If you are considering changing the terms of a trust in Happy Camp, a trust modification petition may be necessary to address changes in family circumstances, financial realities, or ambiguities in the original trust document. The trust modification process can vary depending on whether the trust is revocable, whether the settlor is alive and able to amend the trust, and whether beneficiaries agree to the proposed changes. This introductory overview explains common reasons for seeking a trust modification petition, outlines the basic procedural steps, and describes how local rules in Siskiyou County can affect timing and outcomes for petitions filed in California courts.
Many trustees and beneficiaries assume trusts are immutable, but trust law provides mechanisms to reflect changed circumstances while protecting the intentions behind the original plan. When simple amendments are not possible because a settlor is incapacitated, deceased, or when required consents are absent, a court petition becomes a practical pathway. This paragraph highlights how a judicial trust modification petition works in practice, clarifies the difference between informal amendments and formal petitions, and explains what parties can expect during review, negotiation, and any required court hearing in the process.
Pursuing a trust modification petition can preserve family harmony, prevent unintended distributions, and correct drafting problems that could otherwise lead to protracted disputes. When circumstances change — such as remarriage, disability, changes in property ownership, or the relocation of beneficiaries — updating trust terms ensures that assets are distributed according to current intentions. A properly handled petition can also remove ambiguities, appoint or replace trustees, and clarify beneficiary rights. By addressing these matters proactively through a petition, parties can reduce the likelihood of future litigation and help ensure that the trust functions as intended for current and future beneficiaries.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman serves clients across California with an emphasis on practical, client-centered estate planning and trust litigation services. Our approach focuses on careful case assessment, clear communication, and cost-aware strategies that consider both legal options and family dynamics. For trust modification matters we thoroughly review trust instruments, related financial documents, and relevant communications to determine whether an amendment, restatement, decanting, or a trust modification petition is the best route. We work to explain tradeoffs and likely timelines so clients can make informed decisions that align with their goals and the interests of beneficiaries.
A trust modification petition is a formal request to the court to change the terms or administration of a trust when informal methods are unavailable or impractical. Typical grounds include changes in circumstances that frustrate the settlor’s original intent, mistakes or ambiguities in the trust document, or situations where beneficiaries do not consent to proposed changes. The court evaluates the petition based on statutory standards and case law, weighing the settlor’s intent, the best interests of beneficiaries, and whether the requested modification is equitable. Understanding these legal standards helps parties evaluate the potential benefits and risks of petitioning the court versus pursuing nonjudicial alternatives.
Not every trust issue requires a court petition; often trusts include amendment or revocation clauses allowing the settlor to make changes while alive and competent. Where those options are not available or when the settlor’s capacity is in doubt, a petition becomes necessary. The petition process typically involves filing pleadings, providing notice to beneficiaries and interested parties, exchanging documents, and sometimes presenting evidence at a hearing. The nature and scope of the requested modification — whether minor corrections, trustee removal, or material reallocation of assets — will influence the type of evidence and legal argument required to obtain court approval.
A trust modification petition is a legal pleading asking a probate or superior court to approve a change to a trust’s terms or administration. The petition should describe the trust, identify the parties, explain the reasons for the modification, and propose the specific changes sought. Courts consider factors such as the settlor’s intent, any ambiguity or mistake in the original document, and whether the change will unfairly prejudice beneficiaries. The petition may request relief such as reformation to correct drafting errors, modification to reflect changed circumstances, appointment or removal of trustees, or approval of proposed transactions that affect trust assets.
Essential elements of a successful petition include a clear statement of facts, supporting documentation, legal authority, and a proposed order for the court to sign. The petitioner must identify all interested parties and provide statutorily required notice. Evidence may include affidavits, expert reports on capacity or intent, transactional records, and the trust instrument itself. The process often involves initial review, drafting and filing the petition, serving notices, responding to objections, and ultimately attending a hearing where the court decides whether the requested modification is consistent with the law and the settlor’s probable intent. Diligent preparation helps streamline this process.
Understanding common terms helps clients follow proceedings and communicate effectively with legal counsel. This glossary explains roles, common procedures, and legal concepts frequently encountered in trust modification petitions. Accurate definitions allow trustees, beneficiaries, and petitioners to assess options and responsibilities, such as notice requirements, the difference between amendment and modification, and the role of the court in approving changes. Clear understanding of these basic concepts reduces confusion and supports more informed decision-making throughout the petition process and any related negotiations or hearings.
