Estate Litigation
When a person dies, the real and personal property he or she leaves behind is called his or her “estate”. Claims can be made against the estate of the deceased person by creditors, beneficiaries named in a will, family members, or any person who believes he or she has a valid interest in the estate. If these claims cannot be otherwise resolved, estate litigation may occur. This area of law often combines complex legal and factual issues with highly charged emotional history among the parties during a time when some or all of the parties are going through a grieving process.
Our lawyers are known for their sensitive and practical approach to these emotionally charged situations. Combining our legal expertise with great attention to detail and an understanding of what is important to the client, we help our clients build their strongest litigation case while encouraging and assisting them to find creative and practical solutions to resolve disputes. Our lawyers have excellent courtroom skills, but they are also very effective at helping clients achieve resolutions in non-litigious ways, such as through facilitated mediations or negotiations with opposing parties and their lawyers.
Many clients don’t know whether they should litigate or not, whether it is the best option in their specific situation, or whether they can afford it. If you come in for a consultation with us, we will give you an honest opinion that is based on your specific case, circumstances, needs and means. If we think that litigation is not the best option for you, we will not push you in that direction just to get the work out of you. If you do decide to litigate though, we will advocate for you with a high degree of skill, expertise and empathy.
Estate litigation can include: