Experienced Representation In Probate Trials And Appeals
The last thing you want is a legal battle while you are grieving the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, disputes and lawsuits do arise, especially when the deceased left a sizeable estate or there are questions about the will.
Please contact me to explore your legal options. I can offer sound legal advice based on decades of experience in Connecticut probate and trust litigation. Whether you are asserting a probate claim or defending yourself or the estate, you need a trial lawyer who has handled similar scenarios many times before.
Will Contests And Probate Litigation
I have represented named heirs and beneficiaries, as well as family members who felt they were unfairly cut off from an expected inheritance. I also represent executors, trustees and court-appointed representatives who are caught up in estate-related disputes. In one recent case, the Law Offices of Mark F. Katz prevailed in a nine-day probate trial involving an $18 million estate. But you don’t need a multimillion-dollar case to benefit from my experience.
In 45-plus years of practice I have litigated every scenario involving wills, trusts and probated estates, such as:
- Fraud, forgery or undue influence over the person’s will
- Invalid will (not signed/witnessed or lack of testamentary capacity)
- Laws of intestacy (who inherits when the person died without a will)
- Defending the estate against lawsuits by creditors or other parties
- Breach of fiduciary duty in estate or trust administration
- Removal of an executor, trustee or guardian
Can You Appeal A Probate Court Decision?
A jury verdict or a judge’s ruling in an estate-related matter is usually – but not necessarily – the final word. Sometimes an adverse result of probate litigation can be appealed. However, the losing party cannot appeal simply because the outcome was unfavorable. There must be an error by the court or misconduct by a lawyer or fiduciary that was severe enough to change the result. I have had success challenging and defending probate trial decisions in state and federal appellate courts. My broad experience as a trial lawyer and my successful appellate track record enable me to identify grounds for appeal or to prepare arguments for upholding the trial court decision.
Reach Out To Me Today
The Law Offices of Mark F. Katz serves Stamford and the Gold Coast. We regularly represent estate representatives or heirs who live outside of Connecticut. Call me today at 203-357-9252 for a free 30-minute consultation to discover if I can help, or contact me online.