A Heggstad Petition can be an important legal tool for beneficiaries or successors who need a court order to transfer assets into a trust when title to those assets was not properly conveyed during the settlor’s lifetime. At the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman, we advise clients in Seal Beach and Orange County about when a Heggstad Petition may be appropriate and how it can help finalize trust administration. This introduction explains basic concepts, common scenarios, and what property types are most often involved, including real estate, bank accounts, and retirement assets, so you can decide whether to seek legal guidance.
Understanding when to pursue a Heggstad Petition often begins with reviewing the trust documents and the asset transfer history. Many families discover after an estate holder dies that certain assets were intended to be in the trust but remain titled in the decedent’s name or are otherwise not properly assigned. In these cases a Heggstad Petition asks the court to recognize that certain transfers were meant to be trust transfers. This paragraph outlines the general process and sets expectations for timelines, potential costs, and the types of proof commonly used to support a petition in California courts.
Pursuing a Heggstad Petition provides a formal legal path to correct funding omissions and align asset ownership with the decedent’s documented intentions. When successful, the petition allows trustees and beneficiaries to obtain clear title, transfer property into the trust, and complete administration tasks without prolonged litigation over ownership. This remedy helps preserve estate plans and can prevent delays that jeopardize estate distributions or property sales. The process can also protect beneficiaries from creditor claims and allow proper management of assets during probate avoidance efforts, helping families move forward with final estate steps in a structured legal framework.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists clients from initial consultation through courtroom proceedings when necessary, focusing on practical, document-driven solutions for estate administration matters, including Heggstad Petitions. We emphasize clear communication, careful review of trust paperwork, and methodical preparation of supporting evidence such as declarations, deeds, and account records. Our approach is to help families resolve funding oversights while minimizing conflict and delay. We serve clients across Orange County and provide personalized attention to each matter, explaining options and likely outcomes so clients can make informed decisions during a sensitive time.
A Heggstad Petition is a petition filed in superior court in California to request an order recognizing that a particular asset was intended to be held in a trust even though title was never formally transferred. This legal remedy addresses situations where a revocable living trust exists but certain assets remained in the decedent’s name. The petition asks the court to declare that the asset should be treated as trust property, enabling the trustee to control or distribute it according to the trust terms. Understanding the legal basis and evidentiary requirements is essential to build a persuasive filing and to avoid unnecessary litigation.
The court examines the trust documents, surrounding circumstances, and supporting evidence when evaluating a Heggstad Petition. Proof commonly includes declarations from those involved in estate planning, copies of the trust and related estate planning documents, correspondence or notes showing intent, and any partial actions taken toward transferring the property. The goal is to show that the decedent intended a transfer to the trust and took some steps or manifested intent to fund the trust, even if the transfer was not completed. This process helps bring asset titles and trust terms into alignment for administration.
A Heggstad Petition is named after a California case establishing that courts may order transfer of assets into a trust despite imperfect title when clear intent is demonstrated. It functions as a corrective measure to carry out the decedent’s wishes when paperwork is incomplete. The petition requests judicial recognition that the asset was effectively part of the trust or should be treated as such. It is often used alongside other estate administration steps to allow trustees to manage, sell, or distribute property without full probate, and can streamline closure of the estate by removing clouds on title caused by administrative oversights.
A successful Heggstad Petition typically requires establishing four primary elements: the existence of a valid trust, clear evidence of the decedent’s intent to transfer the asset to the trust, some act or omission indicating an attempt or intent to transfer, and a proposed order that serves the trust’s administration. The process generally involves gathering documentary evidence, preparing declarations, drafting the petition and proposed order, filing with the appropriate court, and serving interested parties. Parties may respond or stipulate, and the court may hold a hearing before issuing an order that clarifies ownership and directs trustees to record or retitle assets as needed.
This glossary explains common terms encountered in Heggstad Petition matters, helping clients and family members better understand pleadings and court orders. Familiarity with terms such as trust, trustee, settlor, transfer on death, deed, beneficiary, and declaration will make it easier to participate in the process and to provide necessary documents and statements. Clear communication and a basic understanding of these key concepts reduce confusion and help speed the path to resolving title issues so the trust administration can proceed smoothly toward asset distribution and closure.
