Estate Litigation Lawyer in Buffalo
Extensive Courtroom Experience in New York Trust and Estate Litigation
We understand how challenging and frustrating trust and estate disputes can be, especially when large assets, businesses, and family members are involved. That's why our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you navigate these complex legal matters in the greater Buffalo, New York area.
Our Buffalo trust and estate litigation firm has extensive litigation and trial experience. We have a track record of success in resolving trust and estate disputes throughout the state of New York. We offer effective negotiation skills to help avoid the courtroom, and we are always ready to take your case to trial if necessary.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your trust or estate litigation matter in Buffalo, NY.
Who Do We Represent in Trust & Estate Litigation Matters?
We tend to represent executors and trustees in trust and estate disputes, but we also represent heirs, beneficiaries, and other interested parties.
We understand that trust and estate disputes can be challenging situations, especially when family members and loved ones are involved. That's why we urge you to rely on our skills and knowledge to help you navigate these legal matters.
What Types of Cases Have We Had Success With?
Our attorneys have successfully litigated cases involving will contests, trust disputes, accounting disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, spousal rights, beneficiary rights, fraudulent transfers, partition actions, power of attorney abuse, and disputes over claims to assets, including those involving business partners, private family companies, and creditors.
Our team of attorneys is here to provide effective legal representation and counsel to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
In addition to representing clients at trial, we frequently guide them through pre-litigation investigations, document review, and settlement negotiations so they understand the strengths and weaknesses of their position before making major decisions. For many families in Western New York, this can mean analyzing historical financial records, working with valuation professionals on business or real estate interests, and preparing affidavits or testimony that will be persuasive in Erie County Surrogate's Court. By taking this comprehensive approach, we can help you decide when to pursue a negotiated resolution and when it may be in your best interest to proceed with a contested hearing.
NY Trust and Estate Litigation Disputes in Buffalo
Our firm offers a range of services to help you resolve your trust and estate disputes in New York, including:
- Litigation of will contests based on undue influence, incompetence, and other grounds that would negate the will's validity.
- Trust dispute resolution, including challenges to the construction of the trust or the actions of a trustee.
- Representation in accounting disputes and/or breach of fiduciary duty by executors or trustees.
- Advocacy in spousal rights of election cases.
- Protection of beneficiary rights.
- Litigation of fraudulent transfers of assets by decedents due to undue influence.
- Partition actions of real estate in which jointly inherited property must be sold.
- Power of attorney abuse or disputes.
- Disputes over claims to assets, including those involving business partners, private family companies, and creditors.
- 1404 Proceedings
- 2211 Proceedings
These matters often move on strict court schedules, and missing a deadline or failing to raise an issue properly can affect your ability to protect an inheritance or defend against claims. When we handle a dispute, we work closely with clients to gather the documents, correspondence, and financial information needed to support their position and respond to discovery requests from the other side. Our knowledge of New York's Estates, Powers and Trusts Law and Surrogate's Court Procedure Act allows us to advise you on what relief may be available, whether you are seeking to challenge a fiduciary's conduct, defend the validity of a plan, or resolve complicated questions about ownership of particular assets.
Our Trust and Estate Litigation Process
When you are facing a trust or estate dispute, it helps to know what the process will look like from the first phone call to the resolution of your matter. We begin by carefully reviewing existing wills, trusts, accountings, and correspondence so we can give you a candid assessment of your position. For many clients in the Buffalo area, that review also includes looking at business records, real estate documents, and prior agreements that may affect how assets are distributed.
After the initial assessment, we will work with you to determine whether informal negotiations, mediation, or filing a petition is the best first step. Throughout the case, we keep you informed about what to expect at each stage--from discovery and examinations through potential settlement conferences and hearings. Our goal is to help you balance the financial and emotional costs of litigation against the value of the interests at stake so you can decide when to press forward and when a reasonable compromise might serve your long-term goals.
Secure legal assistance quickly by connecting with a trust & estate litigation attorney. Fill out our online form to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Trust or Estate Dispute in New York Usually Take?
The timeline for a trust or estate dispute depends on the issues involved, the number of parties, and the Erie County Surrogate’s Court schedule. Some disputes settle within a few months through negotiation or mediation, while contested matters involving wills, trusts, fiduciary misconduct, or complex assets may take a year or more. Working with Buffalo trust and estate litigation lawyers can help you navigate deadlines and move the matter forward efficiently.
What Should I Bring to My First Meeting in Buffalo About a Trust or Estate Dispute?
Bring copies of any wills, trusts, powers of attorney, court filings, financial statements, correspondence, and other documents related to the dispute. If real estate or business interests are involved, deeds, operating agreements, and ownership records may also be important. Meeting with a trust and estate litigation attorney in Buffalo is often more productive when you provide a timeline of key events and a list of involved parties.
Can a Dispute Be Resolved Without Going to Trial?
Yes. Many trust and estate disputes in New York are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or settlement conferences before reaching trial. Surrogate’s Courts often encourage parties to explore practical resolutions that protect beneficiaries while reducing costs and delays. Whether a settlement is possible depends on the facts, the parties’ willingness to compromise, and the legal issues involved. A trust & estate litigation lawyer can help evaluate available resolution options.
Do I Have a Deadline to Object to a Will or Accounting?
Yes. New York law imposes specific deadlines for objecting to a will offered for probate or challenging a fiduciary accounting. The applicable deadline often depends on the type of proceeding and when notice was provided. Because missing a filing deadline can significantly affect your rights, it is important to act promptly. Consulting with Buffalo trust and estate litigation attorneys can help you understand and protect your legal options.
What Is the Difference Between a Trustee and an Executor in New York?
An executor administers a deceased person’s estate under the terms of a will, while a trustee manages assets held in a trust according to the trust agreement. Both owe fiduciary duties to beneficiaries, but their responsibilities, authority, and reporting obligations differ. Disputes may arise when beneficiaries question how assets are managed or distributed. A trust and estate litigation lawyer in Buffalo can help evaluate concerns involving either role.
Contact Our Top-Rated Litigation Firm Today
Our track record speaks for itself, as we are regularly featured in the esteemed Super Lawyers® list and recognized in the prestigious Best Lawyers® and Best Law Firms® lists. Trust in our proven background and experience; we are dedicated to helping you pursue a favorable outcome in your case.
We have also been featured in numerous news outlets due to our work, including:
If you need help with a trust or estate dispute, consider reaching out to The Glennon Law Firm, P.C. for a consultation with one of our Buffalo trust and estate litigation attorneys.
If you are involved in a situation that may become litigious, call (585) 294-0303 to speak with an experienced attorney at our firm.
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