Estate Disputes & Contests Attorney In Chandler

An estate dispute in Arizona refers to a conflict or disagreement that arises during the administration or distribution of a deceased person's estate. It can involve challenges to the validity of a will, disputes over the interpretation of the will or trust, conflicts regarding the distribution of assets, allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, or disagreements over guardianship or conservatorship. Estate disputes in Arizona often require legal proceedings and may involve court intervention to resolve the issues and protect the rights and interests of the parties involved.

If you are dealing with an estate dispute, it is important to contact an experienced litigation attorney. When working with our law firm, you will have an experienced attorney who has 20+ years of experience in the court system that handles contested probate cases. Disputes can arise in the probate process, and it is important to have an experienced litigator by your side. We offer consultations to help you understand what your next steps need to be.

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What Clients Say
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By the time I retained Mr. Williams the case had already gone to trial, and I thought I had lost. He was successful at having the fees reduced by approximately $180,000!

JACQUIE O.
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I contacted Peter Williams the week discovery was due and three weeks before the trial. Within days he negotiated an agreement to participate in a settlement conference and to vacate the current dates for discovery and trial. Highly recommend this attorney if you are going anywhere near a courtroom.

TAMARA C
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I spoke with Peter Williams and he was very helpful in his guidance and advice. His consultation was nearly 30 minutes and was gracious, understanding, and empathetic. Good listener, gave me time to explain my entire situation before he commented. Great guy, I would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney who has experience and still cares about practicing law and justice vs. strictly making money.

JOHN G.

Important Factors To Know In An Estate Dispute

When dealing with an estate dispute or contest in Arizona, here are five important things to know:

  1. Understanding the Legal Process: Familiarize yourself with the legal process for estate disputes in Arizona. This includes knowing the relevant laws, rules, and procedures, such as the Arizona Revised Statutes Title 14 (Probate Code). Understanding the legal framework will help you navigate the dispute effectively.
  2. Valid Will and Testament: Determine whether the deceased person had a valid will in place. A valid will must meet certain requirements, such as being in writing, signed by the testator (the person making the will), and witnessed by at least two witnesses. If there are concerns about the validity of the will, consult an attorney to evaluate its authenticity.
  3. Grounds for Contesting a Will: Familiarize yourself with the grounds for contesting a will in Arizona. Common grounds include lack of testamentary capacity (the deceased person was not of sound mind when making the will), undue influence, fraud, duress, or improper execution of the will. Understanding the potential grounds for contesting a will will help you build a strong case.
  4. Timelines and Deadlines: Be aware of the timelines and deadlines involved in estate disputes in Arizona. There are specific time limits within which you must file a contest or challenge to a will. Failure to meet these deadlines may result in your claim being time-barred. Consult an attorney to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and comply with the legal requirements.\
  5. Seek Professional Legal Advice: Given the complexity of estate disputes, it is crucial to consult an experienced estate litigation attorney in Arizona. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances, help you understand your rights, and represent your interests in court if necessary. An attorney will ensure that you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in the dispute. Our firm has over 20 years of experience in probate and estate litigation and provides consultations to help you understand what your next steps need to be.

Most Common Reasons for an Estate Dispute & Litigation

Estate disputes in Arizona can occur for various reasons. It is important for you to understand the  possible reasons the estate you are involved with can be disputed. Here are some common scenarios that may lead to estate disputes in Arizona:

  • Will Contests: A will contest occurs when someone challenges the validity of the deceased person's will. The grounds for contesting a will can include allegations of undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, fraud, duress, or improper execution of the will.

  • Trust Disputes: Trust disputes can arise when beneficiaries or interested parties have concerns about the administration or management of a trust. This can involve allegations of breach of fiduciary duty by the trustee, mismanagement of trust assets, or disputes over the interpretation of the trust document.

  • Disputes over Asset Distribution: Conflicts may arise regarding how the deceased person's assets should be distributed among the beneficiaries. This can occur when there are ambiguities or inconsistencies in the will or trust document, or when there are competing claims from different individuals asserting their rights to the assets.

  • Guardianship and Conservatorship Disputes: In cases where the deceased person had minor children or adults needing protection, disputes can arise over the appointment of guardians or conservators. Family members may have differing opinions on who is best suited to fulfill these roles.

  • Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Estate disputes can also involve allegations of breach of fiduciary duty by an executor, personal representative, or trustee. This occurs when the person responsible for managing the estate or trust fails to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, mismanages assets, or engages in self-dealing.

Resolving estate disputes in Arizona typically involves court proceedings, such as filing a petition, presenting evidence, and arguing the case before a judge. It is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced estate litigation attorney in Arizona who can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and advocate on your behalf.

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Attorneys Office's legal team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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