Estate Planning and Trust Litigation

Estate Planning | Estate Administration | Probate Litigation

Protecting dependents and preserving wealth rank among the most important preventive measures in preparing for the future. Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff handles the full spectrum of estate planning matters, from drafting simple wills to litigating complex trusts. Our expertise in estate, gift, and fiduciary income taxation allows our clients to minimize the impact of taxes in transferring wealth to the next generation. We coordinate with our clients' banks, trust companies, accountants, and other professional advisors to create comprehensive, effective plans.

Our attorneys appear in court for trials and other contested proceedings on a weekly basis in Los Angeles County courts. Our deep knowledge of probate and trust law and procedures, combined with equally deep knowledge of estate and fiduciary income tax law, enables us to deliver an unparalleled level of service and skill to each case.

Our Services

Trust and Estate Proceedings

• Handle uncontested and contested probate and trust administrations
• Represent fiduciaries, beneficiaries and creditors in disputed trust and estate matters involving controversies over fees, ownership issues, creditor issues, and breach of trust and will contests
• Experienced in California and federal trial and appellate courts

Wills, Trusts, and Family Wealth Transactions

• Preparation of wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, life insurance trusts, and qualified personal residence trusts
• Protection and preservation of intellectual property assets of decedents
• Treatment of non-U.S. citizens as beneficiaries and fiduciaries
• Representation in fiduciaries administering wills and trusts, and asset distribution

Complex Conservatorship and Guardianship Matters

• Representation in conservatorships and guardianships for adults and minors who need assistance managing themselves or their assets
• Assistance with choosing a conservator, conservator termination, and conservatee / ward rights

Family Business Succession Planning

• Prepare business buy-sell agreements, cross-purchase trusts, and other business-succession arrangements
• Counsel regarding planning and corporate control issues for family and closely held businesses

Tax Matters

• Prepare estate and gift tax returns
• Advise regarding fiduciary income tax returns
• Represent clients in IRS audits and tax court proceedings
• Obtain private letter rulings from the Internal Revenue Service

Contacts:

Terence Nunan