When grief is compounded by conflict over a loved one’s estate, emotions can run high. Disputes involving wills, trusts, executors, trustees, or beneficiaries are unfortunately common—but they don’t have to become bitter or destructive. At Leitner Warywoda, our trust and estate litigation attorneys help clients throughout New York City and Long Island resolve high-stakes estate disputes with skill, sensitivity, and strategic focus.

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Common Reasons for Trust & Estate Disputes

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Litigation may arise during probate or estate administration, especially when there's confusion, suspicion, or a breakdown in communication. Some of the most common disputes we handle include:

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• Will Contests: Challenging or defending the validity of a will due to undue influence, fraud, or lack of mental capacity.

• Trust Disputes: Allegations of mismanagement, self-dealing, or breach of fiduciary duty by a trustee.

• Executor Misconduct: Concerns that an executor is delaying, misappropriating funds, or failing to act in the estate’s best interest.

• Heir & Beneficiary Conflicts: Disagreements over asset distribution, ambiguous terms in a will or trust, or perceived favoritism.

• Sibling or Family Disputes: Emotional rifts between family members when expectations around inheritance aren’t met.

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We approach every case with the goal of protecting your legal rights while honoring the intentions of the deceased.

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How We Approach Estate Litigation

 

We know that estate litigation can be deeply personal. That’s why we take a measured, strategic approach—grounded in the law but responsive to your family’s needs.

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Our process includes:

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• A thorough review of estate documents and family dynamics

• Clear communication and timely updates throughout your case

• Aggressive advocacy in Surrogate’s Court when litigation is necessary

• Negotiation and mediation whenever possible to preserve relationships and reduce costs

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Whether you’re contesting a will, defending a trust, or seeking to remove an unfit fiduciary, we’ll stand by your side and fight for a fair outcome.

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Avoiding Litigation Through Preventive Estate Planning

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Many estate disputes stem from vague or outdated documents. One of the best ways to avoid future litigation is to work with an experienced estate planning attorney while your intentions are clear and your plan can be properly executed. If you're concerned about your own estate being contested, we can help you draft stronger, more litigation-resistant documents now.

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Estate Dispute Lawyers Serving NYC and Long Island

 

Trust and estate litigation requires a deep understanding of both probate law and family dynamics. At Leitner Warywoda, our attorneys blend legal insight with empathy, helping clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island resolve disputes and protect their legacies.