San Antonio Probate Litigation Lawyer Representing Fiduciaries
Bexar County Contested Estates Attorney for Executors, Estate Administrators, and Trustees
Overseeing a person's final affairs can be a complex, time-consuming, and stressful task. In many cases, a family member or friend will serve in the role of the executor of an estate or the trustee of a trust to ensure that their loved one's wishes will be carried out correctly. However, because a person will have control over the decedent's property and assets, the actions they take may be placed under a great deal of scrutiny. If other parties believe that a person has acted inappropriately, they may pursue probate or estate litigation to address these issues.
In matters involving contested estates, those who are considered fiduciaries may need to defend against challenges to the validity of a will, or they may need to address claims that they have taken actions that went against the decedent's wishes. Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law provides legal representation for beneficiaries in these cases, helping them take the proper steps to address these issues, respond to litigation, and ensure that they will be able to resolve matters in ways that respect the desires of their loved one while protecting the rights of others who may be involved. With over 15 years of experience in these and other legal matters, Geoff can offer strong representation during probate litigation and ensure that these cases are resolved correctly.
Representation for Fiduciaries in Contested Estates
Anyone who acts on behalf of someone else to manage their financial affairs or protect their interests is considered a fiduciary. During litigation involving wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents, interested parties may take legal action against a fiduciary such as an estate administrator or trustee. Litigation may address issues such as:
- The distribution of assets - Beneficiaries may claim that an executor or estate administrator failed to carry out their duties correctly. They may believe that the decedent's assets were valued incorrectly or that property was not distributed according to the terms of their will or the laws of intestate succession. Creditors who have a claim against the estate may also take legal action to recover debts owed by the decedent.
- The management of a trust - A trustee may be accused of using the assets in a trust improperly, such as by failing to properly invest assets prudently or failing to distribute the assets to beneficiaries as required. In some cases, beneficiaries may attempt to hold a trustee personally liable for actions that resulted in financial losses or for using assets for their own benefit.
- The validity of a will - A person's heirs may contest a will on the grounds of undue influence, claiming that a person manipulated their loved one into making decisions that were contrary to what they actually wanted. In many cases, these claims will involve a person who had a fiduciary relationship to the decedent, such as a family member who helped them manage their financial affairs.
- The decisions made by a person with power of attorney - If a person is named as an agent who is authorized to make medical or financial decisions on someone else's behalf, other parties may accuse them of making improper decisions or failing to follow the person's wishes.
Contact Our San Antonio Estate Litigation Attorney
Fiduciaries who are involved in probate, estate, or trust litigation may need to take steps to protect their own rights and interests while also ensuring that their loved one's wishes are being followed. Attorney Geoff Mayfield can provide representation in these cases, ensuring that fiduciaries are prepared to address these issues correctly. Contact our office and arrange a free consultation by calling 210-535-0870. We provide legal help for fiduciaries in Del Rio, San Marcos, Hondo, Kendall County, Frio County, Laredo, Seguin, Comal County, Bexar County, Guadalupe County, Kerrville, Wilson County, Blanco County, Atascosa County, Boerne, Medina County, San Antonio, and New Braunfels.