If you need help with a will, estate or trust problem, we are here for you.
Dealing with these issues can be emotionally draining and complicated. Hobbs Giroday’s lawyers have over 70 years of combined experience helping individuals and families overcome these obstacles.
If you need assistance, your matter likely falls under one of three practice areas:
- Estate/Trust Litigation;
- Estate Administration; and
- Estate Planning.
Estate/Trust Litigation
Estate litigation is a complex area of law that is often financially driven and emotionally charged. As a result, estate litigators require a unique skillset that combines determined focus and creativity in mediation and negotiation as well as a meticulous understanding of estate law and family dynamics. Hobbs Giroday prides itself on embodying these characteristics and consistently delivering exceptional results to our clients. We can assist individuals with estate disputes that involve:
- Unequal inheritance/disinheritance of spouse or child
- Coercion or undue influence of the deceased
- Lack of capacity
- Contesting a gift
- Challenging an executor
- Validity of Will or Trust
- Collapsing a Trust
- Unjust enrichment
- Committeeship applications/disputes
- Misuse of power of attorney or representation agreement
Estate Administration
Before an executor can perform his or her appointed role, the will must be proven as the last will of the deceased. Probate is the process of proving the will and ensuring that the estate is transferred in an orderly manner. If a deceased does not leave a will, or there is a will but the executor is unwilling or unable to act, then an individual, usually the spouse or child of the deceased, must apply for a grant of administration. These processes are similar but not identical.
Applying for probate or a grant of administration involves important duties such as inventorying property and paying off the deceased’s debts. If you have been appointed as the executor, or you wish to apply for a grant of administration, consulting with one of our lawyers will help simplify the process and ensure your compliance with all legal requirements.
Estate Planning
Hobbs Giroday does not currently offer estate planning services. However, our lawyers work closely with leading accountants and estate planning lawyers and are happy to connect you with the most suitable professional for your estate planning needs.