A trust is a legal arrangement in which one person transfers legal title to property to another person or entity to hold and manage for the benefit of named beneficiaries according to the trust terms. Trusts can be revocable or irrevocable and serve to manage assets during life and after death, often allowing for probate avoidance, privacy, and more controlled distributions. For Heggstad Petitions, the existence of a trust and the settlor’s intent to fund that trust are central to the court’s analysis when deciding whether to recognize an asset as belonging to the trust despite imperfect title.
A declaration is a sworn written statement by a witness or interested party that sets out facts under penalty of perjury. In the context of a Heggstad Petition, declarations from the trustee, family members, or advisors often describe the settlor’s intent, conversations, and actions taken toward transferring assets into the trust. These declarations help fill evidentiary gaps by providing a contemporaneous or reliable account of intent and transfer attempts. The court reviews declarations alongside documents to determine whether the asset should be recognized as trust property.
The settlor is the person who creates the trust and transfers assets into it. The settlor’s written trust instrument and related estate planning documents reflect their intentions about how assets should be managed and distributed. When evaluating a Heggstad Petition, the court seeks to understand what the settlor intended regarding a particular asset and whether any steps were taken to place that asset into the trust. Statements, trust provisions, and contemporaneous acts by the settlor are all relevant to establishing intent.
Title refers to legal ownership of property and how it is recorded, such as a deed for real estate or account registration for financial assets. If title remains in the decedent’s name rather than in the name of the trust, a Heggstad Petition may be used to ask the court to recognize that the asset was intended to be trust property. Evidence of title, including deeds, account statements, and transfer documents, is essential to show the current state of ownership and to support the request to reclassify the property in the trust’s favor.
When assets are not properly transferred into a trust before death, families may consider multiple legal pathways: initiating a Heggstad Petition, pursuing probate where appropriate, or negotiating with title holders and financial institutions for corrective transfers outside court. Each option has tradeoffs in terms of time, cost, and certainty. A Heggstad Petition can often be faster and less intrusive than full probate, but it requires sufficient evidence of intent. Negotiation with institutions may work for some asset types but may not resolve real property title issues without court approval. Choosing the best path depends on asset types and the evidence available.
A limited approach may be appropriate when financial institutions or custodians will accept alternative documentation to re-title accounts without court intervention. For example, some banks and brokerage firms will allow a trustee to provide the trust document, death certificate, and a takeover form to move an account into the trust. When institutions respond cooperatively and the asset is not real estate, pursuing a court petition may be unnecessary. Assessing these institutional procedures and whether they will accomplish the desired transfer quickly and with minimal cost is an important early step in resolving funding oversights.
A limited approach can also suit cases involving low-value assets or items where formal title is not affected, such as personal effects or certain bank accounts with straightforward transfer paperwork. If the asset’s value does not justify court filing fees and attorney time, or if the beneficiaries can agree on a practical resolution, informal transfers or a simple assignment may be sufficient. Nevertheless, care should be taken to ensure that any transfer outside court adheres to the trust terms and does not later create disputes among beneficiaries or creditors.
Comprehensive legal proceedings are often necessary when real property is involved or when title defects are complex. Real estate typically requires recorded deeds and may involve liens, mortgages, or multiple owners; a court order is frequently the most reliable way to clear title and allow trustees to sell or transfer the property. In such cases a Heggstad Petition provides a formal mechanism to confirm that the asset was meant for the trust, enabling the trustee to take definitive action without lingering title uncertainty or potential challenges by interested parties.
When beneficiaries or other heirs dispute ownership or the settlor’s intent, comprehensive legal representation may be necessary to present evidence, argue at hearings, and protect the trustee’s authority. Contested matters can escalate and introduce procedural and substantive complexities that require careful court filings and strategy. A Heggstad Petition filed in the proper forum, supported by documentation and testimony, helps the court resolve disputes by weighing the evidence and issuing binding orders that facilitate orderly administration and distribution of trust property.
Choosing a comprehensive legal approach provides clarity and enforceable results that informal methods may not deliver. A court order that recognizes property as trust assets reduces uncertainty, enables recording of deeds, and clears the way for sale, refinancing, or distribution under the trust’s terms. Comprehensive proceedings also create an official record that can deter future challenges and help trustees demonstrate proper administration to beneficiaries, creditors, and financial institutions. The certainty generated by court action often offsets the time and expense by preventing protracted disputes after transfers occur.