The settlor, sometimes called the grantor, is the person who creates the trust and sets out its terms and objectives. The settlor’s intent at the time the trust was created is central to resolving disputes and to determining whether a proposed modification aligns with original goals. When the settlor is alive and has the capacity to amend the trust, changes can often be handled through amendment or restatement. When the settlor is unavailable, incapacitated, or deceased, courts look to the written trust document, surrounding circumstances, and applicable law to infer and safeguard the settlor’s intent while resolving requests to modify the trust.
A trustee is the individual or entity charged with managing trust assets and carrying out the terms of the trust for the benefit of its beneficiaries. Trustees have fiduciary duties, including loyalty to beneficiaries, prudent management of assets, and proper accounting. If a trustee is unable or unwilling to serve, or if removal is sought because of alleged misconduct or incapacity, a trust modification petition can request court action to remove or replace the trustee. The court will consider whether removal is warranted and what measures best protect beneficiaries and preserve the trust’s intended purposes.
Beneficiaries are the individuals or entities designated to receive benefits from the trust, either immediately or at a future time. Beneficiaries have standing to receive notice of petitions affecting the trust and can object to proposed modifications that they reasonably believe will cause prejudice. Courts balance beneficiary interests when evaluating petitions, considering whether proposed changes align with the settlor’s intent and whether they fairly address changed circumstances. Beneficiaries also may negotiate settlements or consent to modifications, which can sometimes avoid contested proceedings and lead to more efficient resolutions.
Decanting refers to transferring assets from one trust into another trust with different terms, often used to modernize provisions or fix drafting errors without court intervention when state law allows. Reformation is a court-approved correction of a trust document to reflect the settlor’s actual intent where a mistake or ambiguity exists. Both decanting and reformation can achieve outcomes similar to a trust modification petition, but they follow different legal pathways and statutory rules. Whether decanting, reformation, or a formal petition is appropriate depends on trust language, state law, and the willingness of interested parties to cooperate.
When addressing needed changes to a trust, parties can pursue nonjudicial options like amendment, restatement, decanting, or beneficiary agreement, or they can seek judicial approval through a trust modification petition. Nonjudicial approaches are often faster and more private but require legal authority in the trust or unanimous beneficiary consent. Judicial petitions are public and can take longer, but they provide a definitive court order resolving disputes, clarifying intent, or allowing modifications when consent is not available. Considering the tradeoffs of privacy, speed, cost, and finality helps determine the best approach for each situation.
If the settlor remains alive and has the legal capacity to act, the simplest route to adjust a trust is through an amendment or restatement executed according to the trust’s terms. This path preserves privacy and reduces legal costs because changes can usually be implemented without court involvement. The settlor can clarify intent, add or remove beneficiaries, update trustee appointments, or change distribution provisions directly. Trustees and beneficiaries typically have limited involvement unless the amendment affects their rights, making this a practical first option when available and appropriate for the circumstances at hand.
When all beneficiaries and relevant parties can agree on the proposed changes, they may be able to implement modifications through a written agreement or by executing a new trust document reflecting their combined intent. This consensual approach avoids contested court proceedings, shortens the timeline, and often reduces costs. However, unanimous consent must be carefully documented and comply with state law to ensure the change will be respected. Recording clear written agreements and consulting about potential tax or creditor implications helps prevent later disputes even when everyone initially agrees.
A judicial trust modification petition is often necessary when the settlor cannot amend the trust and beneficiaries or trustees disagree about the proper course. Situations involving disputed capacity, competing claims, or allegations of undue influence may all require a court to interpret intent and issue binding relief. In these more complex circumstances, a carefully prepared petition helps present the facts and legal arguments required for the court to act, providing a conclusive determination that can protect trust assets and beneficiaries’ interests over the long term.
When proposed modifications involve significant reallocation of assets, changes to distribution timing, or restructuring that impacts multiple beneficiaries, court approval may be the most secure option to ensure enforceability and finality. These substantive changes often raise questions about fairness and the settlor’s intent, prompting courts to scrutinize the request closely. Seeking judicial relief in these cases not only secures a legally binding order, but also provides a forum for resolving disputes and ensuring that the interests of all affected parties are considered under applicable law.
