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Estate Litigation & Disputes
We represent individuals and families throughout Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas in disputes involving wills, trusts, estates, and fiduciary responsibilities.
Overview
Disagreements over a loved one’s estate can be emotionally and financially difficult. You may have questions about a will, concerns about how a trust is being administered, or believe someone responsible for managing an estate is not fulfilling their duties. During situations like these, working with an experienced estate litigation attorney can help you understand your legal options and determine the most appropriate next steps.
Estate litigation involves legal disputes related to wills, trusts, estates, and fiduciary responsibilities. At Pearson Bollman Law, we work with individuals and families to evaluate concerns, explain the legal issues involved, and provide steady representation when disputes cannot be resolved informally.
Understanding your options early can help you make informed decisions while preserving important legal rights.
Common matters
Causes
Contesting a will or trust
Not every will or trust can be challenged simply because someone is unhappy with its terms. Estate litigation generally involves specific legal issues that must be evaluated under applicable law.
If you believe a will or trust does not accurately reflect a loved one’s intentions, an attorney can review the circumstances, explain the legal standards that may apply, and discuss whether further action is appropriate.
Executor and trustee conflicts
Personal representatives, executors, administrators, and trustees have legal responsibilities when managing someone else’s property. Questions sometimes arise regarding:
Estate litigation FAQ
General information only. Schedule a free consultation for advice about your situation.
Disputes may arise because of concerns about a person’s mental capacity, allegations of undue influence or fraud, disagreements over the interpretation of estate planning documents, or questions about how an estate or trust is being administered.
Whether a will can be challenged depends on the facts of the situation and the applicable law. Simply disagreeing with the terms of a will is generally not enough. An attorney can review your circumstances and explain the legal issues that may apply.
Undue influence generally refers to situations in which someone is alleged to have improperly influenced another person’s decisions regarding estate planning. Whether it occurred depends on the evidence and the applicable legal standards.
Document your concerns and seek legal guidance before taking action. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances, explain the fiduciary’s legal responsibilities, and discuss the available options.
Deadlines can be short and depend on the state, the type of challenge, and the circumstances, such as when notice was given. Because missing a deadline can affect your rights, talk with an attorney as soon as possible.
Related
Supporting personal representatives, trustees, and families during estate or trust administration.
Creating or updating wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal documents.
Addressing long-term care, incapacity, Medicaid, and asset protection concerns.
Free resources
Free masterclass
Short classes on estate planning, long-term care, probate, and trust administration, presented by Pearson Bollman Law attorneys.
Free guide
A free guide to help you organize your information and prepare for a conversation about your plan.
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When questions arise about a will, trust, or estate administration, having clear legal guidance can make an important difference. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one’s wishes, the actions of a fiduciary, or the administration of an estate, Pearson Bollman Law can help you understand your options.
