Our attorneys represent individuals, families, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries in complex disputes involving estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
We are experienced in navigating contested proceedings in probate courts and, when necessary, pursuing or defending related claims in civil courts. Our team combines meticulous factual investigation with sophisticated legal strategy to protect our clients’ rights and financial interests.
Trust and estate controversies often involve significant assets, intricate family dynamics, and complex business interests. Our team provides the depth and support of a full-service business law firm, combining seasoned litigation attorneys with specialists in estate planning, tax, real estate, family business matters, and many other areas to deliver comprehensive, strategic advice.
Whether seeking to enforce the true intentions of a decedent, defend against unfounded claims, or hold fiduciaries accountable, we provide practical, results-oriented representation tailored to each client’s objectives.
Services
Our attorneys handle a wide range of probate-related controversies, including:
- Will contests
- Trust disputes
- Breach of fiduciary duty actions
- Accounting disputes
- Removal of personal representatives or trustees
- Guardianship and conservatorship litigation
- Disputes among heirs and beneficiaries
- Estate and trusts interpretation matters
Representative Matters
- Advised fiduciaries on how to make adequate disclosures, exercise their duties under the estate planning documents, and protect and preserve the estate from disgruntled beneficiaries.
- Represented corporate fiduciaries in trust and estate administration, including where beneficiaries threaten or file petitions contesting the administration.
- Advised beneficiaries on their rights under the Michigan Trust Code, Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code, and the operative estate planning documents.
- Prevailed in a contested hearing for appointment of a personal representative, which ensured preservation and protection of the decedent’s wishes.
- Recovered dismissal and sanctions against a former partner who challenged the settlor’s testamentary wishes set forth in his estate plan.
- Defended a fiduciary and the fiduciary’s accounting against the claims of family member.
- Defended corporate entities and family businesses intertwined in estate and trust administration matters.
- Pursued fiduciaries for breaches of fiduciary duties related to their management and investment of trust assets within family businesses.
- Pursued fiduciaries for breaches of duties related to their discretionary duties and obligations under the operative agreement.
- Protected and prosecuted the rights of beneficiaries, including spouses and children disinherited.
- Prosecuted claims of undue influence and lack of testamentary capacity.
- Challenged and defended claims for attorney fees related to the administration of a trust and estate.
- Obtained guardianship and conservatorship for individuals in need of protection.
- Petitioned the courts for instruction about a fiduciary’s duties and obligations.