Proven Ponte Vedra Lawyers Offer Conscientious Legal Support in Trust & Estate Disputes

Knowledgeable Florida lawyers resolve probate and trust litigation matters

When there is disagreement over a deceased person’s property, complicated legal disputes can occur. At T. Ryan Williams Law Group in Ponte Vedra, we do not shy away from taking the action needed to protect our clients’ interests and represent individuals in Northeast and Central Florida in a diverse range of trust and probate litigation matters. Our clients can be confident that they will receive the clarity and guidance they need to understand the legal process and benefit from our many years of experience successfully litigating these types of cases. Whether there are claims that a trustee withheld disbursements, a will is invalid or a guardian breached a fiduciary duty, we will determine the best path forward and address all your legal concerns.

What are fiduciary duties and who do they apply to?

Trustees, personal representatives and guardians are fiduciaries, which means they have a legal duty to act solely in the best interest of the people and property they are appointed to protect. Failing to do so can subject them to legal liability. Examples of a breach of fiduciary duty include:

  • Self-dealing, such as selling an asset to a friend for less than market value
  • Excessive or unreasonable compensation
  • Ill-advised or reckless investments

It is important that heirs and beneficiaries understand their rights, and that trustees, personal representatives and guardians know their legal obligations to avoid issues. We will thoroughly investigate your concerns to determine your legal options.

Can the validity of a trust or will be challenged?

Heirs and beneficiaries often have expectations about the share they should receive, and if they receive less, or nothing at all, they may file a lawsuit to contest the legitimacy of the trust or will. The legal claims commonly asserted in these cases are:

  • Undue influence — The person making the trust or will was persuaded into including terms against their natural interests by someone in a position of control and trust.
  • Lack of capacity — At the time of execution, the person making the will or trust did not have the mental capacity to understand the nature of the document, the extent of their property or who should receive it.

These cases are frequently complex and emotionally charged, and we will advocate for an efficient and just outcome.

What rights do beneficiaries have under Florida law?

Beneficiaries to an estate have rights under Florida law to protect their interests in the management and distribution of the estate’s assets. These include:

  • Right to receive notice of probate proceedings
  • Right to an inventory and accounting of assets
  • Right to contest accounting
  • Right to the fair market value of estate assets

Without proper management, these cases can take years, and we will use our best efforts to bring about an efficient resolution.

Contact a reputable Florida law firm today schedule a free initial consultation

At T. Ryan Williams Law Group, we work diligently to get clients the results they deserve and represent individuals across Northeast and Central Florida in probate and trust litigation matters. Please call 904-930-4100 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Ponte Vedra office.