Probate Law
Will Contests and Inheritance Disputes
At Shambaugh, Kast, Beck & Williams, LLP, we have been defending our clients' rights in probate litigation for more than 30 years. Whatever the nature of your Indiana probate dispute, lawyers from our firm have handled similar problems. We have the experience and skill to help you.
We represent trust and will beneficiaries, guardianship wards and power of attorney principals. If you feel that you have not received the assets coming to you in a will or trust, or that your designated agent has committed a breach of fiduciary duty, we will do everything possible to make sure your interests are represented and that justice is obtained in your case. We have a proud history of probate litigation in Indiana. Our clients trust us to get the job done right the first time, efficiently and ethically.
Indiana Lawyers Probate Disputes
Probate disputes arise in contexts that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, guardianships and other agency relationships. We provide focused, experienced litigation services for many different probate issues, including:
Will Contests
For a will to be considered valid, it must be executed by someone who possesses the mental capacity to understand the various aspects of the will itself, and who is free from coercion and undue influence to make the decisions necessary in the will. It is common for a will to be contested on the grounds of lack of capacity or undue influence.
Claims Against Estate and Trust Administrators or Executors
If something appears suspicious in the administration of an estate or trust, potential beneficiaries and creditors can bring claims of willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty or fraud.
Claims Against an Attorney in Fact or Guardian
As agents, guardians and attorneys-in-fact under powers of attorney are bound to act honestly and in their agents' best interests at all times. If you are a ward under a guardian or principal in power of attorney, and you think your guardian or attorney-in-fact has breached the fiduciary duty, misused your funds or otherwise took advantage of the position of trust, contact us.
When extraordinary estate administration issues arise, our attorneys focus on finding efficient, amicable solutions. Whenever possible, we try to solve the dispute through mediation or other non-litigious means. When the dispute cannot be resolved in that manner, however, our Fort Wayne probate litigation lawyers are fully equipped and prepared to fight for your interests in court.
To get the help you need with a will dispute or other form of probate litigation, contact us to schedule an initial consultation with one of our Indiana probate litigation attorneys.