A comprehensive approach also allows trustees to address linked legal tasks efficiently, such as handling creditor claims, securing tax reporting, and coordinating with other estate documents like pour-over wills and powers of attorney. By consolidating these steps within a court-supervised framework when needed, trustees and beneficiaries benefit from structured timelines and judicial oversight. This approach can be especially beneficial when multiple asset types, jurisdictions, or parties are involved, ensuring that all aspects of the estate are aligned with the decedent’s documented wishes and state law requirements.
One key benefit of seeking a court order is obtaining clear title that enables sale or refinancing of real property and other titled assets. Marketability improves when a recorded order or properly re-titled deed removes clouds on ownership. Clear title also reduces buyer hesitancy and helps trustees fulfill fiduciary duties when selling assets to fund distributions or pay estate obligations. Achieving marketable title through the Heggstad process protects beneficiaries’ interests and simplifies transactional steps that would otherwise be delayed by questions over ownership or the need for separate quiet-title litigation.
Court involvement yields a level of finality that reduces the risk of later challenges to ownership and administration. When the judge issues an order recognizing trust ownership, that decision becomes part of the public record and is binding on parties who were properly notified. This finality protects trustees and beneficiaries by limiting opportunities for collateral attacks on transfers and by creating a clear pathway for closing the trust’s affairs. The reduced risk of future litigation can preserve estate value and provide peace of mind to families during the distribution process.
Collecting all relevant documents at the outset can significantly streamline a Heggstad Petition. This includes the original trust instrument, any amendments, the decedent’s will or pour-over will, deeds, account statements, beneficiary designations, and correspondence with advisors. Organizing these materials chronologically and noting any conversations or attempts to transfer property will make it easier to prepare declarations and evidentiary exhibits. Early organization also helps identify which assets can be resolved informally and which will likely require a court filing, saving time and reducing uncertainty later in the process.
Strong declarations from the trustee, family members, or drafting attorney that describe the settlor’s intent and any actions taken toward funding the trust are central to a Heggstad Petition. Declarations should include dates, specific conversations, and documentary references where possible. A well-prepared declaration ties documents together and provides the court with a coherent narrative explaining why the property should be treated as trust assets. Attention to detail and careful corroboration of events can make the difference in how quickly a petition is resolved and whether a hearing is necessary.
Consider a Heggstad Petition when asset titles do not reflect the trust document’s distribution plan and when administrative action is necessary to align ownership with the settlor’s expressed wishes. This often arises after a settlor’s death when trustees discover real property or accounts still titled in the decedent’s name. The petition helps avoid full probate for those assets by requesting a court recognition that the asset belongs to the trust. Pursuing this remedy can expedite asset management, facilitate sales, and allow distribution under the trust terms, helping beneficiaries receive their intended inheritances more smoothly.
Another reason to pursue a Heggstad Petition is to prevent future legal disputes and to create an enforceable public record of the court’s determination. When multiple heirs or creditors might contest ownership, a binding order provides clarity and reduces the risk of protracted litigation. Additionally, if title problems impede the sale or refinancing of property needed to satisfy estate obligations or beneficiary distributions, a court order can resolve the issue and restore marketability. These outcomes make a petition a practical option when informal remedies are insufficient or unavailable.
Common circumstances include discovering real estate still titled in the decedent’s name, bank or investment accounts that were never re-registered to the trust, or retirement accounts with unclear beneficiary designations. Other situations can involve partial attempts to transfer property that were not completed or a settlor expressing intent in documents or conversations but failing to record a deed. In these scenarios a Heggstad Petition can confirm trust ownership, allow trustees to act, and reconcile the estate’s asset records with the trust’s terms for distribution and administration.
Real property that was intended to be held by a trust but remains in the decedent’s name is a frequent basis for filing a Heggstad Petition. Because real estate requires recorded deeds to demonstrate current ownership, an omission can block sales, refinancing, or transfer to beneficiaries. A petition asks the court to recognize that the property belonged to the trust based on the settlor’s intent and supporting acts, enabling recordation of a corrected deed or an order that clarifies ownership for title companies and subsequent transactions, thereby resolving the obstacle to completing the trust administration.
Bank and brokerage accounts sometimes remain in the decedent’s name rather than being retitled to the trust. Even if the asset value is modest, these accounts can create administrative headaches and disputes. Filing a Heggstad Petition or working with the institution to transfer accounts to the trustee can resolve ownership questions. When institutions require court orders or when beneficiaries disagree, the petition process provides a legal remedy to effect the transfer and document the trustee’s authority to manage or distribute account funds according to the trust.
