Estate Litigation
Palo Alto Estate Litigation Attorney
Experienced Representation for Complex Estate Disputes
Estate disputes can be emotionally draining and financially significant, often affecting relationships, long-term plans, and a family’s sense of stability. When disagreements arise over a will, trust, conservatorship, fiduciary conduct, or the management of estate assets, knowledgeable representation becomes essential. Gilfix & La Poll offers strategic advocacy backed by decades of litigation experience, helping clients resolve conflicts efficiently while safeguarding their interests. Our Palo Alto estate litigation attorneys handle matters ranging from informal negotiations to aggressive courtroom litigation, depending on what a case requires.
Looking for a trusted Palo Alto estate planning attorney to help resolve a complex estate dispute? Call Gilfix & La Poll Associates LLP today at (650) 683-9200 or contact us online for guidance you can rely on.
What Is Estate Litigation?
Estate litigation refers to legal disputes involving the administration, distribution, or management of a person’s estate. These conflicts often emerge when beneficiaries question the validity of estate planning documents, disagree on asset distribution, or have concerns about how a trustee, executor, or conservator is handling their responsibilities. Some disputes arise from unclear instructions left by a loved one, while others stem from suspected misconduct, financial abuse, or significant losses to estate value.
The goal of estate litigation is to resolve these issues fairly—through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings—while protecting beneficiaries, honoring the intent of the deceased, and ensuring that fiduciaries fulfill their legal obligations.
Common Types of Estate Disputes We Handle
Our team manages a wide range of estate-related conflicts, focusing on matters where meaningful financial or personal interests are at stake. While every case is unique, the disputes we commonly address include:
- Questions about the validity of wills or trusts
- Concerns related to conservatorships or the appointment of a conservator
- Issues involving fiduciary conduct
- Disputes that result in financial losses to an estate or trust
- Conflicts involving real estate, insurance matters, or financial transactions connected to an estate
Each situation requires a tailored strategy, whether the objective is to protect vulnerable individuals, restore lost assets, or resolve disagreements between beneficiaries and fiduciaries.
How We Investigate Estate Disputes
Effective estate litigation begins with a thorough and methodical evaluation. Our approach combines legal analysis, financial review, and a deep understanding of family dynamics. Depending on the circumstances, we may:
- Review estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, amendments, and accountings
- Analyze financial records for mismanagement, discrepancies, or improper transactions
- Interview involved parties and witnesses to understand the history of the dispute
- Collaborate with financial and forensic experts to assess asset values or identify irregularities
- Evaluate fiduciary performance to determine whether responsibilities were fulfilled appropriately
This structured process allows us to identify strengths and weaknesses early, choose the right dispute resolution path, and build a compelling case when litigation becomes necessary.
Contact Our Palo Alto Estate Litigation Lawyer Today
Estate disputes require both legal skill and a steady, informed approach. Gilfix & La Poll provides representation rooted in decades of experience, with a litigation team led by Stephen Vernon, a Stanford Law School graduate with over 30 years of practice, and Cecelia Fusich, a seasoned trial attorney with more than two decades of experience. Together, they pursue justice in state and federal courts, arbitration, and administrative proceedings. Whether through negotiation or assertive litigation, our Palo Alto estate litigation attorneys work to protect client interests, restore stability, and pursue meaningful resolutions when the stakes are high.
Speak with an experienced Palo Alto estate planning attorney now to protect your rights and move your case forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Litigation
Why Choose Gilfix & La Poll Associates LLP?
Unparalleled Experience, Knowledge & Strategies
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Certified Specialists in Estate Planning & Elder Law
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Co-Founder of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys
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Pioneers in Elder Law & Estate Planning
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Hundreds of Millions of Clients' Dollars in Taxes Saved
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Thousands of Families in the Community Served
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Over 35 Years of Serving the Bay Area
Real People. Real Feedback.
Hear What Our Past Clients Have To Say
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