One of the primary reasons for creating a comprehensive estate plan is to reduce or eliminate the potential for disputes. Unfortunately, even the most carefully prepared plan is not completely foolproof. Conflicts may still arise during probate, over a power of attorney, or involving a living will. When these disputes occur, resolving them quickly is essential to protect both relationships and assets. One of the most effective ways to do this is by working with an attorney experienced in trust litigation in Roanoke.

At MichieHamlett, our attorneys handle a wide range of trust and estate disputes. We represent beneficiaries and heirs facing conflicts, as well as personal representatives and fiduciaries accused of wrongdoing. Our talented trusts attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and finding efficient solutions tailored to your situation.

Common Types of Roanoke Trust and Estate Disputes

There are numerous reasons disputes can arise related to some aspect of estate planning or probate. Some of the most common disputes we handle include:

  • People being left out of a will
  • People being included in a will that shouldn’t
  • Disputes over the amount of compensation that the executor should receive
  • Disputes over how the will was drafted
  • Disputes related to fraud
  • Will challenges due to lack of capacity or undue influence
  • Disputes over distribution, administration, or management of a trust
  • Challenges over executor’s duties
  • Disputes over lack of formal accounting
  • Requests to have executor or trustee removed
  • Lawsuits related to non-probate assets such as insurance policies, joint bank accounts, etc.
  • Power of attorney disputes
  • Request to modify or terminate a trust

As you can see, disputes that fall under trust and estate litigation are wide-ranging. You should not attempt to handle any one of these disputes independently. Instead, contact our skilled team of Roanoke trust and estate litigation lawyers who can help.

Resolving Estate Litigation Disputes

Unfortunately, disputes are inevitable in these situations. However, whenever emotions and money are involved, people can change. Not all disputes and conflicts are selfish or greedy in nature.

In some cases, interested parties have legitimate concerns about the deceased being taken advantage of. That often leads to challenging a will because of undue influence. Older people are easier victims for unscrupulous people looking to latch on to someone they can take advantage of. Sometimes, it’s other family members, but many other times it’s healthcare workers or newer friends the deceased made. These people coerce the victim into changing their will later in life, writing out close family members in favor of the undue influencer.

Proving undue influence is hard but not impossible. You need a skilled Roanoke trust and estate litigation lawyer who understands how these cases work. If you believe a loved one was taken advantage of by another family member, health care worker, or another person in a trusted position, let us help.

Contact a Roanoke Trust and Estate Litigation Lawyer

Disputes involving trusts, wills, powers of attorney, or advance directives can be difficult to resolve and may drain the estate’s assets if left unresolved. Trying to handle these matters on your own can also create additional complications. With experienced legal guidance, however, you can work toward faster and more effective solutions.

At MichieHamlett, our attorneys have extensive experience handling trust litigation in Roanoke. We are committed to protecting your rights and resolving disputes as efficiently as possible. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.