Sometimes the settlor intended to place assets in trust but failed to complete the necessary paperwork, such as signing deeds or updating account registrations. These incomplete steps create gaps between the trust instrument and the actual asset titles. A Heggstad Petition explains the settlor’s intent and asks the court to bridge that gap, using declarations and supporting documents to show that the trust was meant to receive the property. Addressing these omissions through court proceedings often yields a clearer, enforceable result than informal arrangements.
If you are handling an estate in Seal Beach and encounter funding oversights, the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman can review your documents, advise on the appropriate steps, and file a Heggstad Petition when needed. We assist trustees and beneficiaries to gather necessary evidence, draft persuasive pleadings, and coordinate with title companies and institutions. Our goal is to reduce delays and help complete trust administration efficiently, guiding clients through the legal procedures and court filings required to align asset titles with the decedent’s written plan and to move forward with estate closure.
Selecting legal counsel to handle a Heggstad Petition matters because the petition must be prepared with attention to detail and legal standards for evidence. We focus on assembling the trust documents, declarations, and supporting records that courts expect, presenting a clear factual narrative that demonstrates the settlor’s intent. Our practice is centered on clear communication with clients and courts, ensuring documents are filed properly and timelines are managed. This careful preparation can make the difference between a swift court resolution and protracted disputes that complicate trust administration.
Beyond document preparation, effective representation involves anticipating potential objections and working proactively to resolve competing claims or creditor issues. We help coordinate with title companies, financial institutions, and opposing parties to seek efficient resolutions where possible and to pursue court orders when necessary. We prioritize practical solutions that enable trustees to fulfill their duties and beneficiaries to receive distributions in accordance with the trust. This balanced approach looks to minimize costs while preserving the integrity of the estate plan.
We also provide clear guidance about the timing and likely outcomes of a Heggstad Petition so clients can set realistic expectations. From the initial evaluation through filing and potential hearings, we keep clients informed about next steps, required documentation, and any opportunities to resolve matters without contested litigation. Our aim is to help families restore alignment between trust intentions and asset ownership, allowing the estate administration to proceed without unnecessary delay and with a focus on practical resolution for all involved parties.
Our process begins with a document review and client interview to determine the appropriate path for addressing funding oversights. We identify assets at issue, collect supporting documents, and evaluate whether institutional remedies are feasible. If a court petition is necessary, we prepare detailed declarations and exhibits, draft the petition and proposed order, file with the court, and serve required parties. We communicate with title companies and financial institutions as needed and represent the trustee at hearings. Throughout, we keep clients informed and focused on efficient resolution of title issues.
The first step in the legal process is a thorough intake and collection of all relevant estate planning and asset documentation. This includes obtaining the trust instrument, any amendments, wills, deeds, account statements, beneficiary forms, and any correspondence indicating the settlor’s intent. We review these materials to determine the strength of evidence for a Heggstad Petition and to identify any assets that can be resolved without court action. Early fact-gathering is essential to building a well-supported petition and to avoiding delays in trust administration.
During the initial case assessment we evaluate the trust terms, the current state of asset titles, and whether the available records support a petition. We consider alternative remedies, such as institutional transfers or negotiated assignments, and recommend the most efficient path. This assessment shapes the strategy for evidence collection and drafting. Clear case strategy at the outset helps to focus efforts on the assets most in need of resolution and to anticipate any likely opposition or procedural hurdles that may arise during filing or hearing stages.
We assist clients in preparing declarations that explain the settlor’s intent and the steps taken toward transferring assets. Declarations should be specific and supported by documentary exhibits such as drafts of deeds, copies of checks, emails, or notes from attorney meetings. Gathering corroborative evidence strengthens the petition and provides a coherent narrative for the court. This preparation also includes identifying and notifying interested parties who must be served, which is essential to the proper processing of the petition in the probate or superior court.
Once documents and declarations are prepared, we file the Heggstad Petition with the appropriate court and serve all required parties, including beneficiaries, heirs, and interested creditors. Filing includes a proposed order for the judge to sign if the petition is granted. Proper service is crucial to ensure the court has jurisdiction and that all parties have an opportunity to respond. We monitor filing requirements and deadlines, prepare proof of service, and address any procedural issues that may arise during the initial court processing to keep the matter moving efficiently.
