Individuals with substantial assets are turning more frequently to the use of a trust instrument in addition to or in place of a will. A trust is a document where a person or entity (the trustee) manages the property of another (the trustor). Trust instruments can be created while the trustor is alive (an irrevocable or living trust) or substitute for a will (a revocable trust) to provide for the distribution of assets upon death. Like a will, the validity of a trust may be contested. Additionally, the trustee appointed to oversee the trust may be sued for improper accounting and trust mismanagement.

At Sacks, Glazier, Franklin & Lodise, we specialize in trust litigation. Our significant experience in this area includes litigating on behalf of large trust beneficiaries as well as defending trust fiduciaries.

Our offices are located in downtown Los Angeles, and we handle litigation throughout California.

We represent clients in a variety of trust actions:

• trust contests;
• beneficiary claims;
• the validity of trusts (fraud, duress, undue influence, coercion, lack of capacity, proper trust formation, divining the trustor’s intent);
• trust reformation
• representation of trustees;
• accounting of trust finances;
• breach of a fiduciary duty; and
• trust misappropriation/mismanagement.

Sacks, Glazier, Franklin & Lodise attorneys represent individual beneficiaries, charitable organizations, and educational institutions in a diverse range of actions related to trust litigation. Our lawyers also represent individual and corporate trustees in complex trust-related disputes, including matters involving accounting, and claims of trust mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duty.

If you have an interest in a trust, as a beneficiary or a trustee, contact one of the experienced attorneys at Sacks, Glazier, Franklin & Lodise to discuss your case and set up an appointment.