Trust & Estate Litigation
Litigation
Fiduciary, Estate, and Inheritance Disputes for Individuals and Families
WH Burkley represents individuals, beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and family-owned enterprises in disputes involving trusts, estates, and wealth transfers. We provide thoughtful, business-focused counsel to resolve conflicts efficiently while protecting family relationships and long-term financial interests.
Trust and estate disputes often involve both legal complexity and personal dynamics. We work closely with clients to assess risks, clarify objectives, and pursue practical solutions through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary.
Will Contests and Inheritance Disputes
• Challenges to the validity of wills and estate plans
• Claims involving undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution
• Disputes among beneficiaries and heirs
• Interpretation of ambiguous estate documents
Trust Disputes
• Conflicts involving trust administration and distribution
• Disputes between trustees and beneficiaries
• Claims involving breach of trust and mismanagement of assets
• Modification or termination of trusts where appropriate
Fiduciary Litigation
• Claims involving breach of fiduciary duty by trustees, executors, or agents
• Disputes regarding fiduciary authority and decision-making
• Removal or replacement of fiduciaries
• Defense of fiduciaries in contested matters
Estate Administration Disputes
• Disagreements arising during probate and estate administration
• Creditor claims against estates
• Disputes involving asset valuation and distribution
• Coordination with related tax and financial issues
Our Approach
- Align dispute strategy with each client’s financial and personal objectives
- Move matters forward efficiently while managing sensitive family dynamics
- Coordinate across estate planning, tax, and litigation considerations
- Focus on practical resolutions, including negotiated settlements where appropriate
- Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and thoughtful advocacy
Why WH Burkley
- Experience representing beneficiaries, fiduciaries, family members, and other interested parties in complex trust and estate disputes
- Practical, solutions-oriented approach tailored to sensitive family and financial matters
- Ability to balance strong advocacy with opportunities for negotiated resolution
- Integration with private wealth, estate planning, tax, and business succession capabilities
- Responsive, partner-level service focused on protecting long-term interests and preserving value
Recognition
Best Law Firms | Cleveland
- Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh
- Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
- Band 2 – Litigation – Commercial
Best Law Firms | US
- Band 2 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.