Drafting the petition and proposed order involves presenting a clear statement of facts, legal authority, and the requested relief. The proposed order should be specific about how the court’s determination will be recorded, such as instructing the county recorder to accept an order or deed for title change. Attention to format and required legal citations can prevent delays. We prepare these documents to conform with local court rules and to provide the judge with a complete record supporting the requested transfer to the trust.
After filing, we arrange for service of the petition on all interested parties and prepare proof of service for the court file. Parties may respond by stipulation or objection. When objections arise, we review them and advise the trustee on possible defenses or settlement options. If responses are cooperative, the court may sign the proposed order without a hearing. When disagreements persist, we prepare for hearings by supplementing the record and coordinating witness declarations to support the trustee’s position and the requested remedies.
After the court reviews the petition, declarations, and responses, it may issue an order recognizing the asset as trust property or directing further proceedings. Once an order is obtained, we assist with any required recording or title updates, such as preparing a corrected deed or coordinating with the county recorder to reflect the court’s determination. We also advise on next steps for trust administration, including distribution, sale, or refinancing of assets, ensuring that the trustee has the documentation needed to act in accordance with the court’s order.
When the court grants the petition, we obtain certified copies of the order and guide the trustee on how to implement it, including filing the order with the county recorder or presenting it to financial institutions. Proper implementation ensures that title is updated in public records and that institutions accept the trustee’s authority. We help prepare any necessary conveyance documents or filings to effectuate the order’s directives and ensure that the trust administration continues in compliance with the judge’s decision and applicable recording requirements.
After title issues are resolved, the trustee can proceed with trust administration tasks such as paying debts, filing final tax returns, distributing assets, or closing accounts as appropriate. We advise trustees on compliance with distribution instructions, recordkeeping, and reporting to beneficiaries. Finalizing administration with proper documentation helps prevent post-distribution disputes and demonstrates that the trustee acted responsibly. Our role includes confirming that transfers conform to the trust terms and that required notices and filings are completed to close the estate matters efficiently.
A Heggstad Petition is a court filing in California seeking an order that recognizes certain property as belonging to a trust despite imperfect title. It is commonly used when a settlor created a revocable living trust but failed to transfer specific assets into it before death. The petition asks the court to examine the trust instrument, supporting documents, and declarations to determine whether the decedent intended the asset to be trust property. When the court is persuaded by the evidence, it can issue an order directing how the asset should be treated and recorded. This remedy is helpful for real property, bank accounts, or other titled assets that create practical obstacles to administration when left in the decedent’s name. The petition can provide a binding, recorded resolution that allows trustees to sell, refinance, or distribute assets under the trust terms. It is particularly useful when institutional procedures are insufficient or when multiple interested parties require a definitive judicial ruling to clear title and allow the trust administration to proceed.
The timeline for a Heggstad Petition varies based on the court’s schedule, the complexity of the evidence, and whether any parties object. In straightforward matters with clear supporting documentation and cooperative interested parties, the process may take a few months from filing to order. When multiple parties must be served, or when objections lead to contested hearings, the process can extend longer depending on calendar availability and the need for additional evidence or briefing. Preparation time before filing also affects the timeline, since collecting declarations, deeds, and institutional records can take several weeks. Working proactively to gather strong documentation and attempting to secure institutional cooperation early can help accelerate resolution. Clients should plan for variability in court processing times while pursuing the most efficient route to resolve title issues.
Supportive evidence for a Heggstad Petition typically includes the trust instrument and any amendments, copies of deeds, account statements showing current title, beneficiary designation forms, and documentary proof of the settlor’s intent such as drafts, emails, or meeting notes. Declarations from the trustee, family members, or the drafting attorney describing the settlor’s expressed wishes and any steps taken toward funding the trust are vital. The court looks for a coherent factual record that ties the settlor’s intent to the asset in question. Additional helpful items may include contemporaneous written instructions, proof of payment or partial transfer steps, and correspondence with financial institutions. The strength of the petition depends on the clarity and corroboration of these materials, which is why careful documentation and specific declarations often determine whether a petition can succeed without dispute.
A Heggstad Petition can avoid probate for the particular asset it addresses by obtaining a court order that recognizes the asset as trust property and allows the trustee to administer it under the trust. This remedy does not open a full probate administration for other estate assets, but it provides an alternative to probate for the item in question when title defects would otherwise require probate court intervention. The petition is therefore a targeted tool to keep specific property within the trust administration framework. However, whether probate is entirely avoided depends on the asset type and any outstanding claims or disputes. In some cases, parallel probate proceedings or creditor claims may complicate the matter, so it is important to consider the full estate picture when deciding how to proceed and to coordinate with counsel on the best strategy for avoiding probate where possible.
