Trusted Litigators Resolving Legal Disputes Throughout Southern California Since 2005
A Responsive Firm Resolving Legal Disputes With An Innovative Edge
We have integrated advanced technologies, including AI, in our firm’s operations to ensure efficiency and responsiveness. This means estate planning firms seeking our services in probate disputes will never have to endure the long waits associated with our competitors. With us, you are guaranteed prompt replies, ensuring you are always informed and supported. Taking this approach ensures our clients receive the attentive support they need and deserve without the excessive costs.
In addition to our experienced lawyers, our support staff, from paralegals to administrative professionals, are meticulously selected for their profound capabilities, matching the high standards of our attorneys. This harmonious blend of skill and technology makes The Estate Lawyers, APC, a modern choice for discerning clients seeking effective legal solutions.
Estate Disputes We Litigate
Estate Litigation
Financial Elder Abuse
Litigation Representation For Estate Planning Firms
At The Estate Lawyers, APC, we work exclusively with estate planning firms that need us to litigate legal disputes involving elder abuse, trust administration, will and trust contests, trust litigation, probate and estate administration, and conservatorships.
As tenacious litigators, we thrive in the courtroom and in probate situations. Our skilled attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience to each legal challenge. Attorneys Amy L. Gostanian and Bradley R. Kirk are board certified in Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California. They have represented firms in over 100 trials and use their extensive expertise in collaborating with each member of our legal team to ensure that each case is given the attention it deserves.
Client Testimonials
“I don’t trust 90 percent of attorneys forever. I trust Ryan. My issue has been going on for nine years. I finally have traction and intend to prevail. After a court action in the New Year I will hire Ryan for the new actions.
Finally a real not full of it Firm.”
“I am writing to commend Lauren for the excellent customer service she provided to me. The self-initiative she showed and the prompt, considerate follow-up communications through-out the process were greatly appreciated. She represents an asset to your team and deserves recognition for her professionalism.”
“The firm is passionate about representing their clients. They are top notch litigators who fight for their clients.”
“I have observed the members of this firm hold the highest of standards for the way they treat their clients. They have taken the time to understand a client’s problem, and help them get to a better place. It is wonderful to see a law firm that takes the time to plan how they will do that successfuly year after year. Amazing!”
Latest News
Actress Anne Heche Died Without a Will, Son Tries to Settle $4.1M in Claims
The probate proceedings and the resulting complexities of administering actress Anne Heche’s estate stress, once again, the importance of having a professionally crafted estate plan. Such a plan, including a trust, ensures a smoother process and efficient transfer of assets to beneficiaries. The actress died in 2022 without a will. Her estate faces more than $4 million in claims.
Winning Attorneys’ Fees with Cost of Proof Sanctions
When a party denies a Request for Admission (RFA) and loses at trial, they might end up paying more than just court costs. Under California’s CCP § 2033.420, litigants can recover attorneys’ fees through cost of proof sanctions. This post explores how strategic use of RFAs can shift the financial burden in litigation—and highlights key cases where courts awarded fees for unjustified denials.
Caregiver’s Effort to Replace Trustor’s Daughter as Beneficiary Thwarted
The California Court of Appeals has overturned a probate court decision that had favored an elderly man’s caregiver over the rightful trustee and beneficiary, his daughter. The case centers on the validity of trust amendments and the strategic use of lis pendens, i.e., constructive notice of a lawsuit that affects possession of real property. This ruling reinforces the need to protect clients, particularly vulnerable people, against undue influence, and ensure that there is a source for potential recovery with the procedural safeguards provided by a lis pendens. Clients can feel more secure knowing that the law presumes transfers to caregivers are scrutinized for potential fraud, and that beneficiaries have a stronger legal standing to challenge suspicious amendments to trusts.
