Top-Rated California Trust Attorneys
Handling Trust & Probate Law Throughout Orange County, California
Modern Wealth Law Is Your Trusted Ally When Planning For The Future
Modern Wealth Law provides experienced trust administration and representation of trustees, trust beneficiaries, executors and estate beneficiaries in trust and probate litigation cases. Disputes involving trusts and estates can arise even in the most carefully planned situations. Trustees may face accusations of mismanagement. Beneficiaries may feel their rights are being ignored. Family dynamics, financial stakes, and complex legal obligations often intersect, making these matters emotionally and legally challenging. Modern Wealth Law provides experienced representation to trustees, trust beneficiaries, executors, and estate beneficiaries in trust and probate litigation matters throughout Orange County.
Our experienced attorneys John Wong and Tiffany Chiu exclusively practice in estate planning, trust administration and litigation, and probate matters. John Wong is a California Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning & Probate. With decades of combined experience, we are prepared to guide clients through contested trust and estate matters with the goal of achieving efficient, cost-effective, and favorable results.
Call (949) 785-2337 or fill out a contact form below to schedule a consultation with our team.
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with Modern Wealth Law or any individual member of Modern Wealth Law does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
Recent Review:
“Tiffany helped us do a living trust restatement. The office staff was great at setting up the appointments, welcoming us, and helping us understand what to expect. Tiffany did a great job explaining our situation, outlining our options, and then executing on what we we decided. I highly recommend Modern Wealth Law!”
Verified Review on Google by Adam H.
Benefits of a Trust
Trusts remain one of the most effective tools in estate planning. Because trust assets typically avoid probate, beneficiaries may receive inheritances more quickly than they would through a will. Trusts also allow assets to pass outside of the public probate process, preserving privacy while potentially reducing court fees and estate-related costs.
A properly structured trust allows you to maintain control over your wealth by specifying when and to whom distributions are made. Revocable trusts can keep assets accessible during your lifetime while ensuring a smooth transition of remaining assets after death, even in complex family situations. Trusts can also protect your legacy by shielding assets from certain creditor claims or from beneficiaries who may lack financial experience. In addition, irrevocable trusts may remove assets from a taxable estate, reducing potential estate tax exposure.
Administering a Trust After the Death of a Loved One
Following the passing of a spouse or loved one, trustees are often required to act quickly. The first and most important step is reviewing the trust document to determine what actions must be taken. Unfortunately, many trusts are not drafted in a way that is easily understandable. Even attorneys regularly seek assistance in interpreting trust provisions. Many trusts contain boilerplate language or outdated provisions that do not reflect a family’s specific circumstances.
Some trusts require assets to be divided into sub-trusts upon the death of the first spouse, while others do not. Trusts executed prior to 2011 frequently require asset allocation that trustees may not anticipate. We assist trustees in reviewing trust documents, determining required steps, and ensuring compliance with California trust law during the administration process.
Representation for Trustees
Acting as trustee is a significant responsibility. Most trustees have never served in this role before and are left to rely on trust documents filled with technical legal language. Even well-intentioned trustees can make mistakes during administration, and those mistakes can expose them to personal liability.
We regularly represent trustees facing disputes with beneficiaries, allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, contested accountings, or disagreements over trust distributions. In some cases, litigation is unavoidable. When that occurs, we take proactive legal steps to protect trustees from unnecessary personal liability while ensuring compliance with California trust law. In many situations, trust funds may be used to retain legal counsel, allowing trustees to obtain guidance without bearing the cost personally.
Representation for Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries have enforceable legal rights, even when trustees fail to acknowledge them. California law entitles beneficiaries to information about the trust, notice of certain actions, and proper administration of trust assets. When trustees delay distributions, refuse to provide accountings, or act contrary to the interests of beneficiaries, disputes often follow.
We represent beneficiaries seeking to obtain trust documents, enforce fiduciary duties, challenge improper trustee conduct, and protect their inheritance. Beneficiaries who obtain experienced trust litigation counsel are often in a stronger position to resolve disputes efficiently and avoid prolonged delays.
Financial Elder Abuse and Undue Influence
Trust and estate disputes frequently involve concerns that an elderly or vulnerable individual was pressured into changing a trust or will. As loved ones age, they may become more reliant on others for care and decision-making, increasing the risk of coercion or manipulation. Changes made under these circumstances may not reflect the true wishes of the individual.
We handle cases involving financial elder abuse, undue influence, and lack of capacity. Whether the issue involves a sudden change to an estate plan, unexplained asset transfers, or suspicious amendments to a trust, we carefully evaluate the facts and advise clients on whether legal action is appropriate under California law.
Resolving Trust and Estate Disputes
Trust and probate litigation can arise from conflicts between family members, disputes among co-trustees, contested accountings, challenges to the validity of trust documents, or disagreements regarding asset distributions. Each case presents unique legal and factual issues.
Our approach is to pursue efficient resolution whenever possible, while remaining fully prepared to litigate aggressively when court involvement is required. The goal is always to protect our client’s interests and reach a fair and legally sound outcome.
Experienced Orange County Trust Attorney
Each Orange County estate planning attorney at Modern Wealth Law focuses exclusively in the area of estate planning. Modern Wealth Law attorneys prepare customized trusts and other estate planning documents for clients with a wide range of backgrounds, assets and goals. To that end, Modern Wealth Law believes in drafting trusts that you can understand. We will explain the complexities of the estate and gift tax laws and provide you with explanations and instructions to assist you in the continued management of your trust. In short, Modern Wealth Law has the experience and expertise to craft trusts of all levels of sophistication without being cost-prohibitive.
If you are interested in preparing a trust for yourself or a loved one, contact our offices at Modern Wealth Law at (949) 785-2337 or fill out a contact form below to schedule a consultation with our team.
Let’s Discuss Your Situation
Now that you’ve learned more about us, we’d like to get to know you and learn more about your objectives. We’ll provide you an honest opinion of your current situation and a tailored plan to fit your goals.
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with Modern Wealth Law or any individual member of Modern Wealth Law does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
About Modern Wealth Law
Modern Wealth Law is located at 2600 Michelson Drive, Suite 950, Irvine, California 92612. Attorneys John Wong and Tiffany Chiu practice exclusively in estate and trust matters and bring decades of combined experience to their clients. John Wong is a California Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate.
