on trust and estate accounting to provide clear, accurate financial evidence.
4. Settlement or resolution
Sometimes petitions lead to negotiated settlements, where trustees agree to distribute assets or step down voluntarily. When necessary, we press forward to a full hearing and court order.
5. Trustee removal
If the trustee has abused their position, the court can remove them and appoint a successor. We have successfully obtained fiduciary removals in Orange County, protecting beneficiaries from ongoing harm.
Trust Petition Timelines in Irvine
The time it takes to resolve a trust petition in Irvine depends largely on the intricacy of the case. Simple petitions, such as requests for distribution or clarification of trust terms, may be resolved within a few months.
Contested matters, including trustee removal, fraud, or mismanagement, generally take 12 to 18 months in Orange County Superior Court due to discovery, multiple hearings, and potential trials.
Delays are common when several beneficiaries are involved, when large or intricate estates are at stake, or if an appeal is filed after judgment.
Local Resources We Work With
Trust petition cases in Irvine often involve coordination with local institutions and professionals, including:
- Orange County Superior Court, Probate Division (Santa Ana)
- Irvine Chamber of Commerce and industry associations
- Local CPA and accounting firms near Jamboree Road and MacArthur Boulevard for trust accountings
- UC Irvine and Hoag Hospital, often connected to conservatorships and elder trust matters
- Adult Protective Services (Orange County branch) since reports of fiduciary abuse often begin here
Protect Your Legacy Today
If a trustee has failed to provide an accounting, misused trust assets, or ignored their duties, a trust petition may be the only way to protect your rights.
Call or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation at our Irvine office.
The Estate Lawyers, APC: We are here to guide, here to fight, and here for you.