A comprehensive approach involving careful review and, where necessary, court intervention can reduce uncertainty and long-term conflict among beneficiaries. By addressing legal issues head-on — whether correcting drafting errors, clarifying ambiguous provisions, or replacing incapacitated trustees — the process can protect trust assets and ensure distributions align with what the settlor intended. Judicial approval offers finality that informal solutions sometimes lack, making it easier to manage complex estates and to provide stable administration for the benefit of current and future beneficiaries.
Comprehensive preparation for a petition also helps identify practical considerations such as tax consequences, creditor claims, and potential impacts on public benefits for certain beneficiaries. Thorough documentation, clear legal argumentation, and attention to procedural requirements improve the odds of obtaining favorable court relief and minimize the chance of remand or further litigation. This careful planning reduces surprises and helps trustees and beneficiaries transition to revised administration with greater confidence, transparency, and legal certainty.
One key benefit of seeking court approval is the legal certainty that a court order provides. When a judge reviews the facts and issues an order modifying the trust, that order resolves disputes and creates enforceable direction for trustees and beneficiaries. This finality reduces ongoing conflict and the risk of future court challenges. It is particularly valuable for trusts that affect multiple generations, contain significant assets, or involve complex distribution schemes, because it establishes a clear legal basis for administration going forward and reduces ambiguity that could lead to repeated conflicts.
A court-supervised modification can better safeguard interests of beneficiaries who may be minors, dependents with disabilities, or otherwise vulnerable. Courts can approve provisions that protect eligibility for public benefits, preserve assets in special needs or retirement plan trusts, and set clear rules for distributions and trustee duties. When the well-being of vulnerable beneficiaries is at stake, a formal proceeding can weigh competing concerns and approve modifications that both respect the settlor’s intent and address beneficiaries’ practical needs over time.
Start by collecting the original trust document, any amendments, related wills such as pour-over wills, financial records for trust assets, and communications that might reflect the settlor’s intent. Having a complete record speeds review and allows counsel to assess whether informal amendment is possible or whether a petition will be necessary. Early document collection also helps identify potential witnesses, guardianship nominations, and other instruments like powers of attorney or HIPAA authorizations that may affect the petition or related planning decisions, which can save time and expense later in the process.
Before pursuing a modification, evaluate whether changes could trigger tax consequences or affect eligibility for public benefits for certain beneficiaries. For example, altering distribution timing or moving assets between trust types may have estate, gift, or income tax implications and could affect Medicaid or disability benefits. Reviewing these issues upfront allows petitioners and trustees to craft modifications that achieve intended goals without unintended financial harm, and helps courts understand the practical consequences of approving a proposed change.
People seek trust modification petitions for many reasons, including correcting drafting errors, addressing changes in family structure such as divorce or remarriage, responding to beneficiary needs, and resolving disputes about trustee conduct. A petition may also be appropriate when laws change in ways that affect the trust’s operation or when assets are moved into or out of the trust without clear authority. Considering a petition helps preserve the settlor’s intent while adapting the plan to current circumstances, and it provides a formal route to resolve conflicts when consensus cannot be achieved informally.
In addition to correcting documents, petitions can be used to seek court approval for requests like replacing trustees, clarifying distribution schedules, or confirming actions taken by trustees that might otherwise be disputed. Parties who expect disagreements or anticipate that significant assets or vulnerable beneficiaries are involved should consider whether the added certainty of a court order justifies the time and cost of a petition. Careful assessment of goals, probable outcomes, and the likely timeline helps determine whether a judicial route is the best path forward.
Typical circumstances include settlor incapacity with no clear amendment power, deceased settlors whose instructions are ambiguous or conflicted, trustee misconduct or incapacity, and beneficiaries with special needs requiring protection or adjustment of distributions. Other scenarios prompting petitions are changes in asset ownership, unintended tax consequences, or newly discovered heirs. Each situation has its own legal considerations and may require documentary evidence, witness testimony, or expert reports to demonstrate the need for modification and to persuade a court that the proposed changes are appropriate and consistent with applicable law.
