Minnesota Lawyers Helping Resolve Trust Disputes
In many ways, trust disputes are similar to probate disputes. The same range of emotion can rise in connection with trust disputes as are frequently present in probate disputes. Both involve questions of inheritance; both may involve issues of undue influence, lack of capacity and other grounds for challenge. At the same time, there are important differences. Probate matters always involve court involvement to one degree or another. Trusts, on the other hand, frequently, do not involve court supervision. Someone involved in a legal dispute over a trust, or someone contemplating a lawsuit over the provisions of a trust, should consult an attorney who understands the complexities and costs of trust litigation.
Experienced Trust Litigation Attorneys
At the St. Paul, Minnesota, law firm of Rodney J. Mason, Ltd., the attorneys advise and advocate for clients in trust litigation. If they are unable to resolve a dispute with informal discussions or through alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation or arbitration, they represent clients aggressively in court. The firm's founder, attorney Rodney J. Mason, has nearly 30 years of experience handling estate litigation and uses that experience to advise and represent clients in a cost-sensitive and effective manner.
Common Questions to Ask
When clients seek to begin trust litigation, the firm's lawyers walk them through the process so that they know exactly what will happen and what they are likely to gain. Clients respond to questions such as:
- What are your goals?
- What is the basis for your dispute?
- Is the benefit worth the financial and emotional costs?
The answers to these questions help clients make informed decisions about moving forward with trust litigation. They also help clients step back from what is often a highly emotional situation and analyze the matter more objectively.
Issues in Trust Litigation
The firm has handled trust litigation arising from issues such as these:
- Fiduciary issues, including whether the trustee engaged in self-dealing, invested the assets prudently, made a proper effort to save administrative costs and taxes, followed the instructions in the trust instrument, charged excessive fees or committed fraud
- Questions regarding the trust itself, including whether the trust or had the capacity to execute the trust, whether the document was properly signed or whether the trust was a product of undue influence
- Disputes between generations that often center on issues such as preferential treatment favoring future heirs over current family members
Contact Us
To learn more about trust disputes, contact Rodney J. Mason, Ltd. The firm's attorneys serve clients in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and beyond. Call 651-323-2548 or 877-389-5533 (toll free) to set up an appointment. Spanish- and German-speaking clients are encouraged to call.
