What Probate Litigation Involves
Probate litigation arises when disputes emerge during the court-supervised process of administering a decedent's estate. Whether the conflict concerns the validity of a will, the rightful heirs to an estate, or the conduct of an executor or administrator, these cases demand an attorney who understands both the procedural framework of the California Probate Code and the high-stakes family dynamics that often drive the dispute. At Adlon Law, attorney Ora Zarnegar represents beneficiaries, heirs, executors, and administrators in Los Angeles probate proceedings, bringing focused litigation experience to every stage of the process.
Will Contests & Testamentary Disputes
A will contest challenges the legal validity of a decedent's testamentary document. Under California Probate Code sections 6100 through 6114, a valid will must meet specific requirements regarding the testator's capacity, the absence of undue influence or fraud, and proper execution formalities. When these requirements are not met, interested parties may petition the probate court to invalidate the will in whole or in part. Ora Zarnegar has handled will contests involving allegations of diminished testamentary capacity, coerced or fraudulent amendments, and improperly witnessed documents. She works closely with forensic experts and medical professionals when evidence of incapacity or manipulation must be presented to the court.
Heirship Disputes & Creditor Claims
Heirship disputes arise when there is disagreement over who is legally entitled to inherit from an estate. These cases can involve questions of parentage, pretermitted heirs, or conflicting claims under intestate succession statutes. Adlon Law also represents clients in disputes over creditor claims filed against an estate. Under California Probate Code section 9000 et seq., creditors must file timely claims, and personal representatives must evaluate and respond to those claims appropriately. When claims are improperly filed, inflated, or fraudulently asserted, Ora Zarnegar takes decisive action to protect the estate and its rightful beneficiaries.
Executor & Administrator Misconduct
The personal representative of an estate, whether an executor named in a will or an administrator appointed by the court, owes fiduciary duties to all beneficiaries. When an executor engages in self-dealing, fails to provide proper accountings, mismanages estate assets, or unreasonably delays distribution, beneficiaries have the right to petition for removal and surcharge under California Probate Code sections 8500 and 11050. Adlon Law has successfully pursued and defended against petitions involving:
- Failure to inventory and appraise estate assets
- Unauthorized sales of estate property
- Commingling of estate funds with personal accounts
- Breach of the duty to act impartially among beneficiaries
- Unreasonable delay in closing the estate and making distributions
Estate Administration Disputes
Not every probate dispute rises to the level of a will contest or removal petition. Disagreements over the interpretation of will provisions, the valuation of estate assets, the propriety of fees charged by the personal representative or their counsel, and the timing of distributions can all require court intervention. Ora Zarnegar advises clients through these disputes with an emphasis on efficient resolution, whether through negotiation, mediation, or contested hearings before the Los Angeles Superior Court probate division.
How Adlon Law Handles Probate Cases
Every probate matter at Adlon Law begins with a thorough evaluation of the estate documents, the procedural posture of the case, and the client's objectives. Ora Zarnegar develops a litigation strategy tailored to the specific facts, whether that means filing a petition to contest a will, defending an executor against removal, or negotiating a global settlement among competing heirs. She is committed to clear communication with clients throughout the process and to pursuing outcomes that reflect both the law and the decedent's genuine intent.
Adlon Law represents clients across Los Angeles, including Beverly Hills, Encino, Woodland Hills, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, West LA, and Santa Monica. If you are facing a probate dispute or need an estate litigation lawyer in Los Angeles, contact Ora Zarnegar at 818-815-8853 or ora@adlonlaw.com for a free consultation.