When the settlor becomes incapacitated or dies and the trust language is unclear, a petition can ask a court to interpret ambiguous provisions or reform the trust to reflect what the settlor likely intended. Courts examine the trust text, related documents, and extrinsic evidence to determine intent. This process helps resolve disputes between beneficiaries and trustees about how assets should be managed or distributed, and it provides a legally enforceable resolution that reduces future disagreement and uncertainty about the trust’s administration.
Allegations that a trustee has breached fiduciary duties, mismanaged assets, or is otherwise unfit to serve often lead beneficiaries to seek judicial relief. A petition can request trustee removal, surcharge for losses, accounting, or instructions about proper administration. Courts weigh evidence of misconduct, the trustee’s history of performance, and the potential disruption caused by removal. The court’s intervention helps protect beneficiaries’ interests while ensuring that trust administration continues under appropriate oversight or with a replacement trustee if necessary.
Major life events such as divorce, remarriage, the birth of heirs, significant changes in asset composition, or financial hardship for beneficiaries can justify seeking a modification to better align the trust with current realities. Parties may seek to change distribution timing, add provisions that protect creditors or public benefits, or reallocate assets to better meet family needs. Courts can approve changes that honor the settlor’s intent while adapting administration to contemporary circumstances when a straightforward amendment is not possible.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides guidance for clients in Siskiyou County and the surrounding areas who need assistance with trust modification petitions. We can help evaluate whether a nonjudicial approach is feasible, prepare and file necessary petitions when court action is required, and represent parties at hearings or settlement conferences. Our focus is on helping clients understand options, anticipate procedural steps, and work toward resolutions that protect the interests of trustees and beneficiaries while respecting the settlor’s intent and the practical needs of the family.
Clients seeking assistance with trust modification petitions benefit from an approach that combines careful legal analysis with practical attention to family dynamics and fiscal consequences. We prioritize clear communication about potential outcomes, likely timelines for petitions in state court, and strategies to minimize conflict and expense. Our goal is to help clients choose the most appropriate path — whether that means informal amendment, negotiated settlement, or judicial petition — and to support them through each phase of the process so that decisions are well-informed and aligned with long-term planning objectives.
When court intervention is necessary, effective preparation matters. We assist with gathering documentation, drafting persuasive petitions, providing thorough notice to interested parties, and presenting a focused case at hearing. That preparation includes anticipating common objections, identifying evidence to support the settlor’s intent or the need for change, and proposing practical remedial language for the court to adopt. Clients receive guidance on procedural requirements specific to Siskiyou County and California probate practice, helping to streamline the petition process where possible.
Throughout the engagement we emphasize cost-conscious planning and explore alternatives when those may better serve client goals. Whether the primary need is clarifying trustee authority, correcting a drafting mistake, protecting a dependent beneficiary, or resolving a contested dispute, we tailor strategies to the facts at hand. The objective is to secure durable, legally enforceable solutions while maintaining transparent communication about potential risks, costs, and practical timelines associated with judicial petitions and related estate planning measures.
Our process begins with an initial review of the trust documents and a discussion of objectives and concerns. We identify interested parties, evaluate available evidence, and advise whether an amendment, decanting, or a trust modification petition is likely to achieve the client’s goals. If a petition is appropriate, we prepare required pleadings, manage notice and service, and coordinate discovery or settlement efforts. We keep clients informed at every step and prioritize procedural efficiency and practical outcomes that align with the settlor’s intent and beneficiaries’ needs.
The first step involves collecting and reviewing the trust instrument, related estate planning documents such as wills and powers of attorney, asset records, and any communications relevant to the settlor’s intent. This assessment clarifies whether the trust contains amendment powers, whether parties consent, and whether court proceedings are advisable. During this stage we also identify potential witnesses, examine trustee actions, and evaluate evidence needed to support a petition or to negotiate a nonjudicial resolution. Clear assessment at the outset helps avoid unnecessary procedures later.
Collecting all relevant records is essential to formulating a persuasive argument for modification. Documents may include the original trust, any amendments, deeds, account statements, correspondence, and medical records if capacity is at issue. Affidavits from witnesses who can attest to the settlor’s intentions or circumstances are often useful. Thorough evidence gathering provides a factual foundation for the petition and helps anticipate potential challenges from interested parties, which in turn supports more efficient case preparation and informed negotiation.
