You are facing one of the most stressful and emotionally charged legal battles imaginable: a hotly contested probate or trust dispute. Your family’s legacy, your rightful inheritance, or your duty as a trustee hangs in the balance. While many firms promise results, your immediate and most critical question is one of process and certainty: How does Gokal Law Group resolve a probate or trust case? See for yourself what makes us one of the leading California probate and trust litigation law firms.
How Does Gokal Law Group Resolve a Probate or Trust Case?
Our process for resolving a probate or trust case begins after the initial confrontation and moves strategically toward either a court-approved settlement or a successful trial verdict. Here is how Gokal Law Group resolves a probate or trust case in two phases:
- Phase 1: Preparation, Proof, and Process
- Phase 2: Strategic Resolution via Mediation
“In trust litigation, the decision to pursue mediation is often a strategic one. Mediation allows the parties to step outside the rigid structure of the courtroom and have a candid, guided discussion focused on resolution rather than prolonged conflict. It can significantly reduce legal costs, preserve family relationships, and lead to creative solutions that a court simply cannot impose. In many cases, mediation provides the most efficient path to a fair and lasting resolution,” said Anum Arshad, an Associate at Gokal Law Group who served as an Academic Fellow for Evidence at Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law and received the CALI Award for the highest grade in Securities Regulations. She was also the Production Editor of the Nexus Journal of Law and Policy.
Phase 1: Preparation, Proof, and Process
The foundation of our resolution strategy is thoroughness and expertise. We do not jump into mediation or trial prematurely. Our process ensures we have all the facts necessary to fully understand the situation and narrative and advocate for your rights:
- Initial Pleadings: We immediately engage with the court, either by filing the initial petition to start the case or by filing our response and objection to the opposing party’s claims.
- Extensive Discovery: Following initial filings, we conduct extensive discovery. This critical phase involves gathering all the necessary information, documents, and evidence from the opposing side and third parties.
- Understanding the Evidence: Only after discovery is complete do we feel we have enough information to understand the story and the evidence in support of the claims. This is the moment the case is truly ready for resolution attempts.
Related Article: What You Can Learn From Early Mediation
Phase 2: Strategic Resolution via Mediation
Once the foundation of evidence is complete, we assess if the case is “ripe for informal mediation.” This is our strategic first step toward resolution, leveraging a neutral expert to achieve a court-approved settlement for our client:
- Engaging a Private Mediator: We engage with the other side and come to a consensus to go before a private mediator.
- The Retired Judge Advantage: We typically utilize a retired judge as the mediator. This individual has the expertise and wherewithal to understand both sides and weigh the pros and cons and the strengths and weaknesses of the respective claims.
- The All-Day Session: This is typically an all-day mediation session. Our goal is to achieve a conclusive result that is in the absolute best interest of our client.
- Settlement Agreement: By the end of the day, we usually reach a settlement agreement to submit to the court for approval, officially resolving the dispute and protecting your inheritance.
“If the dispute does not resolve through private mediation, the case will proceed to trial. As seasoned trial attorneys, we are fully prepared to advocate for our client’s interests in court,” said Arshad.
Related Article: Why You Shouldn’t Turn Down the Opportunity to Mediate
Trial Readiness: Your Relentless Advocate
What happens if the other side is unreasonable, or if the case involves complex Trust Litigation Appeals? What if the matter doesn’t resolve at private mediation?
In these situations, the case usually needs to go to trial. This is where the Gokal Law Group’s commitment to fierce advocacy truly defines us. Unlike many firms that settle to avoid the courtroom, we are trial lawyers, and we’re always ready to go to battle in the courtroom for our clients.
Our knowledge of probate and trust law is backed by an unwavering ability to present your case successfully to a judge, guiding you through the complexities of litigation to achieve the final result you deserve.
Related Article: How Gokal Helps Clients Succeed in Litigation
Let Us Turn Conflict into Conclusion & Closure
So, how does Gokal Law Group resolve a probate or trust case? With a battle-tested and strategic two-pronged approach. Still, the question isn’t whether your probate or trust dispute can be resolved, but how quickly and decisively. You need a firm whose track record of success is a direct result of a clear, strategic process built on expertise, evidence, and courtroom readiness. Don’t let the clock run out on your rights or settle for less than your inheritance demands.
The path to a final resolution starts now. Contact Gokal Law Group today to schedule your consultation and secure the expert guidance your case requires.