Areas of expertise
Probate Litigation
Navigating disputes over the administration of an estate or trust can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. At Carlile Patchen & Murphy, we guide clients through these sensitive matters with expertise and care. We vigorously protect our client’s interests and rights while resolving conflicts and challenges efficiently and effectively.
Trusted Probate Litigation Attorneysfor Complex Disputes
Estate disputes can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you are a claimant, defendant, guardian, trustee, administrator, or executor, our experienced probate litigation attorneys are here to protect your interests and provide strategic solutions.
At CPM, we combine legal expertise with a compassionate approach to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your probate matter with confidence.
Success Stories
Discover how CPM has successfully guided individuals, families, and fiduciaries through complex probate disputes. Whether resolving will contests, trust disputes, or fiduciary challenges, we are committed to protecting our clients’ interests through strategic advocacy, negotiation, and, when necessary, aggressive courtroom representation.
Explore our Success Stories to see how we’ve helped clients secure fair outcomes, preserve estates, and bring clarity to complex probate matters.
Success Story
Probate and Estate Administration for Complex Estate
The Problem
The family of a recently deceased business owner faced a complex probate process due to the size and nature of the estate, which included business assets, real estate, and investments.
Our Solution
Our attorney navigated the family through the probate process, ensuring compliance with legal and fiduciary duties, while also managing the administration of the deceased’s business interests. The estate was administered effectively and efficiently, with all assets distributed in accordance with the decedent’s wishes.
Success Story
Upholding Will Challenge Dismissal
The Problem
A wealthy individual passes away, leaving behind a will that distributes assets among family members and a charitable organization. A distant relative who was not included in the will decides to contest it, claiming that they should have been included as a beneficiary.
The Solution
The CPM attorney representing the wealthy individual prevailed before the Probate Court by showing the challenging party was not a person interested in the will and lacked standing to bring the challenge. The challenging party appealed the Probate Court’s Decision, which upheld the finding of summary judgment against the challenging party dismissing the will challenge.
Learn more about our Wills and Estate Planning services.
Success Story
Managing Business Assets and Multi-Generational Wealth
The Problem
Executors and trustees faced challenges in managing and administering complex family estates and trusts, including dealing with business assets and multi-generational wealth.
Our Solution
Our attorney guided estate and trust administration, assisting fiduciaries in navigating legal requirements, managing business assets, and distributing wealth according to the deceased’s wishes.
Fiduciaries successfully administered estates, ensuring compliance with legal obligations and fulfilling family members’ expectations for wealth distribution. Learn more about our Probate and Estate Administration Services.
What Is Probate Litigation?
Probate litigation involves legal disputes arising from administering estates, trusts, and guardianships. These conflicts often stem from disagreements over interpreting will and/or trust terms, incapacity, undue influence, duress, misappropriation, concealed assets, and fiduciary actions. Whether you are contesting or defending, our experienced attorneys will help you understand your options and advocate on your behalf.
Many of these disputes can be prevented with effective estate planning. Properly structured wills, trusts, and fiduciary designations help ensure your wishes are clearly defined and legally sound, reducing the likelihood of litigation.
Common Probate Disputes
At CPM, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of probate disputes, including:
- Will Contests: Challenges to the validity of a will based on allegations of undue influence, fraud, or lack of testamentary capacity.
- Trust Disputes: Issues involving the interpretation of trust terms, distribution of trust assets, or trustee misconduct.
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Claims against executors, administrators, or trustees who have failed to act in the best interests of beneficiaries.
- Guardianship Disputes: Disagreements over the appointment or actions of a guardian for a minor or incapacitated adult.
- Estate Mismanagement: Allegations of improper handling of estate assets, including embezzlement, asset concealment, improper inter vivos transfers, and failure to comply with probate laws. These actions can include such extreme measures as removing bad-acting executors, administrators, and trustees.
- Beneficiary Rights: Protecting the rights and interests of beneficiaries to receive their rightful inheritance under a will or trust.
Our Approach
CPM’s probate litigation attorneys understand no two cases are the same. We take a personalized approach to every matter, tailoring our strategies to meet your unique needs and circumstances. Our team is skilled in:
- Conducting thorough investigations to uncover relevant facts and evidence.
- Providing clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions.
- Negotiating settlements to minimize conflict and legal expenses when possible.
- Advocating vigorously to protect your rights and interests if litigation becomes necessary.
Why Choose CPM?
With decades of experience in probate and trust law, CPM is a trusted authority in resolving estate-related disputes. Our attorneys combine deep legal knowledge with a compassionate approach to help families navigate these challenging situations. We are committed to:
- Protecting your family’s assets and interests.
- Ensuring compliance with Ohio probate laws.
- Resolving disputes efficiently to reduce stress and costs.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are facing a probate dispute, don’t navigate it alone. Contact CPM today to schedule a consultation with one of our probate litigation attorneys. Let us provide the expert guidance you need to achieve a fair and favorable resolution.
How can we help you today?
Give us a call or send a message with any inquiries and legal questions.
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