After evidence is gathered, we analyze the trust language, relevant statutes, and case law to determine the most persuasive legal arguments for modification, reformation, or other relief. This stage includes evaluating options such as beneficiary consent, decanting, or filing a petition, and estimating likely timelines and costs. We present clients with recommended strategies tailored to the facts, including procedural steps, potential objections, and settlement possibilities, so clients can choose a path that balances legal effectiveness with practical considerations.
If judicial relief is necessary, the next step is drafting and filing the petition with the appropriate court, often the county superior court handling probate matters. The petition must identify the trust, state the proposed changes, explain the reasons for the modification, and include supporting documents. After filing, the petitioner must serve notice on all interested parties according to statutory rules. Proper notice and accurate pleadings are critical to avoid jurisdictional challenges and to ensure the court can fully consider the issues raised.
Pleadings should clearly describe the relief requested and the factual and legal basis for the petition. This includes attaching the trust and any amendments, affidavits supporting the facts, and a proposed order for the court to sign. Well-crafted pleadings help the court understand the contested issues and streamline review. Clear requests also facilitate negotiations by giving other parties a precise understanding of the proposed modifications and the legal grounds on which they rest.
After filing, notice must be given to beneficiaries, trustees, creditors where applicable, and other interested parties in the manner and within the timeframes required by statute. Managing responses may involve negotiating objections, responding to discovery requests, and preparing supplemental evidence. Effective communication and procedural compliance at this stage reduce the risk of delays or jurisdictional problems and set the stage for a focused hearing if settlement cannot be reached.
If parties cannot resolve matters through negotiation, the court will schedule a hearing where evidence is presented and legal arguments are made. The judge will consider the settlor’s intent, statutory criteria, and the practical impacts of the proposed modification. If the court grants the petition, it will issue an order implementing the changes and, if necessary, direct actions such as trustee replacement, accounting, or asset transfers. After obtaining an order, the trustee and beneficiaries should follow its terms and update trust administration records accordingly.
Preparation for the hearing includes organizing evidence, preparing witness testimony or declarations, and outlining key legal arguments. Parties should be ready to address questions about the settlor’s intent, the necessity of modification, and the fairness of proposed changes. Clear presentation and focused evidence help the court decide efficiently. After the hearing, the court may issue an immediate ruling or take the matter under submission and issue a written order later, depending on the complexity of the issues presented.
Once the court issues an order, trustees must implement the directives, which may include executing new trust documents, transferring assets, or providing accountings to beneficiaries. It’s important to follow the order carefully to avoid later disputes or sanctions. Additional follow-up may include recording deeds, updating financial accounts, and preparing revised distribution schedules. Keeping beneficiaries informed about implementation steps promotes transparency and helps prevent misunderstandings after the court has resolved the matter.
A trust modification petition is a formal request to the court to change the terms or administration of a trust when informal methods are not available or effective. Reasons for filing include ambiguity in the trust document, settlor incapacity, disputes among beneficiaries or trustees, or circumstances that make the original terms impracticable. The petition explains the requested changes, provides supporting facts and documents, and seeks a court order authorizing the modification. Courts evaluate whether the proposed change is consistent with applicable law and the settlor’s likely intent. Filing a petition becomes necessary when the trust cannot be modified through amendment by the settlor or through unanimous agreement of interested parties. The process involves preparing pleadings, providing statutory notice to beneficiaries and interested parties, managing any responses or objections, and potentially presenting evidence at a hearing. Judicial resolution provides a definitive, enforceable order that clarifies administration and reduces the risk of future disputes.
When the settlor is alive and has retained amendment powers under the trust instrument, the settlor can typically change the trust by executing an amendment or restatement according to the document’s requirements. Some trusts also permit decanting or other nonjudicial rearrangement of assets when state law allows. These nonjudicial options are often faster and private, but they require the authority to act and sometimes unanimous beneficiary consent. If the settlor lacks capacity, is deceased, or if beneficiaries and trustees cannot agree, court involvement may be required. In such cases, a trust modification petition provides a legal pathway to correct mistakes, clarify intent, or adapt the trust to current circumstances, producing a binding court order that guides future administration.
