Probate & Estate Litigation

Under the leadership of a State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, the trust and estate attorneys at Schlecht, Shevlin & Shoenberger represent clients in Palm Springs and throughout the Coachella Valley in probate and trust administration and related litigation. 

Probate Administration

Probate refers to the process where a court oversees the administration of a deceased person's estate.  The purpose of probate administration is to ensure that any final debts and expenses of the decedent are paid, including any taxes owed, and any remaining assets are distributed to the beneficiaries named in the decedent's will.  If the decedent died without a will, or "intestate," the decedent's estate will be distributed to the decedent's heirs as defined under California's laws governing intestate succession.

Our attorneys have considerable experience in probate administration, particularly with the administration of complex estates, including estates involving an ongoing business entity; estates with significant assets, including multiple interests in real property; and estates involving assets in several states.

Trust Administration

Our attorneys offer complete trust administration services, advising clients on a myriad of issues including the trustee's duties, powers and standards; accounting and recordkeeping requirements; management and investment of trust assets; creditor's rights against trusts and beneficiaries; trustee compensation and attorney's fees; and subtrust funding.   We also advise clients regarding income, gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, and represent clients in connection with estate and gift tax audits before the Internal Revenue Service.

Probate, Trust & Estate Litigation

In the event a dispute arises during the course of an administration of an estate, our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and advocacy skills to successfully represent our clients' interests.  Our areas of representation include:

• Challenges regarding the validity of a will, including allegations of lack of testamentary capacity, fraud, coercion, undue influence, or improper execution
• Representation of executors, trustees, and conservators
• Claims by beneficiaries
• Will and trust contests
• Family disputes
• Claims of breach of fiduciary duty
• Disputes over estate management
• Disputes over accountings

Seek Experienced Legal Representation

Serving as the personal representative of a decedent's estate involves many fiduciary duties and responsibilities.  It is important to seek the guidance and representation of an experienced attorney.  Contact Schlecht, Shevlin & Shoenberger to schedule a consultation.