Retirement accounts are governed by plan rules and beneficiary designations, so a Heggstad Petition typically does not change designated beneficiaries of retirement accounts. If a retirement account names the trust as beneficiary, different considerations apply and a petition may address related title or ownership questions only when the plan’s rules permit. Usually, retirement assets pass according to plan designations and may not be subject to re-titling in the same way as bank accounts or deeds. That said, coordination is important. When retirement accounts are intended to be integrated into the trust plan, reviewing beneficiary forms and plan terms helps determine whether a court petition or other corrective steps are necessary. Consulting with counsel to align retirement account dispositions with the trust’s administration can prevent unintended consequences and ensure distributions proceed as intended.
Costs for a Heggstad Petition include court filing fees, service costs, recording fees for any resulting deed or order, and legal fees for document preparation, filing, and representation. The total expense varies widely based on the complexity of the matter, the number of interested parties to be served, and whether the petition is contested. Simple matters with cooperative parties tend to be less expensive, while contested petitions that require hearings or additional filings increase legal time and associated fees. During the initial consultation we provide an estimate based on the asset types involved and the likely work needed to prepare a strong petition. We focus on efficient preparation to manage costs, and we discuss alternatives such as institutional transfers when appropriate to reduce the need for court involvement and associated expenses.
If beneficiaries disagree about a Heggstad Petition, the court process provides a forum to resolve those disputes. Parties may file objections, present competing evidence, and request a hearing where the judge weighs the documentation and testimony. When disagreements arise, it may be possible to reach a settlement or stipulation that resolves title issues without extended proceedings. If settlement is not achievable, the judge will decide based on the record, issuing a binding order that clarifies ownership and directs how the asset should be treated in trust administration. It is wise to engage counsel early when disagreements are foreseeable, as legal representation helps ensure your evidence is properly presented and procedural requirements are met. Counsel can also pursue alternative dispute resolution or negotiation with other parties to avoid prolonged litigation, focusing on reaching practical outcomes that facilitate trust administration and distribution when possible.
Institutions sometimes request additional documentation even after a court order, but a properly prepared and recorded order typically satisfies title companies and financial institutions for the purposes of recording deeds or transferring accounts. If an institution resists, further steps may include providing certified copies of the order, engaging the institution’s legal or compliance department, or seeking clarification from the court. The recorded court order often provides the most reliable path to compel an institution to accept the trustee’s authority to act. Early communication with institutions can reduce the risk of post-order obstruction. Preparing the necessary certified documents and coordinating with the county recorder or financial institutions in advance makes implementation smoother. If resistance continues, additional legal remedies may be available to enforce the court’s order and ensure the trustee can complete the intended transfers.
A hearing is not always required for a Heggstad Petition. When all interested parties are served and no one objects, or when the court finds the written record sufficient, the judge may sign the proposed order without an in-person hearing. This streamlined outcome depends on the clarity of the petition and how compelling the supporting declarations and documents appear on their face. Courts often prefer uncontested filings where evidence is straightforward and parties have had an opportunity to respond. When objections or factual disputes exist, the court will schedule a hearing to resolve contested issues. In those circumstances, witnesses or additional declarations may be needed and the parties will present arguments supporting their positions. Whether a hearing occurs depends on the level of dispute and the court’s assessment of the written materials accompanying the petition.
To start the process for a possible Heggstad Petition, gather the trust document, any amendments, deeds, account statements, beneficiary forms, and any records of communications about the settlor’s intent. Contact counsel to schedule a consultation where these materials can be reviewed. During the initial meeting, we evaluate whether a petition is likely necessary, whether institutional remedies might suffice, and what evidence will be needed to support a petition in court if that path is required. After the initial review we help assemble declarations and exhibits, prepare the petition and proposed order, and advise on service requirements and timelines. Early organization and timely action increase the likelihood of an efficient resolution and help trustees move forward with administration tasks without unnecessary delay.
Criminal Defense
Homicide Defense
Manslaughter
Assault and Battery
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Battery Causing Great Bodily Injury
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Arson Defense
Weapons Charges
Illegal Firearm Possessions
Civil Harassment
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
School Violence Restraining Orders
Violent Crimes Defense
Estate Planning Practice Areas