Supporting evidence for a trust modification petition typically includes the original trust document and any amendments, financial statements, deeds, correspondence that sheds light on intent, and witness affidavits describing relevant conversations or circumstances. If capacity is at issue, medical records or declarations from treating providers may be necessary to establish the settlor’s condition. The type and amount of evidence depend on the grounds for modification and the nature of any dispute between parties. Well-organized documentary evidence and clear affidavits help the court evaluate whether the requested change reflects the settlor’s intent or corrects a mistake. Providing a proposed order and carefully documenting notice to interested parties also supports the petition by showing procedural compliance and clarifying the relief sought.
The timeline for a trust modification petition in California varies with the complexity of the issues, the need for discovery, and whether parties reach a settlement. Simple petitions where beneficiaries consent and documentation is straightforward can be resolved in a number of months. Contested matters involving multiple parties, complex assets, or capacity disputes may take significantly longer, potentially stretching into a year or more depending on court schedules and procedural requirements. Factors that influence timing include the need to gather medical or financial records, the time required to provide statutory notice, the court’s calendar, and whether hearings or additional evidence are required. Early and thorough preparation can help streamline the process and reduce delays where possible.
Modifying a trust can have tax consequences or affect eligibility for public benefits depending on the nature of the change and the type of trust involved. Substantive reallocations of assets might trigger gift or estate tax implications, while changes that increase a beneficiary’s access to assets could affect means-tested public benefits. For beneficiaries receiving government benefits, careful drafting is needed to avoid jeopardizing eligibility. Because these consequences can be significant, it’s important to consider tax and benefits implications before finalizing any modification. In many situations, tailored drafting or establishing particular types of trusts, such as special needs trusts or retirement plan trusts, can help achieve goals without unintended financial harm to beneficiaries.
Yes, beneficiaries who are properly notified of a petition have the right to object and present their own evidence or legal arguments. Objections may challenge the necessity of the modification, contest the facts supporting the petition, or assert that the proposed changes are contrary to the settlor’s intent. When objections are filed, the court will consider competing positions and evidence before deciding whether to grant the requested relief. Because beneficiary objections can prolong proceedings and increase costs, petitioners often seek to engage beneficiaries early to negotiate settlements or narrow disputed issues. When settlement is not possible, the court process provides a forum to resolve disputes and produce a binding order that protects the rights of all parties involved.
Alternatives to a judicial petition include amendments or restatements executed by the settlor when they have the capacity and legal authority to do so, decanting where state law permits, and negotiated agreements among beneficiaries and trustees to effect changes. These nonjudicial options can be faster, private, and less expensive, but they often require legal authority in the trust instrument or unanimous consent of interested parties. In cases where parties can reach an agreement, documenting the terms carefully and complying with statutory notice requirements helps ensure the changes will be respected and reduces the likelihood of future disputes. When agreement cannot be reached, a court petition provides a formal route to obtain binding relief.
Courts decide whether to approve a modification by examining the trust document, statutory standards, and relevant case law to determine whether the proposed change is consistent with the settlor’s intent and the law. The court considers evidence such as the trust language, extrinsic evidence of intent, and the practical impacts on beneficiaries. Where mistakes or ambiguities are shown, reformation may be appropriate; where circumstances have changed materially, modification may be permitted under statutory criteria. The court also weighs fairness and potential prejudice to beneficiaries and seeks outcomes that preserve the trust’s purpose. A clear factual record and focused legal argumentation improve the likelihood that a court will grant appropriate relief.
When a petition is filed, statutory rules require notice to all interested parties, including trustees, beneficiaries, and sometimes heirs or creditors depending on the relief sought. Proper notice ensures due process and gives parties an opportunity to object or participate in the proceedings. The method and timing of notice must comply with state probate rules to avoid jurisdictional challenges or delays. Failing to provide adequate notice can lead to a petition being set aside or to additional litigation, so careful attention to procedural requirements is essential. Serving and documenting notice early in the process helps move the case forward efficiently and reduces the risk of challenges based on procedural grounds.
After a court grants a modification, the court issues an order describing the changes and any actions required by trustees or other parties. Trustees must implement the order, which may include transferring assets, updating trust records, providing accountings, or executing new documents. Following the order precisely helps avoid further disputes and ensures administration proceeds according to the court’s directives. If additional steps are necessary — such as recording deeds or changing beneficiary designations on accounts — trustees should complete those tasks promptly and with documentation. Where the order resolves contested claims, it provides a legally enforceable roadmap for future administration and helps protect trust assets and beneficiaries going forward.
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