Legal Guidance for Trusts & Wills
Navigating the Aftermath of the Eaton Fires
The devastation of the Eaton Fire has left many families grappling with the loss of their homes, businesses, schools, and life. Legal disputes over trusts and wills can add to the emotional and financial strain during these difficult moments. At Gokal Law Group, we are dedicated to guiding you through these complex issues with compassion and expertise.
Lost Wills & Will Disputes
What can you do if a will is lost or destroyed?
The fire destroyed important documents, including wills and trusts, creating significant legal challenges. Without a will, California’s intestacy laws determine asset distribution, but these may not reflect the deceased’s true intentions. If you’re a beneficiary facing a will dispute due to a lost will, acting promptly to protect your rights is crucial. If a trust or will has been lost or destroyed, don’t lose hope—there are steps you can take to protect your loved one’s wishes.
Gather Information
Start by gathering any copies, emails, or notes that reference the document, as these may provide guidance as to your loved one’s testamentary intent.
Receive Attorney Guidance
We’ll help you explore legal avenues, such as reconstructing the will through witness testimony or pursuing court proceedings.
Find Your Solution
While this situation may feel overwhelming, with the right support, you can navigate the process and honor your loved one’s intentions with a solution that works for you and your family.Trust Property Loss & Beneficiary Rights
When trust property is lost or damaged in a disaster like the Eaton Fire, beneficiaries and trustees alike may face uncertainty about their rights and responsibilities. Issues such as insurance claims, property valuation, and trust administration can become complex, requiring careful legal guidance. Trustees must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries while ensuring compliance with the trust’s terms and applicable laws.
Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate these challenges, from assessing damage and filing claims, to determining how losses impact distributions. Whether you are a trustee seeking to fulfill your fiduciary duties or a beneficiary concerned about your inheritance, we are here to provide clarity and legal support.
Let us help you ensure that the trust is managed appropriately and that beneficiaries receive what they are entitled to under the law.
Isolation After the Fire & Undue Influence
In the aftermath of a devastating fire, survivors—especially elderly or vulnerable individuals—may find themselves isolated due to displacement, loss of their home, or reliance on caregivers or family members for support. Unfortunately, such situations can create opportunities for undue influence, where a person is pressured or manipulated into making changes to their will or trust that do not reflect their true intentions.
Undue influence can be difficult to detect, but may include:
- Sudden and unexplained revisions to estate planning documents
- Unexpected changes in beneficiaries
- The exclusion of long-standing heirs
What Our Clients Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trust litigation for nonprofits?
Nonprofit trust litigation refers to situations in which a nonprofit organization has been made the beneficiary of an estate and is due to receive a bequeathment or endowment; however, there are other parties who dispute the trust and spur legal proceedings. In some cases, these disputes are solved in mediation between the beneficiaries, but sometimes they go before a court.
What is our risk if we don’t hire lawyers?
If you don’t work with a lawyer who specializes in nonprofit trust litigation, you may risk losing some or all of the bequeathment that’s been left for you. Furthermore, trust administration may be a complicated process, especially when estate disputes erupt, and without experienced legal representatives you may be at a serious disadvantage in court proceedings.
How can we justify the expense of litigation? We’re not a billion-dollar nonprofit.
Gokal Law Group offers a free consultation with one of our attorneys to determine if nonprofit trust litigation makes sense for you. After reviewing your case and discussing your financial circumstances, we will advise you on next steps to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
At what point should we get a legal team involved in the process?
You should hire legal counsel as soon as you’ve been informed that your non-profit will be a beneficiary of a trust or will. nonprofit trust attorneys will make sure that your organization is represented in all crucial proceedings and that the estate is being fairly administered.
Get Compassionate Legal Support
At Gokal Law Group, our commitment to our clients is driven by empathy and a relentless pursuit of justice.
We understand the emotional toll that trust and estate disputes can take, especially in the wake of a disaster. Our team is here to provide the support and legal expertise you need to navigate these challenges effectively.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in resolving trust and estate disputes following the Eaton Fire.
Fill out the form to get started.
Learn More About Trust Litigation
If Property is in a Trust, Can it be Sold?
A trust holds more than funds and assets; it holds your family’s legacy. As a result, a trustee has considerable influence over the story of this legacy, and their actions ripple across generations. When trustees sell property, it is normal
What Happens if One Sibling Doesn’t Want to Sell the House We Inherited?
Suppose you and a sibling recently inherited a house from a parent but have reached a stalemate when determining what to do with it. In that case, it is normal to feel frustrated—like your path to gaining closure from this