Estate administration matters can vary widely. Sometimes, high-value and complex estate disputes require dispute resolution, court appearances, or litigation. Whether you’re an estate trustee, beneficiary, or estate representative, our estate litigation lawyers in Edmonton can provide you with cost-effective legal solutions suited to your needs.
Our Edmonton estate litigation lawyers know that estate litigation matters can get contentious. We also understand family dynamics that may be at play. For these reasons, we will explain your estate litigation claim to you every step of the way. For legal advice that represents your interests, contact Verhaeghe Law today to book a consultation with our team.
What is Estate Litigation in Edmonton?
Estate litigation is a formal legal proceeding that may follow after the loss of a loved one. It is the process of deciding how a deceased person’s estate will be divided between their family members and other important parties after their passing. While the deceased may have left a will indicating their wishes, disputes can often arise about who actually has rights to their estate. These disputes can be emotional and very personal to those involved. Having an unbiased and professional third party present throughout the process can be helpful.Â
The role of an estate litigation lawyer is to provide guidance and advice to beneficiaries and estate trustees on a variety of estate litigation matters, including:
- Will disputes
- Relief claims
- Capacity issues
- Will interpretation
- And more
Our team at Verhaeghe Law has the experience necessary to carefully investigate the legal details of wills and file petitions in court, if necessary. In addition, we can help your family navigate estate litigation proceedings in the absence of a will.
Types of Estate and Trust Disputes
Estate and trust disputes that require estate litigation occur in a variety of ways. This is why estate planning is extremely important. When you plan ahead, your loved ones and other relevant parties will have fewer opportunities to interject after you have passed away. If disputes do arise after the passing of an individual, legal recourse may be available to help.
Verhaeghe Law has experience assisting clients with a variety of estate litigation matters. These include:
- Passing of accounts
- Trust variations
- Guardianship matters
- Court applications
- Breach of duty or gross misconduct by executors
- Executor compensation
- Disputes involving the administration of an estate or trust
- Cross-border and multijurisdictional legal issues
- Challenges to wills
- Will and trust interpretations
- Dependent support and relief claims
- Defence of solicitor negligence
- Quantum merit claims
- Removing estate trustees/executors
- Incapacity claims
- Unjust enrichment
- Individuals left out of a will
- Appealing how assets are distributed
- Ascertaining the validity of a will
- Securing a copy of the will after death
- Dealing with family members when a will was changed or challenged before death
- Defending the division of assets
- Appealing the management of the funds of the estates
- Acting for third parties or interested parties not included in the will
- And more
Please note this list is not exhaustive, and our team is able to assist with all types of estate litigation matters. We can work to resolve your legal issues efficiently while protecting your rights.
How Can Our Edmonton Estate Litigation Lawyers Help You?
Estate, trust, and will disputes can be very complex areas of law that are accompanied by high emotion. This is especially true during times of grief after a loved one has passed away. Hiring an Edmonton estate litigation lawyer can help you keep your rights and interests protected. Whether you’re an executor, beneficiary, or another interested party, Verhaeghe Law lawyers can help you with:
- Legal Assessments: We will begin by carefully reviewing the details of your case and providing an honest assessment of your legal options. Whether you would like to contest a will, dispute the actions of an executor, or are seeking dependent support, we can help you understand your best course of action.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Whenever possible, our team strives to resolve estate litigation disputes through negotiation or mediation. This can save you time, money, and stress. Our lawyers are experienced negotiators who will work hard to help you pursue a fair resolution.
- Litigation Support: If your case proceeds to court, our Edmonton estate litigation lawyers can provide you with strong representation, advocating for your interests every step of the way. We are experienced litigators who understand how to build a compelling case in court.
- Open Communication: We believe in keeping our clients informed throughout the legal process. Our team will provide you with regular updates, answer any questions you have, and help prepare you for each stage of the litigation process.
Respecting the wishes of the deceased and their will is of the utmost importance to our team – that’s why, at Verhaeghe Law, we are eager to help your family and all beneficiaries reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.
Schedule a Consultation With our Edmonton Estate Litigation Lawyers Today
At Verhaeghe Law, our estate litigation lawyers in Edmonton can assist with a wide variety of estate litigation matters. We have been doing so since our firm was founded over 70 years ago. We understand just how sensitive these matters can be and look forward to lending our professional knowledge to you during difficult situations.Â
If you need immediate legal assistance from an Edmonton estate litigation lawyer, contact our firm today to book a consultation with a member of our team. You can reach us online or at our Edmonton office at (587) 410-2500. With offices in Edmonton, Athabasca, and Whitecourt, we’re ready to help clients throughout all of Alberta.